The Stevenson Ohana

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Étretat, France

Oct.19-20, 2022: Etretat is a magical place that's been on our bucketlist since seeing a picture of the white cliffs. It was surreal to be there in person seeing these chalk cliffs that arch out overlooking the ocean. This was our first stop during our France road-trip. We started the day early with a morning flight to Paris and then rented a car from airport and took off for the coast.

After we arrived, we set off to see the cliffs and hike around! There's three arches that stretch out and tower over the ocean that you can hike along. We started the hike that went around an entire golf-course to reach the cliffs (which turned out to be the long way but had some nice fields and views that reminded Riley of World War II times). After a long walk we finally came to the sea and were rewarded with views of the cliffs. Luke hiked the whole thing by himself which was even more surprising to us given that we woke up at 4am to the start the day. A big plus of walking around an entire golf course to get to the cliffs is that Luke found a stray golf ball which he had the whole hike, rolling it down the hills and running after it.

Luke's best friend on the hike, the aforementioned golf ball :) which also turned out to be our best friend given the hours of entertainment it provided Luke.

A sneak peak of Etretat the town tucked away in between the cliffs.

Standing on top of one of the cliffs in a crater left over from World War II. Turns out the town was occupied by the Germans and then was taken over by the Allies. Towards the end of the war, Etretat was used a hold-over to house troops on their way home.

Morning beach session full pebbles and rocks which of course was a big hit with the boys.

Our place for the night.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Grandma & Grandpa Stevenson Visit!

Oct 5th- 18th: We were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa come visit us. Covid robbed them of a trip to see us in Tokyo so it was really the first time ever that we were getting to host them and show them around. I also timed up my paternity leave to start the day they got here so it was perfect timing and all ready to play.

Took a super fun over night trip into Belgium to explore beautiful Brugge and also made a quick stop into Ghent before driving back home. This is a trip that I'll cherish forever. Cant really remember to many other times I've had with my parents just being the three of us. I'll always remember walking Brugge with them, eating frites, checking out tapestry and laughing at Monty Python and the Holy Grail in our full-apartment suite that we lucked into to.

Finally got to hit the tennis courts with my dad, also a lifetime memory made. I was a late bloomer getting into tennis, so we had a lot of catching up to do. Lucked out with beautiful weather days on a pristine clay court, hitting balls. Also, got some much needed serving coaching which has helped me a lot. I now think of my dad, every time when i go to serve, bouncing the ball three times and hearing him telling to take my time, be in control and own the serve.

Had a really nice misty ride into the forrest for Dutch pancakes. Hard to tell which one was better, the delicious pancakes or the ride through the green wonderland of the Bos. But Clay's vote might be for his new bakfiets riding partner, Grandma :)

Full biker gang.

Also a highlight was getting to do Lucy's baby blessing. Living so far away from family, makes it extra special to have them for these special moments.

Took advantage of Grandpa's skills while he was in town for some next-level pumpkin carving.

Luke was very excited to show Grandpa a true Amsterdam activity: magnet fishing for rusty treasures out of the canal.

Crystal clear blue skies for our Zaanse Schaans day.

Not pictured: crazy goats butting heads that provided quality entertainment.

Exploring more Amsterdam gems.

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Love Letters to Lucy: Baby Blessing!

Oct. 16, 2022:

During Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson's visit to Amsterdam we decided to do Lucy's baby blessing. It isn't very often you have family visiting and so wanted to do this together and share this special day with them. We had a curveball though and Riley tested positive for the COVID virus so we decided not to go to church and remember it was a bit of a struggle trying to figure out a time and doing it from home wasn't the plan, but turned out to be great and one big advantage of doing it from home was doing it a time when my parents could join as well online.

The thing that actually stands out about the blessing was Lucy just SO HAPPY smiling up at Riley as he gave the sweet blessing. She was so awake and alert and it was as if she could really understand the words and beautiful blessing prayer given by her dad. She just looked up at him so intently the entire time. I feel bad I can't remember any of the words and didn't record it. . . so decided to text my mom (grandma moncur) and see what she remembers and she remembered the same thing about Lucy being so happy and she wrote this and shared her testimony:

". . . She was so calm. And I know others from the other side were present. For sure my dad. - Lucy’s great grandfather. I can always count on him being there because before he passed from this life - he promised our family he would be at every family ordinance. I have always believed that he has been present as I received a special witness in the temple from Heavenly Father that he is there. So now I not only believe but I can testify and know that he is there as well as other loved ones. I think Lucy in all her innocence could either see them or feel their presence. I don’t remember the words Riley spoke. But I do remember the feelings I felt. And Riley gave a beautiful and thoughtful blessing. I do remember that. Your family looked so beautiful that day in your home."

I thought that was so neat and wanted to include those words. It was a great day, and we are so blessed to have Lucy in our home and share the day with grandparents here and online and on the other side.