Also, a big thanks to René who was kind enough to take pictures and enabled Anna and I to enjoy the party.  Here is the birthday boy opening his first presents.  He kinda figured it out…

I don’t know if he’ll want to be a pilot when he grows up, but at least he has a place-mat to inspire him in the meantime.

A fun book to read.

Alex still loves his magnetic train.  Thanks, Daisy!

Alex, Juliette and Natalia all playing together.

Drinks from the party.  Don’t worry, we didn’t mix up the bottles for the kids.

Salome already looking the part of a French star.

Ludo, Amélie, Christine and Manu … with David and the girls playing bags in the background.

Happy Birthday to you, Alexander.

Trying to protect the candles from often-present wind.

Alex had a little help blowing out his candles.

Anna cooked a delicious red velvet cake, plus chocolate cookies for the occasion.

Nay, Natalia and her daddy blowing bubbles. Always a fun game.

Soooo good.

Yup, he shared the cake with me … of course, it wasn’t in my mouth, but it was very kind nonetheless.

So, that finishes the images from Alexander’s birthday party.  It was a fun, simple event with our friends.  Next time, we hope family can join too…

Until the next adventure.

–Jim

All of this was leading up to wearing these.  The rank of second lieutenant.

Ok, on with the Thunderbird’s demonstration.

Coming in for a big climb with the sea of blue in the foreground.

The classic diamond, 4-ship formation.

Smoke on.

Pass in review.

A mirror?  Public relations?

A high-speed pass.  It was interesting seeing the differences between the USAF and French AF demo teams.  In fact, it was similar to this year’s Women’s World Cup.  The French are all about finesse and grace.  Americans tend to be more about power, energy and explosiveness.   These two aircraft were an example of that.

Standing on the engine.  Demonstrating a great thrust to weight ratio.

This is one of my favorites.  The 4-ship was going slow with gear down.  The solo came in with a lot of closure and goes right through the center.

Afterburner.

A high-g, max performance turn. Ouch.

Off they go.

Col Maïni, Manu, Maggie and me after the ceremony.

Col Maïni with this adorable little girl who’s the niece of a classmate of mine (Sam), and also related to a graduate from 2011.  It’s a small world … and much smaller Air Force.

The USAFA chapel.  At one point, this was the most popular man-made tourist attraction in the state of Colorado.  I don’t know if it still is (with the new security measures), but it’s still majestic … even for non-believers.

This is the cadet area, inside this big square (which is about 75% visible) is where I spent most of my four years here.

Col Maïni and Manu standing in front of the chapel.

Manu and I.

The B-24 memorial in the Honor Court.

The Tuskegee Airmen memorial.

A final image of the chapel.

And that does it for the trip to the US.  It was short and packed with things to do, but I had a good time.

Up next will be our quick trip down to Tuscany for my birthday.

Until then…

–Jim

The main event was of course the graduation ceremony (still one of the top 5 emotional events in my life).  So, watching the graduation ceremony really brought me back 10 years.  Simultaneously it felt like my graduation was yesterday and a lifetime ago.  Strange.

Here are the soon to be graduates of the USAFA Class of 2011.

Streaming out onto the field.

About 1,000 graduate from USAFA each year (a few less for my class ~876).

Not too bad on the alignment…  As I recall, there was only 1 practice.

Plenty of people were on hand for the ceremony.  As you can see the stadium was about half full which means that 20,000 people attended.

The Sea of Blue.  The rest of the Cadet Wing (about 3,000 cadets) attends to watch the graduating class receive their diplomas.

On stage is the USAFA Superintendent, Lt Gen Michael Gould.  He is joined by the other USAF leaders.  Behind them are the underclassmen from the outstanding cadet squadron for the year.

The Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Michael Donley, gave the commencement address.

Secretary Donley congratulating some very happy graduates.

Nancy and the Secretary exchanging a salute.  You may recall Nancy was one of the students who came to France last fall.

She’s now a second lieutenant and a USAFA graduate.

After they salute the Secretary (or President, or General, depending on the year), they salute the prior graduate who is waiting at the bottom of the ramp.

Then, share a smile, hug or something similar.

It’s a very happy moment.

Finding her way back to her seat, friends congratulated Nancy.

Yay!!!

Maggie shaking hands with the General, then waiting to salute the Secretary.

Maggie and the Secretary of the Air Force.

Well done, Maggie.

Picture perfect salutes.

Run, don’t walk.

Wow!  Can you believe it??!

I know EXACTLY how she’s feeling.

A USAFA diploma and Second Lieutenant Bars.  A great combination.

Toward the end of the ceremony, young kids are gathered in the end zone.  The tradition is that when the graduates are dismissed and throw their hats in the air, it’s bad luck to retrieve it.  So, kids are brought on the field to pick up the hats as a souvenir.  Also, many graduates tape the number of cents of their graduation year (e.g. 2011 = $20.11 or 2001 = $20.01).  So, it adds a nice little present for the lucky child who picks up the hat.

Taking the oath of officer to officially & finally become second lieutenants.  You can see the one guy who wasn’t wearing his white gloves is wearing his class ring.  The wearing of a class ring was started by West Point in the mid-nineteenth century.  It has since permeated to all the service academies.  It’s required for all graduates to have a ring (although there’s no requirement to wear it).

The Air Force Band playing the Air Force Song.

Class of 2011, you are dismissed!

Do you think they’re happy??

Woo hoo!!

The kids waiting for a chance at a hat (and maybe some money).

Well, that covers the graduation ceremony.  At the same time the graduates threw their hats in the air, the Thunderbirds (the USAF aerial demonstration team) roared overhead.  It’s a great exclamation point on the ceremony.  I remember my family telling me how surprised they were.  I hadn’t told them what to expect and the Thuderbirds fly by in afterburner which really shakes things up.

So, up next, I have a bunch of images from the airshow that followed.

Until then…

–Jim

Here is what the ND filters do… allow a longer exposure without over-exposure.  It aids the visualization of transience of humans compared to statues like the Rotonde which was built in the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected president.

The following images are some of the students who came to visit.

OK, he’s the exception … he graduated last year.  But was able to “profiter” and come as one of the chaperons.

These aren’t students either.  Just some Aixois people out for a morning stroll.

The city of Aix is replete with beautiful fountains and Hôtel Particulaires (read: private mansions).

The seafood market wasn’t in full swing, but there are always a handful of stands with tempting delicacies.

Yum!  Eat me!

The postman making his rounds.

Talk about a scary door knocker!

This little girl was too cute with her drawing…

More markets.  Even on non-market days, there are still markets.  It’s a GREAT place to buy food.  We’ve never eaten better than we eat in France.

With fresh, local fruit, it’s tough to go wrong.  These strawberries are not modified and as good as they look.

Those handy ND filters again… I had fun playing with them.

OK, a short post, I know, but it was a fun and educational day.  I learned a number of new and interesting facts about Aix.  So, next time you come visit, I’ll be happy to share what I learned!

Next up is a weekend in Andorra with a stop by the medieval city of Carcassonne.  Until then…

–Jim

The school honored me by allowing my promotion ceremony to happen in the room of tradition and honor.  It is the most significant and ceremonial room and I was humbled to be permitted to use it.

In the French Air Force, they don’t have a special ceremony when they are promoted.  So, I was happy to share a little USAF tradition.

The US Consul in Marseille (and commissioned officer) was very kind to come up to read the promotion order and administer the oath of office.

After the promotion order was read, Anna came up to change my rank from the two silver bars of a captain to a gold oak leaf of a major.

Unlike the last time, Anna had a little help.  X knew just what to do!

Alexander was happy to help (and I was very proud).

The French appreciated the fact that we in the US have the two most important people pin on the new rank.

Once the new rank was on, Phil administered the Oath of Office.

I was also honored that so many people decided to attend the ceremony.

Thanks, Phil!

And, thanks, Margo.  It seemed like everyone was happy.

Including me and the ever-curious Alexander.

Here we are.  I wouldn’t be nearly as successful if it weren’t for Anna. As such, I’m very grateful we could have a family ceremony … together.

Next up will be a few images from our holiday adventure(s).

Until then…

–Jim

Here’s an image of the social hour.

As a way to infuse the evening with as much Americana, we set up a video projector to show highlights of American football games.

Nate and Robin are friends and Americans who made the trip over (they live about an hour away, so it was nice they could make the trip).  As you can see, their boys are apparently big fans of the sport.

The general talking with some visiting VIPs who also came to share the celebration with us.

A view of everyone sitting down.

The general and I gave the opening remarks.

I read a bit of President Obama’s Thanksgiving Proclamation.  In French and English.  Our French friends had no idea the president makes a proclamation for Thanksgiving every year.  They seemed equally fascinated to learn a little about the history of the holiday.  For example, it was started in it’s modern form by President Lincoln in 1863.

The general saying thanks.

Some of the highlights from the email (retouching done by the guys in the photolab).  We had as much of a traditional meal as was possible.  The food was ordered and cooked by the French Officer’s Club staff, but the recipes and drinks were American.  So, it was Thanksgiving with a French twist.

One of the three whole turkeys we carved.

They were very popular.  If you look closely, you can see Dustin (one of the USAFA cadets) and the head chef all serving the turkeys.  In fact, all the USAFA cadets were a huge help setting up, clearing and cleaning up.  The night would not have been a success without them.  There were many other people who helped a ton as well (notably, Christine) and please know you have my gratitude.  Thank you all! 

Well, that covers it for Thanksgiving.  Next up are images from a 2-week tour of France with the the foreign cadets and French cadre.  It was a blast, but I’ll only subject you to a handful from Reims, Paris and Normandy.

Until then…

–Jim

We spent a little time going to see a few sights.  For example, Anna requested we visit the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur on Monmartre.

Thanks to Tom for making this excellent image for us.

Monmartre is a great hill, with all of Paris laid out before you.

Tom and I,  while X was munching on my finger.

The three of us.

The Eiffel Tower

Now, back to the party and reason for being in Paris … Halloween!  These images are almost all made by Anna again.

The Pumpkin Patch!

The best looking part of the patch.  The big, squishy one isn’t here.

A fluffy pumpkin and Chiquita.  BTW, it was very good to see, Tom completely embraced his role.

Marilyn and Isaac from the Love Boat. (good catch!)

A Giant Pumpkin, the Wicked Witch of the West (AKA Elphaba who is just misunderstood), and a Cowboy.

Glinda the Good Witch of the South (in her HANDMADE dress).

The Queen of Hearts  (Alice had already gone down the rabbit hole).

Our little monkey (or petit singe in French).  Thanks to John and Jenni for the costume!  It’s perfect.

Our niece Gracie had a school project with a guy named Flat Stanley.  His mission is to travel all over the world and get his picture taken by unique and interesting landmarks.  So, we thought Flat Stanley might enjoy Paris.

He began with a stroll in the Tuileries Garden.

Then, played in the grass in front of the Louvre Art Museum.

Looked for someone’s hand to hold in front of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel with its Godess of Victory built in 1808 to commemorate Napoleon I’s military conquests.

Finally, he cruised past the most famous icon of Paris … the Eiffel Tower.  He made quite a little tour of the city.  Where will his next destination be?  Well, that is up to Flat Stanley.  Only he can say…

That also concludes our trip to Paris.  It was a great way to celebrate Anna’s golden birthday.

Until the next adventure…

–Jim

OK, on with the images.

As you can see, the region was quite beautiful.  Not too unlike Colorado, but certainly a slightly different feel.

Leah was my fellow observer of the training.

Although the weapons look realistic, they are Air Soft guns and completely harmless.

Take the hill!  Get the cows!  Moo.

Moving with a purpose.

The contrast of war…

Ready to move out.

Got milk?  Moo.

There’s little wonder why French cheese is so good.  Look at where the cows live!

Up and over the hill. But watch out… the other side has some cadre who are going to take you into a tough place … and they had to fight their way out.

This was a little like USAFA’s obstacle and assault courses combined.  For those of you who’ve been through it, you can image how much fun it is.  If you haven’t, well, check out the images below.

What are you doing??  Harder! C’mon, hit like you mean it!

Show me your war face!  Arrggghhh!

Into the merde.

Intense training … in a beautiful mountain setting.

Rolling down the hill.  Almost looks fun, don’t you think?

Nearly full-speed unarmed combat.

Really??  You want me to KEEP going??  C’mon, seriously…

A shoulder to rest for a moment.

You see those guys up there??  Go get ‘em!!!

And she did!

Oh, it’s SOO cold!  Do I really have to get in here??

Ok, that sums up the training.  Although my comments are light hearted, the cadets really did a great job.  It was fun to watch and be a part of it.

So, until the next time!

–Jim

Our friend C.C. was visiting for a few days, so we decided it was time to try Pierre (spelled πR, but pronounced the same).  We fell in love with the place.  It had such originality and amazing presentation … plus, most importantly, it was delicious!

So, I hated to be that guy, but this meal was too tasty and beautiful to not make some images.  However, I used the smaller point and shoot and consequently, the image quality isn’t the best.  Hope you understand and don’t hold it against me. 

We chose the 7-course meal.  Of course, each plate was very small, so we could actually finish it all.  This was the appetizer.  It looks like ravioli and lipstick, right?  Actually, the ravioli is chocolate and foie gras, and the lipstick is also foie gras.  Never would have guessed, and the taste … wow.  Amazing.

Caviar in a tin, with some ham on the side??  Nope, a new take on prosciutto e melone.   Yumm.

Lollipop with baguette?  No again.  This time, it’s a frozen carrot Popsicle with a crunchy, cheese filled pasty … matched with a demi-sec Champagne.  Magnificent!

The wines that the sommelier paired with each course really made the experience.  Fortunately, they were small pours, because the pairing was 8 glasses.

Here’s C.C. ready to enjoy her πR dessert.

This was the Fire and Ice course and was one thing that actually was as it appeared.

A little more fire from πR .

That finished our night at the best restaurant we’ve eaten at in a while (perhaps ever … but that’s debatable).  We said goodbye to C.C. and a few days later, turned to the mountain that inspired Paul Cézanne.

Through an arch in the small chapel on the top of Mont Saint Victoire.

Our friends Leah and Anton climbed with us…  Leah works with me, and Anton was down visiting.  It was a nice climb … even X made the climb (in his carrier on my chest).  Alexander was definitely the youngest on the trail that day.

Leah and Anton again.

While the mountain was Cézanne’s inspiration, here is mine.

Ok, that does it for the Aix post.  Up next will be a bit of military training…

Till then…

–Jim

Before I get into the post, allow me to share a little background.  Chad is one of my first cousins (one of 5 on my mother’s side). Growing up, although we didn’t live in the same city and see each other more than a few times a year, he was always more like a brother to me.  In school, Chad always pushed me to get better grades … because he always seemed to have better marks than I did.   We also shared hunting and fishing with our fathers (his father is my Uncle David, who you will see later in this post), which provided lots of male bonding time.  Once we both finished undergrad, while I commissioned into the Air Force, he moved from the Ivy league to the Big Ten for med school.  After the requisite 4 more years of college, he did a residency in Chicago where he met a beautiful girl, Andrea (or Andy).  She’s a lawyer with an effervescent personality, brilliant and beautiful.  They seem perfect for each other.  Fortunately for Anna and I, we had 6 months in the US when we could hang out and spend time with Chad and Andy.  I think it came as a surprise to no one when Chad and Andy decided to get married.  I was honored when Chad asked me to be a groomsman.

So, here we are … in addition to standing up in the wedding, I managed to snap a few images.  Although my work pales compared to their official photographer, Erica Rose, I had fun making some images.  I felt a little better prepared than I was for Gabi and Philipp’s wedding.  Below are some of my favorites from that weekend.

The rehearsal dinner was held in the penthouse of their old apartment building (they moved to Minnesota right before the wedding to start new jobs).  As you can see, a rainbow fortuitously appeared.

The harbor was very pretty as well.

Andy with some of her girls.

The venue was great.

Here you can the cake Andy picked out for Chad.  If you aren’t a big gamer (I’m not), you probably won’t recognize the symbol.  It’s a helmet from the video game HALO, of which Chad is an aficionado.

On either side of the mass of buildings is the Sears/Willis Tower (its new name) and the Trump Tower alight in the diminishing sunset.

Uncle David has been one of my inspirations for getting into photography.  He and his late wife (Aunt Cheryl/Chad’s Mom) are both accomplished photographers.

Mike’s camera phone was not cooperating … Julie was trying to get an image, but I think it’s time to upgrade.

So, T (another of our first cousins), who you may remember from Julie and Mike’s wedding post wasn’t too keen on being in this image.  Yet, here he is.

So, I am not quite sure what’s going on here, but this is Jeff (another groomsmen) with a little help … doing what?  Well, I’ll leave that to you.

So, after the rehearsal dinner and rooftop party, most of the wedding party took the party to other late night establishments.  Julie, Mike and I went back to the hotel to catch up with Anna and X who were resting after a long day.

The morning of the big day, I treated Chad (and the males in the wedding party) to a lunch at a quintessential American male establishment, Hooter’s.  They have great … owls.    OK, so the food wasn’t the best, but it was the same thing I did before my wedding and it was kinda fun.  Chad was a good sport.

After lunch, it was back to the old apartment to get ready.

Speaking of quintessential, this is classic T.    He even caught the guy on TV’s attention.

Chad getting ready to deliver his big lines.

Since I was standing up, I don’t have any images from the actual ceremony … so, I’m going to skip ahead to the party bus which took us to several great locations in the city. This one is the “Married With Children” fountain, also known as the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.

Chad and Andrea brought a little more class to the fountain.

Andy is a gorgeous bride, don’t you think?

I was again honored when Andrea asked me to pick out a little bubbly for the pictures.  Of course, I felt Dom Pierre PÉRIGNON from Champagne, France was apropos.  But, since he’s not the most affordable, I balanced that with several Gloria Ferer and Chandon California sparkling wines to get some more mileage for the money.  However, the Dom was BY FAR the best and seemed a perfect match to the union … I think the Wine Advocate captured it best in their tasting notes: