Boys arrive !

They're here! To see them emerging from the customs. Coming out the swinging door, with their "accompanitrice".

Maxime's calm amble. Gabriels bouncy, alert gait, curious and always seeing everything all around.

And then we see each other, and Gabriel runs full speed into me, and jumps into my arms. Glad I didn't pass out from the happiness. Maxime with his warm, quiet smile, that knowing smile of his, that says all with so little.

The understated:

"Hello, Papa."

... with Mama's soft eyes, saying more than he speaks. As always.

Had two helium balloons for them. I suspected Gabriel would be delighted. I was not incorrect. He was literally skipping down the halls with it, like they do in films, or story books.

:-)

Then to the car, with a waiting basket, a la Mersey. I mean, Mersey's classic idea, but i did this one myself, in her tradition. :-)

Included jelly beans, and Reeses for Maxime, and Swedish Fish candy for Gabriel.

The drive home, through some beautiful scenery that Maxime loved.

Home, in the golden sunlight of late afternoon, and warm air, and them running around, and down to the lake, where Gabriel found himself skipping again, along the water's edge.

Then:

"Let's do it a race Papa!"

That oft repeated request !

Sure thing, and up we race, back to the house.

Presents, of course. Lego (yea!)

Then a hot soup and toasted bread, and then Gabriel insisted on making all the Legos "tonight, Papa", but we agreed to one; with the other to be done in the morrow ....

Soon, they collapsed in their beds, content, and smiling from ear to ear. I suspect Papa was also smiling in this way, and probably fell asleep this way, too.