Four years ago I was packing my bag to go back home to visit my family. I called home to confirm my flight information to my parents, when I heard in the background that my little nieces and nephew, where there too. I had bought gifts for them already, but I thought I'd ask anyway what they might like me to bring.
Chelsea said, "Mommy, why did you ask them what they wanted? When are you going to find the time to buy these things. What if you don't find what they want? Mommy, you do remember we leave tomorrow?"
My daughter thinks before she acts. I've said she should have been the Mom.
Anyway on the eve of returning home I thought I would repost what my little nieces and nephew requested four years ago....
My niece Gina (8) simply asked for a fancy doll to put on her shelf. "As in breakable?" I asked.
I love carry-ons. Especially fragile, odd shape ones.
Gina told me that Marie (8) wasn't there to say what she'd like. I asked her if she had any ideas. Gina said, "Sure I do, Clothes! Something sweet and pink. But not fou fou Aunt CoCo, just sweet and pink."
Sweet and Pink... isn't that the beginning of fou fou?
Next came May-May (6), she told me she wanted a horse.
"A HORSE! How am I going to stuff a real horse in my suitcase?" She reassured me, "Silly Aunt CoCo. It doesn't have to be real. Just soft and blue."
"Blue?"
"Soft and blue."
George (4) my Godchild, asked for Spider Man.
"Hum. That is going to be a challenge. Tell me if I can't find Spider Man, will Superman, or Snoopy, or Mickey Mouse do the job?"
"No not really." He replied. "I like Spider Man."
Hum, Chelsea was right.
Molly (4) thought the longest. After awhile she said, "I cannot make up my mind. I'm going to tell you two things and you can surprise me. I'd like a seashell and Jesus."
Oh God help me. I leave today.
(Photos from five summers ago.)
Tomorrow I am heading to Willows to visit my family and bring that boy of mine home.
Beautiful, beautiful children. Please post pictures of what they look like now. But I'm sure the most beautiful of all will be your tall, dark & handsome Sasha.
Posted by: Mary | 10 June 2011 at 06:55 AM
Pink and sweet for all-macarons, but of all colours. Lightweight, quickly purchased and age appropriate for every generation. bon voyage!
Posted by: jend'isère | 10 June 2011 at 06:59 AM
haha, that cracked me up - your daughter is very smart! Really enjoy your writing, thanks Corey!
Posted by: beate t | 10 June 2011 at 07:18 AM
How exciting to have your sone back home but first a visit to your home. Those children are gorgeous! Thanks for making me smile.
Posted by: Theresa | 10 June 2011 at 07:23 AM
First you bring them up, then they, finally, start teaching you the ways of the world.
Isn't it a magical cycle?
I can't believe George is four! How time flies!
Bon voyage, Corey, safe travels,
much love,
M. xxx
Posted by: M | 10 June 2011 at 08:13 AM
Happy landings, Corey!
How sweet to be going home to spend time with your beautiful family and then bringing Sacha back with you.
I look forward to reading about your California adventures with all of your darling nieces and nephews.
Posted by: Carol | 10 June 2011 at 08:45 AM
How is Sacha going to take parting with his American girlfriend? It will be hard :-(.
Safe journey to and from Willows.
Posted by: Zosia | 10 June 2011 at 09:50 AM
Safe Travels!
Posted by: Bev | 10 June 2011 at 01:54 PM
Have a great trip. Gorgeous family. Those piercing eyes.
Posted by: Paulita | 10 June 2011 at 02:07 PM
Have a great time Corey!!! Please give everyone my love♥
Posted by: Sheala | 10 June 2011 at 02:08 PM
As much as I swoon at getting to visit France every day here with you, your Willows posts are also a favorite. Can't wait. Seashells and Jesus, throw some chocolate in there and that's really all a girl needs :)
Posted by: everton terrace | 10 June 2011 at 02:20 PM
Those kids are gorgeous...the blue eyes are piercing...
How exciting bringing Sacha home. You must have loads of frequent flyer miles!
Posted by: jackie | 10 June 2011 at 02:26 PM
Have a wonderful trip. Would love to see what those beautiful children look like 5 years later.
Posted by: JudyO | 10 June 2011 at 02:46 PM
Safe travels and travel mercies... Is he ready to come home? Have fun!!! You'll have to share those sweet angelic faces with again... in a 5 yrs old photo.
Posted by: marlis | 10 June 2011 at 02:56 PM
I'm sure your CA family is looking forward to seeing you again! You've been quite the traveler this year ;-)I'm sure that your son will have very mixed feelings as he leaves CA and heads back home to France. Sound familiar?
Cheers and happy journeys!
Posted by: Cheryl~ Casual Cottage Chic | 10 June 2011 at 03:06 PM
The lovely thoughts and images of these kids are priceless. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of the world.
Have a sweet trip.
Posted by: Lee | 10 June 2011 at 03:12 PM
Have a safe and fun trip! I know you're missing Sasha so much!! Isn't it so lovely when our children have become our friends?
Posted by: suesue | 10 June 2011 at 03:34 PM
I was beginning to wonder if he was
ever going home!
Best wishes for a wonderful visit with
family and friends.
Posted by: mimi | 10 June 2011 at 03:45 PM
Safe travels, Corey!
Posted by: debra | 10 June 2011 at 03:49 PM
Have a wonderful trip and bring that boy home!!! Safe travels!!!
Posted by: Vicki Bonne Amie | 10 June 2011 at 03:55 PM
Update us on these beautiful children. Love the pictures!
Posted by: Lyndee | 10 June 2011 at 04:17 PM
Wishing you safe travels, Corey!
Posted by: Star | 10 June 2011 at 05:14 PM
GOOD GOD WOMAN YOU DO TRAVEL!LOve it!
I would love to drive to WILLOWS and say HELLO,just catch a glimpse of YOU!Have a wonderful trip.......elizabeth
Posted by: elizabeth kirkpatrick | 10 June 2011 at 05:33 PM
Boa viagem!!!
You're going to Sacha's high school graduation? Awesome! Will you stay long enough afterwards for this year's Holy Ghost festa (and its sopas) too? If so, please post more photos of it. Obrigada!
Posted by: Kathie B | 10 June 2011 at 05:44 PM
They are beautiful enjoy them, and your not so little one as well. Have a safe flight, Corey.
Wanted to let you know that the thing we've been wanting happened. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. There is light in this world and you are one of the good people in it.
Posted by: Sam | 10 June 2011 at 05:53 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Vb5y3RLUE
Posted by: Sam | 10 June 2011 at 06:00 PM
You'd better go get him before he becomes an American, LOL I bet he has plenty of memories - now it's time to study, no?
Posted by: Rhonda P. | 10 June 2011 at 06:02 PM
I remember this post and Molly's sweet request. Has it really been four years? I hope you have a wonderful time in California with your family. I'd love to know how this year living as an American teen has changed Sasha, and what "Americanisms" he will incorporate into his life once he's back home in France.
Posted by: Pam | 10 June 2011 at 06:13 PM
I love the heart on the fence photo. What an amazing year for your family.
Posted by: christine | 10 June 2011 at 06:28 PM
Those eyes! That HAIR! If I had little ones that gorgeous begging horses and seashells and Jesus of me, I would deliver too! Have a lovely trip.
Posted by: Amy Kortuem | 10 June 2011 at 06:58 PM
Have a wonderful trip with lots of hugs! Oh I am so happy you are bringing your boy home.
Posted by: Marilyn | 10 June 2011 at 07:09 PM
We’re gonna be breathin the same air California style! Have a save trip...man you
must have some frequent flyer miles racked up.
Posted by: cynthia Wolff | 10 June 2011 at 07:57 PM
Have a safe trip, Corey...I must say your neices are simply beautiful! Take their pictures and post them for us to see how much they've grown in 4 years...
I know you'll be happy to have all your chicks under the same roof at home...I still want to hear them say something on your blog.
Posted by: Brenda L. in TN. | 10 June 2011 at 09:18 PM
Have a great time!
Posted by: kelelyn | 10 June 2011 at 09:23 PM
Corey,
I haven't been able to read your blog for a week or two; right about when you started to use your iphone. I LOVE THE NEW VIDEOS! It makes me feel like I can really understand the "feel" of Provence. Thank you so much! I love your blog :) Safe travels. Your family is ADORABLE!!
Bisous,
Lauren
Posted by: Lauren Slavin | 10 June 2011 at 10:22 PM
An early welcome back to California. My daughter just returned after 3 years in NY and I am a happy mother. There is nothing like having both of your children in the same place with you. Enjoy your trip. We went from rainy to very hot.
How long do you plan to stay?
Patt from Yuba City, CA.
Posted by: Patt | 11 June 2011 at 02:27 AM
Wishing you safe travels and a beautiful reunion with your family and son!
I am 10 minutes from SFO, if you need a lift somewhere this weekend let me know!
Thank you for your wonderful blog, I have been visiting family the last couple of weeks and have enjoyed all the new posts.
Posted by: patty g | 11 June 2011 at 03:31 AM
well I for one am going to sit back and enjoy this! and oh yeah, welcome back to Pacific Time!
Posted by: Vickie | 11 June 2011 at 03:33 AM
Safe travels!! I bet you cannot wait to see that boy!
Posted by: Laura | 11 June 2011 at 06:23 AM
Have a good time with your mum and family !
1- Feeling like Mary (1st comment) : show us what the 5 of them look like now !
2- Could you tell me or remind me of what you presented to Molly as "Jesus" ?
3- Are you taking a big trunk to tuck your boy in and bring him back ???
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 11 June 2011 at 09:48 AM
Feeling the same about all those lovely faces ... !
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 11 June 2011 at 09:49 AM
Go get that boy! I want to hear all about his adventures.
E
Posted by: ellen cassilly | 11 June 2011 at 12:37 PM
Gina's did a good job giving you ideas four years ago!
Posted by: Marie | 11 June 2011 at 05:49 PM
What a sweet Aunt you are Corey. Have a safe trip home with your handsome son.
Posted by: Maura | 12 June 2011 at 02:08 PM
You must have some serious frequent flyer miles racked up this year! Excuse me, would you all please upgrade this woman to first class please? Lookit all those miles!
Posted by: Rebecca from the pacific northwest | 14 June 2011 at 12:49 AM