Bastille Day

Our sincerest apologies for not keeping our blog better up to date (Chad's cheese blog is even more sorrily behind...). Before coming to France, Chad decided that seeing the fireworks in Carcassone on the 14th of July was something we had to do. Emily was easily convinced and so last week was finally the week. After being at a long conference all day Friday and Saturday Chad was finally able to duck out and meet up with Emily, Lincoln, and the in-laws to head to the heart of France. After a 5 and a half hour drive (and Chad explaining to Dad Butler that green gas pumps aren't diesel and that's why he couldn't fill up the car when he tried) we arrived in Carcassone and promptly went to our hotel and went to sleep. The next day we drove to Spain and went to a branch in Girona for Church. Below are the only pictures proving our short stop in Spain.

We then got in the car again and headed back towards Carcassone, stopping by the Mediterranean on the way.

After dipping our feet in the warm waters, we headed back to Carcassone where we toured the city/fortress for a while. Afterwards we found a hay field on a hill that was just perfect for watching the most amazing fireworks we've ever seen. Words can't describe it, and we didn't get great pictures, so next July 14 we have a suggestion for you...

Lincoln discovering his love
for nectarines.

Thank goodness for a stuffed moose
during a long car trip (shout out to Kat!)

Pictures can't do it justice...

After the fireworks, we raced to our car hoping to beat the traffic and get on the freeway.  Well, we got to the car fast, but did not make it to the freeway for another 3 hours or so. Turns out Carcassonne is not equipped for the 700,000 people trying to leave the city at the same time. The fireworks ended at 11pm and we made it to the freeway at about 2am. No one was angry about it though.  In France they just take it easy and are not rushed.  

Luckily we made it home safely (at 7am) and Chad made it through classes miraculously.  Overall, it was a great Bastille Day.