Summer Trip to France and Spain 1919
Lucas and Elizabeth Bouchard
June 1 1919 10;20 am E
Jack and Lucas are off to visit the engineers which I am sure will have Jack so thrilled. It was hard to settle him down in the dining car to have breakfast; I am sure he will have a wonderful story to share with Laura and me when he returns.
Speaking of adventures Lucas took me on an impromptu and forbidden visit to the baggage car yesterday. He was just so desperate for us to have just a few moments together completely alone. We are both anxiously looking forward to arriving in Montreal; to be able to actually stretch out on a full-size bed and be together is a luxury we will fully take advantage of. The thought of being able to soak in a tub is something I have begun to fantasize about. Privacy, as well as the facilities, are less than ideal aboard our train. But I try to stay positive as a little discomfort will just make our destinations that much sweeter.
June 2, 1919 2:30 pm L
Yesterday Jack and I had our tour with the engineers; what a little boy's dream. The conductor and head engineer were both very attentive to Jack and explained how everything worked. I soaked it all in because I know that I will be tagged with repeating much of the story about how steam moves us along the rails. What a wonder it is to have a son to share my own little boy dreams with.
This will be our last night on the train. Tomorrow in the afternoon we will arrive in Montreal. I am anxious to see my parents again, but I must say mostly I am looking forward to a hot bath a big bed and some privacy. I have dearly loved being with my little family and the other passengers, but it is time for some quiet and alone time with my wife.
I am also looking forward to showing off my hometown. I have plans for our days there and some date nights with my lady.
June 3 1919 11:00 am E
We just have a handful of hours left on this leg of our trip. Jack can't wait to see his grandparents. Now that we are a family with Lucas, he understands much better what they mean to his papa. I know that Helen and Martin will be anxious to see him again; he has grown so much in the five or so months since they saw him last. Jack has a special bond with Martin already as he recognizes his Papa in Martin's voice and appearance. Lucas favors him considerably.
Cannot wait to soak in a tub and come out feeling like a human being again. Lucas managed to find a way to wash his hair and Jack's but we ladies are all the worse for wear. Laura and I have braided ours just to keep it looking somewhat orderly. And each night I dream about a big bed with my husband by my side. Our time in Montreal is definitely welcome. Lucas has mentioned date nights…. I am wondering what he has in mind. I am sure he won't disappoint.
June 3, 1919 3:00 pm L
We are just now ready to enter the Montreal train station. Jack, fortunately, fell asleep for a bit of a nap but we will wake him soon as he will want to be awake for our arrival.
It is time to ensure we have all of our belongings gathered. I must remember to have Jack's map handy to mark our arrival. Our first leg of our journey to Europe is almost behind us.