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We have attended several going away parties over the last 5 years, and sadly our turn has come around.  Our friends threw us a great party at the brasserie down the street from our apartment (Ryan and I chose to have it there because we have befriended Didier since we arrived and thought it would be a fun way to say goodbye at a place that was special to us).  Katie made a delicious cake that said “knock knock, who’s there? not the Pawlowskis!” and also brought the biggest bottle of champagne I have seen!  Staci made a sweet sign that included family photos of us and everyone brought food to share.  We received a group gift that was a print of a beautiful painting a fellow expat, Rob Buntin, had painted of Place de la Victoire and the cathedral.  I was so happy I cried!  It was by far the best souvenir we have of our time here.  Didier even made a very emotional speech about how he was sad to see us go after he has seen us pass his brasserie multiple times a day for the 5 years and has watched our family grow.  It was a really special evening and a memorable end to our expatriation.