Chocolate and Chateaux

Last Saturday, we continued our quest to explore the area around Paris more before we leave with a quick trip on the RER (commuter train) to the Marne River Valley. The route we followed took us from the RER to the Parc de Noisiel, a beautiful, English-style park that borders the river:

We let Oliver cross the park to burn some energy:

At the river is an old chocolate factory, built in the late 1800's by the Menier family. This greenhouse was charming:

And one of the buildings actually spans the river:

The dam was picturesque:

And the swans were beautiful:

The views down the river were breathtaking... Can you believe this is a mere 30 minute train ride from central Paris?

We then walked through the park:

Stopped for a snack:

And eventually made it to the neighboring Chateau de Champs-sur-Marne:

Whose gardens were absolutely spectacular:

Complete with a water-spitting-wolves fountain:

Although Oliver was getting tired, he kept a good attitude:

And we even snuck in a few pictures with Mommy:

And Daddy:

We were all tired and cold by the end, but it was definitely worth it. We will be so sad to leave this place!

Oliver's First Day of School

Yep, after years of saying I never wanted to put my kids in daycare, here I am... In France, though, there is an incredible supplementation program based on your income which makes daycare SO affordable! Plus, since we live in a two-bedroom, 800-square-foot apartment on the 4th floor, Oliver is in desperate need of some new and different space for playtime. Yes, there are fabulous parks near here, but Paris fall is notoriously cold and wet, leaving us stuck inside often. Plus, this oh-so-sickie pregnant mom has to walk everywhere that we go. In addition, most of our friends live more than 30 minutes away via metro or bus (again with the walking places and carrying the stroller up and down stairs and such)... Let's just say that Oliver was getting VERY bored with just me. And yes, I am justifying my decision, but I cannot tell you what a good one it was. Really.

Oliver has started at the creche three mornings per week: MWF, from 8-12 (though we usually don't go until about 9, since he often doesn't wake up until about 8:15 - I love the flexibility!). First of all, I love the ladies there; they have all been so kind, not only to Oliver but also to his pregnant and pathetically-poor-French-speaking mother. They always ask how I'm feeling and have no problem repeating themselves multiple times when I don't understand. SO kind! I love the games they play and the playground they have and the way they make the kids clean up their own toys. Plus, since the age group is 15-36 months, Oliver (at 16 months) is the youngest of the group, but the older kids are so kind to him! They have "adopted" him, as the workers tell me, all wanting to hold his hand and help him do things.

Thankfully, my mother was still visiting to help me with the first week. They have an "adaptation" process, where I stay and play with him at the creche the first day, then we slowly shorten the time that I am there. It's a really cool system, and they let my mom stay, too, and we had fun talking to the workers (my mom's French is way better than mine!). By Friday, he was ready for his half day on his own. And, sadly, my mom flew out that day. So, Dad and I took Oliver to his first normal day of school.

First of all, he was a very happy boy that morning. Although our elevator is terribly dark, I couldn't resist taking a few pics of his adorable, giggling face:

We then walked to school (which is just about a 10 minute walk - so convenient!), and Oliver decided he wanted to wear his backpack. He was telling his dad something very important (and completely unintelligible, of course) when I took this picture:

He posed with Daddy for a few cute photos:

And eventually was ready to go:

The creche is at the end of this really cool alleyway, lined with two-story, timbered homes (they look to be 16th century, I'm guessing? But alas, I didn't get them in the photos... I'll take more later, I promise), with gorgeous greenery. So I couldn't resist as they walked down the alley towards school:

I can't believe how fast my little one is growing up!!

Uncle Rhys

Praise God, my brother made it back safely from Afghanistan. We were SO thankful for his safe return! And, as an added bonus, he came to visit us in Paris shortly thereafter. Even better, since my mother flew back with me to help my oh-so-sickie-pregnant self, we had a regular fun house on our hands. So good to enjoy family!

Although we actually had a very cultured and busy visit (include the Orsay, the Pompidou, and lots of yummy crepes, among other things...), I again failed to document very well. Alas, I have only a couple of pictures from around the apartment and then photos of our day at Versailles.

Versailles was a little rough because poor little jet-lagged Oliver didn't sleep well the night before (and, of course, neither did the rest of us as a result), but once we made it out of the crowded madness of the chateau, we were able to fully relish the incredibly gorgeous gardens.

I think they were the most beautiful I have ever seen them (and I think I've been to Versailles 6 times before):

The chateau gleamed in the sunlight:

And the orangerie was immaculately glorious:

Oliver, however, cared only about one thing - the stairs. He was so excited about climbing up and down them that we had a very hard time getting him to go with us into the actual garden:

Eventually, however, we managed successfully:

And even did some exploring:

In the end, I'd call it a successful morning, despite our exhaustion and the hoards of Spanish tourists we were forced to dodge. Back at the apartment, due to our full house, we had a mattress in the living room, which Oliver LOVED:

Lots of tickle fights ensued:

How could life get any better? We miss you, Rhys, and can't wait for the next visit!

Children's Museum!

Just before we headed back to Paris, Oliver and I took one more outing that should be recorded. Our dear friends Jenn and Wyatt are members at the Houston Children's Museum, and I must admit that we will probably follow in their footsteps when we move back... This place is fabulous! I forgot my camera, but sweet Jenn not only shared hers, she even emailed me the pics. So, courtesy of Jenn (who posted on our trip to the Children's Museum almost a month ago - she's SO much more productive than I!), this is for you (yeah, YOU)!

We played in the ball pit:

Read some books:

Drove some cars (definitely the highlight of the day!):

And splashed in some water with our friend, Wyatt:

Could life get any better? We're looking forward to many more playdates when we get back!

Hill Country Holiday

While in Texas, we had the privilege of visiting my grandmother in Wimberley. I LOVE Wimberley: I spent my summers there as a child; I took friends to visit throughout high school and college; I got married there, and I have loved the two chances I've had to take my son to enjoy it.

For some reason, I only got the camera out one day while we were there... But I got a few wonderful photos in the process. Despite the 100+ degree temperatures throughout most of August, there was a slight cool front over Labor Day weekend, allowing for some fun time outside. We visited the playground at my grandmother's church (which, conveniently, is right down the street and a REALLY cool playground!).

This fabulous playground had a ton of shade and lawn chairs and benches for parents (and grandparents!)...

Plus, we were the only ones there, so we got to join Oliver on the equipment: walking back and forth across the bridge...

Sliding down the fireman's pole:

And going down the slide:

Perfect morning. That afternoon, we went down to the river. Oliver fell in love with my parents' dogs during this Texas trip, and he especially enjoyed watching them run by the river and swim. The lab has been swimming here for quite a few years:

The Irish Setter is the real enthusiast, though:

And even the French bulldog got into this time:

Since the river was so low (which means high bacteria count) due to the drought, we refrained from swimming ourselves, but look how much my boys enjoyed being there anyway!

That evening, we went out for Mexican food. You really can't go wrong with Texas hill country atmosphere and good ole greasy Mexican food. The place came complete with saddle out front:

And Mariachi cutout:

Just one of the fabulous days we spent in Wimberley. Thank you, Nana, for having us!