À table

So many of my photos are at the table. I guess we spent a lot of time there. 

I think it's safe to say I resemble my mom and grandpa, especially while sporting our pensive expressions:

difficult decisions:

chocolate eclair for the win:

La Mie Câline was a definite favorite for Wes and I during our last visit to France. I was VERY disappointed that my discovery of their delectable chocolate éclairs was at the end of our stay. 

with his great-granddaughter, Maya:

talking with Maya again:

Grandpa watching the entertainment provided by his twin great-granddaughters, failing at their attempt to not grab the chocolate cakes:

Mom and grandpa:

 head of the table:

It's been 10 years since I got to spend Christmas with my grandparents in France. Every Christmas eve since then, my mind goes back to the reveillon that I got to spend with  them. I remember staying up late to eat, eat and eat. It is not a surprise that half of my photos are of us at the table!

posterity

At the time of his passing, Grandpa Fontaine had 11 great-grandchildren living in the US. Only 3 of them met him, as that is quite the trip to take with small children, and they were probably too young to remember their time together. Hopefully these kids will have enough photos and stories to feel like they know their great-grandpa Fontaine.

Great grandkids in August 2014:

Watching Lion King with twin great-granddaughters in June, 2011:

1999

Out sight-seeing.  Robert has the "cool" look with his hat backwards.

A very pensive look as he examines the antics of one of the kids at the dinner table in La Force.

A few of his own antics.  I guess he is practicing his ballet...

1978

About 1978

Robert (on the left) with missionaries and members of the church.  Chantal and Brice Monclin are in the front.  Taken during the month of March as is evidenced by the wintery look of the trees.

Summer 1978 - Grassac

A family photo during our first visit back to France after our marriage and the birth of Nicolas.  L-R Andre, Bernadette, Francoise, Nicolas, Jeannine, Robert, Bernard, Alain, Dennis

Goofing off - Bergerac, 2011

Grandpa was not especially talkative. He seemed to enjoy sitting back, observing, and goofing around. I appreciate his sense of humor!

Grandpa with some medication that he is supposed to take at lunch. He looks like he's up to something:

 Instead of taking the medication, he hid it between his soup bowl and plate. 

Entertaining 2 year olds Sophie and Breanne - he played soccer with them and made a necklace with the ribbon from a ballon:

Grandpa walking into the dining room after an afternoon nap...

 ...and trying to scare baby Maya:

I think a lot of our memories and experience with grandpa involve his goofy sense of humor. Nick can tell about scout camp and being Michael Jordan while throwing baguette into our glasses at meals.

1987

15 Jul 1987; Castillon-la-Bataille

Saying good-bye.  Notice how Robert and Daniele have the same pose.

A visit to St Emilion.  Robert has a bag of Macaroons that he got for us at the bakery.

Visit in Castillon-la-Bataille, August 2007

The cabinet behind grandma and I hides the sweets collection. I remember seeing grandpa sit in that seat and sneak sweets out during lunch. 

Walking along the dordogne: