Paris meets Bear Country

"Mutti, meet Big Foot. Big Foot, meet Mutti!"

It has been over two weeks since my fingers have hit the keyboard. I have missed you, Le Blog. 

Things are slowing down a bit, and I finally get to write a new story. Mutti ("Mom," in German) a.k.a. Le Husband's mom, a.k.a. Junior's grandma, has come -and gone- after nine very busy days. We did our best to show her around (this was only her third visit to Seattle,) and to introduce her to favorite places, and favorite friends. Voilà a Best-Of of our Holidays "à la Pacific Northwest." 

Like many modern stories, Mutti's American adventure started in an airport. Seatac airport, as we call the local hub. Mutti was flying with Air France (the French airline offers the only non-stop flight available between Seattle in Paris.) Even though she had traveled over-an-ocean-across-a-continent-in-coach-class-for-most-of-a-day, you would not have known it. She looked fraîche comme une rose, (fresh as a daisy) when she finally appeared on top of the escalator in the main terminal. That's a real Parisienne, for you, folks. 

Waiting, waiting...

Notice the newly-purchased coat: Mutti is ready for Northwest weather!

We were not the only ones waiting. As I was observing the crowd, I noticed another family standing across from us by the escalators. I could not help but wonder: Who was Amanda? I surmised she was an American exchange student coming home from France during Christmas break. 

By the time Mutti went to bed that first evening, she had been up for over 27 hours. Ah, the joys of international travel!


The first morning, we did not waste any time. There were only a few days left before Christmas. Gifts had to be selected, purchased, and wrapped (just in case Santa was too busy to take care of the French imports and their visitor.) Time was of the essence, and we all took off to go downtown. What do you do in America when you want to shop in an efficient manner? You hit the mall, of course. Downtown Seattle has a decent one: Pacific Place. There are a few good boutiques around the corner, including the Nordstrom flagship store. The next few hours were very busy. Some of us spent a lot of time doing this...

You've got to love smartphones!

Others were more productive and got the job done...

Mutti found a jolie jacket here. 
It will look great on the Champs-Elysées!

"Real" Chanel...

Pricey "fake" Chanel, by St John

More Chanel... Do you notice a theme, here?

Les boys were not forgotten. On the way home, we stopped at West Marine (the boater's Nordstrom,) so Le Husband a.k.a. "Skipper Fred" could find a proper gift. 

"Maman, could I get a new dinghy, please? (kidding!)"

I still don't understand why Le Husband turned these down...

Très chichi, non?

"Green" bags made out of recycled sails: Perfect! 

When we were not shopping last week, we were sightseeing. One day, Le Husband took Mutti, Junior and a buddy to the famed Seattle Museum of Flight. It is a local "must-see."

Two friends inside the International Space Station

"Bonjour,  Monsieur!" 

About to board the Flight Simulator

Another day, Mutti and I met a dear friend (and former French student of mine) Kaydee, and the three of us enjoyed a lovely lunch and afternoon in a quaint Seattle neighborhood I blogged about this fall, Madison Valley. 

A local bistro, Voilà

Conversation flowed... in French, bien sûr...

Avoiding Christmas crowds in the charming Madison Valley boutiques

We got treated to my friend Nora's delicious macarons chez Inès Pâtisserie

Not all our trips were taken in an urban environment. Mutti had not seen the mountains in the winter for over 30 years, so Le Husband, a caring son, decided to drive to Leavenworth. For those of you who have never visited the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth is a major tourist attraction located in the heart of the Cascade mountain range. A former timber community that once thrived thanks to the Great North Railroad, the small town floundered once the railroad was relocated to another city in the 1920s. In the 1960s, several officials decided to capitalize on the town's location (it is surrounded by majestic peaks,) and Leavenworth was remodeled into a Bavarian-style village. It was a daring move, but it paid off. Today, Leavenworth attracts over a million visitors a year. The scenic town offers the best of both worlds: a lively downtown with quaint boutiques and restaurants (looking its best in the winter when it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Christmas lights sparkle on all buildings,) and outdoor activities galore. 

The drive to Leavenworth, through Stevens Pass

A Bavarian village... surrounded by the local "Alps"

A taste of the Old World

In Leavenworth, Mutti enjoyed a delicious German lunch (complete with Bratwurst and sauerkraut.) We visited local boutiques specializing in nutcrackers, coocoo clocks and other Bavarian-themed paraphernalia, and braved the bitter cold during a walk in the scenic riverfront park.

Happy dog and boy in Leavenworth, WA

Bon appétit, Bald Eagle!

After exploring the area so much, it felt good to relax with some of our hospitable friends, who had us over for dinner, or for coffee and beignets. Then we welcomed a few families on Christmas Eve. This trip was Mutti's introduction to American style entertaining. She learned some useful survival skills... 

How to eat a hamburger... Forks and knives not allowed!

How to sample Tequila...

Let's not forget lime juice and salt!

We noticed everyone was on their best behavior around the French lady, well almost...

On Christmas morning, Les Boys, Mutti and I opened our gifts. Junior was very happy about  his new RC plane, a gift from his grandma. 

We treated Mutti to a special celebration on Christmas day: brunch at the [revolving] Space Needle restaurant. The weather, however windy, cooperated, and we admired endless views of the Puget sound area during the meal. 

Junior and "the Orbiter," the Needle's signature dessert

Don't fly off,  Junior!

A few days later, Mutti went home to her hometown, Paris, France, after a successful visit to Bear Country. 


Les Boys and I stayed home and relaxed a bit, enjoying the last few days of Christmas break. We ignored the pelting rain and checked on our boat, Mistral, at the marina. Then  we  paid a visit to some boat-dealer friends and looked at their sailboat inventory (a favorite family pastime-- Le Husband has not given up on his dream to own a French sailboat one day!) 

This is what our family does,
when most people stay stay dry inside coffee shops!

We started a Harry Potter marathon and watched a different movie every night (is there a better way to spend a cold, rainy winter evening?)

Wizards, witches and pixies are always welcome chez French Girl!
(Kris Kringl Christmas shop, Leavenworth, WA) 

We read; we talked; I wrote. Tonight, we will meet more friends to celebrate the new year. 


This is it. The last story I will write in 2011. Thank you for following this fun little blog this year. I can't wait to see you again in 2012!


Bonne année! Happy New Year!


-- French Girl, les Boys (and Mutti) 

A bientôt.