A gorgeous dinner with Louis & Lillians' family

Our friends, Louis and Lillian have a wonderful family.  We had met their daughter, Clarisse, and son-in-law, Gilbert,  3 years ago at Louis and Lillian's birthday party.  Clarisse and Gilbert have raised two wonderful boys.  When we met them the boys were teenagers, one mid-teens, and one, late-teens.  Now, three years later, Louis' older grandson, Nichola,  has gone into the Gendarmarie, a branch of service in France, that is a cross between NCIS and the national police.  His corps has maritime-related duties, and he is a medic.    The younger grandson, Benjamin, is in high school, and is just learning how to fly.  If you have read the previous blog about Louis' family, Benjamin is the one who made the entire family Tarte Flambe when we first got here.

Yesterday we were invited to a family dinner, because Nichola, is home from duty in the Gendarms.  We assembled for lunch (which went on for 4 hours)...then, the boys went to see motorcycle races.  Afterwards we got together for a glass of crémant, snacks, and to see Nichola's collection of military caps....extensive and impressive, to say the least!

The mid-day dinner was delicious!  Two long grills were laid on the table, with a fabulous German potato salad an assortment of raw sliced meats and different veggies to grill.  It was fun because it was active, with everyone grilling their own dinners, and because the boys interacted beautifully with their parents, grandparents, and us!  Just a treasure to see such a nice family, and to be invited to participate in their joy!  We hope they come to visit us in the US!

Check out the wonderful family, including the handsome Gendarme in his uniform, (He wore it just for us!).......then, the dinner picture, and a picture from the motor cycle side car races!