London's Calling! part 1

Ok, so now for some pics of London!!  I had an awesome time.  The city was so different than I thought.  The architechture was incredible, I might even say better than France.  It was also actually more Americanized than I thought.  They had more American products than we do here in France, which was quite appealing!  I don't know why I expected it to be pretty close to France, but it wasn't.  It had its own feel.  I most definitely fell in love with the city.  I wasn't used to, however, because able to talk and assume no one could understand me.  I had to be a bit more careful with what I said... hehe  It was a great feeling to be able to communicate with everyone.  Like I didn't have to translate everything in my head first.  I could just go up to anyone and ask without thinking too much about it.  That was most definitely nice.  I would love love love to go back to England.  I loved London, but the entire country to be in intriguing.  Maybe take a Pride and Prejudice Tour and see all the places from the movie.  Overall, loved it.  Would love to go back.  I feel like I didn't even touch half of what I is there to see. 

It's in English!

Isn't it beautiful?

I went with my friend Stacy from college.  Actually, funny story.  I never actually went to college with Stacy.  We went to the same college, I was just a, eh-um, few years ahead of her.  He husband played basketball with my brother.  Last year Stacy and her husband moved to Australia for basketball and now they are in England.  So they are living a very similar life as we are.  It is just so neat for us to have someone who can understand our lifestyle, because believe it or not, a lot of people don't.  But that's okay, we happen to love it!  So it was so refreshing to talk to her all weekend and share adjustment stories and pieces of advice with eachother.  I truly enjoyed it and plan on making it an every year thing!  (hope that's okay, Stacy!)  I am hoping and praying they play in the same league, or maybe same team! :) hey a girl can dream.  I will settle for a nice place to visit, I suppose.

Top of a double decker bus

flower heads on the Stella McCartney Models
Oh and closest we came to anything Beatles. And I was going to try to make my brother jealous!

Oh YES!

So fun!

Camden Town

I had to make a very important phone call... :)

I saw this and said 'look! A ship in a boat!' Can you tell I am a mom loosing her mind?

Niiice horsey...

It started to nibble on me!

Big Ben and a red phone booth!

Even the street lamps were pretty

At the gates of Buckingham Palace waiting for the Queen to invite us in for tea!

ahhh, dinner.  Good 'ole fish and chips

Faux-Thanksgiving Weekend

Oh my goodness, so handsome!

This weekend was Thanksgiving weekend at the church that we are attending. We were able to find this church through GBIM (Grace Brethren International Missions) who connected us with a church in Lyon (a little too far) and they connected us with a church here. It is funny because the few other basketball players that we know who are believers and lived in St Etienne have attended this church. I didn't even talk to them before trying it, so I thought it was a pretty funny coincident!
Anyway, it was great. I made two pumpkin pies, which turned out okay, but the crust was a bummer because I bought it premade and I think it is supposed to be used for tarts or quiches. (I know, I know, Dad) But they still tasted good and I didn't get any leftovers, so that must have been a good sign. The sweet potato casserole was a huge hit. I think because it is so sweet. I didn't use my grandma's recipe, which is one of my favorites, because I couldn't find it, but this one was good too.

It was really nice fellowship and fun. I didn't get to use a lot of French because I was sat at a table with all English speaking people. Which is good for Lavar. But my friend Lydie was there and she told me in French to always speak in French! I got a little scolding... Overall it was fun. I just have a few pictures, not many, I have got to get used to taking more pictures!!

Tae grubbin

Eli in a big boy high chair!

Eli just couldn't hang



Handsome



Handsome!



Tae has a friend!

Today Tae had a friend come over and play!!  Yay for friends for Tae!  However, it was a little touch and go...

As much as I do love our life, the traveling and seeing other parts of the world, there are down sides.  One is that we have to leave our awesome awesome family and friends and move to a place where we barely speak the language (or not at all) and we don't know anyone.  It is difficult to say the least.  When you have to translate in your head everything you want to say before you say it.  And when you work so hard to do it and think you got it just right and they just stare at you.  Yep, that's the best.

So Tae has seriously been the ultimate trooper.  He goes to a school where he can't understand anything and didn't have any friends and he hangs in there.  He doesn't cry when I leave and he is smiling when I pick him up 3 hours later.  I don't know many adults who would manage the same.  Well, with all the moving we have to do all the time, Tae doesn't have very many toys.  And it is okay, I don't want Tae to have a ton of toys or anything, but he seriously has nothing.  Like it is a little embaressing (for me).  I love that it is fine for Tae and he never complains, but when friends come over and they are like, 'This is crap.  I'm bored already.'

This is kinda what happened today.  Etienne came over.  He is a sweet kid, don't get me wrong, but after like a half hour he just wanted to watch TV.  I am thinking (total mom-like) 'Oh my gosh, I have to make this fun for him or he will never want to come over again.  He is Tae's only friend!!'  So I am down on the floor racing cars, building towers and knocking them down, trying to interest Etienne is something without truly succeeding.  I called my mom on skype, he thought that was funny for a second.  Then we were in the guest room and I threw Tae on the bed.  Yep, that is what Etienne liked.  Being thrown onto the bed.  So needless to say, that was my workout today!

I am so happy that Tae doesn't really know the difference.  He has never said that he doesn't have enough.  He asks us to buy him stuff all the time, but he never complains about what he has.  (I am sure that comes later in life)  I want him to appreciate what he has and be thankful to who gives it to him, I never want him to be a snob about toys and presents.  But the toy chest needs a little upgrade.  Now all I have to do is convince the husband.  He seems to think Tae is completely fine...

What a CRAZY weekend!! (Emergency room inculded)

I haven't written in a while.  Sorry for those of you that read it!  It is partly due to 2 things.  One is that I don't have a camera to take pictures of what we do, so I have nothing to post and I don't want to write boring posts!  Two is that I have been away all weekend at a friend's house, at the base of the French Alps.  Yep, beautiful!

Tae is on fall vacation for the last week or so.  We were a little bored at first, but then on Friday we packed up and headed out to see some wonderful friends, Eric and Emily Joldersma and their kids, Jack (8), Eva (6), Maizlynn (4), and Van (1).  Yes, you counted right, 4 kids.  But they are an incredible family and it is always fun to be around them.  Lavar met Eric and Emily when they were living in St Quentin in 2005, back when they only had 2 kids.  They are one of the few people that we know who are believers and are just wonderful people to be around.  So Friday we got there in the afternoon and Tae and Eva totally hit it off.  They had so much fun playing together.  We went to Eric's game that night.  He has been playing for 11 years, this being his 12th.  They lost, but it was kinda close, but still a loss and that always stinks.  We didn't get home until 1 in the morning I think.  Kids to bed, us to bed.  Finally.

Then Saturday we got up and the kids played and played inside and outside, they have a great yard.  Once again, Tae loving it.  Then it was time to get out the costumes.  They have a bunch from years prior, so Tae got to choose! How fun!  The first night he chose the Flash.  We have been really into The Justice League, so it was an obvious choice.  The Flash was funny and making jokes like "say it to my face!"  Which Tae/The Flash thinks is really funny.  Well come to think of it, Tae wasn't anywhere to be found, all night.  We got corrected a few times on that one.  So we loaded into two cars and headed out.  We went to a freind of Eric and Em's.  ~Little side note, this family is amazing.  Such a great example and something to look forward to.  They all are fluent in French and English.  Can just switch whenever they want.  Even the 4 year old.  Obviously, not the 1 year old!  :)  But it is so cool!  Someday, someday...~

So at this party, everyone spoke French.  They could do a little English, but mostly all French.  Then they made me speak French... And I did!!  I did, all night I was speaking in French.  I was having conversations with people! I think this had to be my most encouraging moment in France yet.  I was able to enjoy a party that was in an entirely different language!  I am not saying I am fluent, I am just saying it was a huge step and it gave me confidence to keep trying.  It is still very difficult to understand a lot of what they were saying, and these people were very nice to me to help me out, but still I did fantastic.  I am so happy!  It was fun, but then it got late, and then later, and then even later.  It was past 2 in the morning when we ended up leaving there.  It might not sound that late to some of you, but for me, that is late! 

The next day was Halloween.  We got up and hung out and cleaned the house and got ready for yet another party.  This time everyone was coming to the Joldersma's house.  So another night of speaking French.  Except this night was a little different.  For some reason, nothing was coming out right, I couldn't remember my French vocab or verbs or conjugations!  What?! I was practically fluent last night!  Man, my brain only has room for one night a week of French speaking, I am pretty sure.  Hopefully that capacity gets bigger as time goes on, because I was 'un peu retarded' on night number 2.  I almost forgot.  Tae was Batman on night number 2.  Batman, apparently, is very serious.  He doesn't smile a lot and does not joke around!  The costume was a little big, but he was LOVING it.  I mean, he was really Batman.  Once again, Tae w

as no where to be found. I think Batman and Darth Vadar (Eva) even saved the world a few times.  Busy night!

So Monday comes and we are relaxing and chillin and when it came time to go, Tae wanted Eva to come spend the night with us.  So we thought that would be fun.  Then Jack wanted to come too.  So great!  Then litle Maizy wanted to come but once she was told Mommy wouldn't be there, she kinda changed her mind.  So we headed out with two other kiddos in tow for a slumber party.  There is a reason why Lavar and I are only having two kids, and it was reconfirmed.  Not because their kids aren't great, they are.  Once again, it is a capacity thing, I am maxed out with two! 

Well the next morning I get a call from Eric saying Em got sick last night.  Throwing up.  And that everyone might have been exposed to it so keep a look out for it with the kids.  I didn't mention anything to them because I didn't want it to be a mind over matter type of thing, like 'oh ya, now that you mention it, I am sick!'  So we proceeded to have a very fun morning.  We went to this play place that had blown up bounce things, and trampolines, and race cars, and laser tag!  The kids did it all.  And had a blast.  But then, you know, got hungry!  So we headed over to KFC for some lunch.  Here is where things went down hill.  Tae and Eva were playing and it might have been a little too rough and although I told them to calm down, Tae must have tripped or something and he landed on his neck on the pole of a chair.  I was in the middle of getting the food so I kinda took him and told him he was fine.  Then he wouldn't stop crying.  Then he wouldn't stop crying.  He kept saying how much it was hurting.  He wasn't shutting his mouth or talking really.  We tried to sit down and eat,  but he just wouldn't stop.  It made me a little worried because he has been hurt before but he will always settle down.  He just could not settle himself down.  So I called Lavar and he said to bring them home.  Once we got home I called Em who informed me she was on her way to pick up her kids because she didn't want them to start throwing up.  After Lavar looked Tae over and calmed him down, he said he was fine and that he didn't need the doctor.  Well, I decided to take him anyway.  I just knew that he was going to be in a lot of pain and at the very least, get some pain medicine.  So our first time having to go to the emergency room for Tae, AKA Captain Catious 2, was in France.  Nice.  Anyway, we got there and he got checked out and they said it was fine but to just watch if he has a fever to come back.  And gave us some medicine.  I am so glad we did because after our friends went home, Tae was eating dinner complaining about his mouth and jaw hurting.  So I was able to give him his medicine and put him to sleep.  The next morning, with some rest, he was a different kid.  So I felt good about that.

Yesterday we had Tae's first basketball practice.  I will write about that later.  He loved it though.  And then today, school has started again!  Crazy crazy.  I kinda like the structure that school offers us though.  Kids up at 7:30 and in bed by 7:30. 

In other exciting news, I got a waffle maker!!!

I will write again soon.  I am also getting a camera soon, so pics of the boys to come!

Our European Road Trip

Once again I had to condense the huge amount of pictures that we had into little collages.  I think if you want to see them bigger you can click on them.  Anyway, Friday morning we all got up, got ready, had our French breakfast of course, and hit the road.  It is about 3 hours of a drive to Switzerland or Neuchatel where Chris and the Lienhardts (sp?) live.  So we set off.  Almost half way there we saw a castle out the side of our window!  What, a castle?  In France?  No way!  We had to stop!  We drove around looking for our castle.  Then finally, following all the French signs, we drove all the way up to the top of this hill to find our chateau.  It was huge and beautiful.  And it was wayyyy up there so the view was beautiful. 

But, as is most things in France, it was closed for some random reason.  We trekked the kids and ourselves up this huge hill for a closed castle.  It was still beautiful, though.  Huge and it looked like it must have been really cool inside. I guess we'll never know, because even if I wanted to go back, I don't think I would be able to find it!  Anyway, it was good, we got to get out and stretch our legs.  Tae got to run around a bit.  There was also a dog that ran with us the entire time.  He was a cute, nice dog, it almost made me want a dog for Tae.  And if you know me, that is a stretch.  But don't worry, Lavar shut that down quick!  Anyway, it was a nice little stop.  Then we found a Mc Donalds and we were on our way! 

Then we made it, we can finally see the border!  Yay!  Get out your passports, ladies, we're goin' to Switzerland!!  Maybe this nice man will stamp our passports... We have to buy what?  Wait, no one else is stopping... 40 bucks for a stupid sticker that I have to put on a rental car?!?  Well, I'll just switch it to my regular car when I get it.  NO?! What?  This is ridiculous!  Stupid Swiss.  I hate Switzerland.

Well another hour went by, had to go by, for me to cool off.  They just saw that we were tourist because our car was packed to the brim.  But we made it to Neuchatel.  And yet another hour goes by and we still can't find that stinkin house!  Seriously, I know it sounds like an excuse, but our GPS sucked.  It took us on the freeway just to get off at the first off ramp and get back on going the way we came and get off at the same off ramp we got on!!  It was messing with us.  It must have been Swiss too.  Stupid Swiss.  I hate Switzerland.

Finally, we have arrived!!  We found the stupid house!!  And then just behind us this guy drives past on a motorcycle and waves.  I'm thinking, 'well that guy is nice.'  Then I get out of the car only to find that it is Chris Taylor!!  Yay!! Not only did we make it to Switzerland, but Chris is here too!  I love Switzerland!  Yay!  (Tae took the picture of us, so that is why Aunt Jan is half cut off.)  So we are standing outside a long-time, dear friend of the family with our long-time friend, Chris Taylor in Switzerland.  Okay, that's cool.   

Just to do a little background.  My Aunt Donna moved to France when she was 22 years old for a summer job she had all lined up.  She arrived in Marseille only to find that the job had been given to someone else.  She was taken in by a nice family and the next day another job was found for her.  She took the train and moved instead to Switzerland.  The Lienhardts owned a restaurant in Neuchatel where she worked all summer.  The family was so lovely to her, they treated her like a daughter.  Needless to say, the life-long friendship was formed.  When my mom was 16 she was able to stay with them on her European tour.  They took her all over Switzerland, showing her all the sites to see.  Then when my brother, John, and cousin, Jackson, were travelling throughout Europe, they ended up there and spent a few nights with the family.  So really, it was just my turn!

We had a lovely evening.  Chef (Mr. Lienhardt) was known as the singing chef.  And he showed us why.  He cooked a delicious dinner for us and then whipped out the guitar and sang us some songs!  He has a wonderful voice and is full of life.  He is 87 years old and you would never guess it!  (Kinda like an 84 year old I know...)  We sat and talked and listened.  Then Chris played the piano and Chef sang.  It was delightful.  Tae also graced us with his piano abilities... Thank you, Tae. 

The next day was lovely.  We were able to stay at Chris' apartment quite comfortably (thank you, Chris!), which was right in the town center.  We woke up and walked downstairs of his apartment and had some coffee.  There was a farmer's market going on with beautiful flowers and fresh fruits.  It was lovely.  We also happened to be in Switzerland for a cheese festival.  We got to taste lots of cheese (which affected Tae later...) and had fondue while listening to the Swiss horns play and a Swiss chior singing.  It was all very tourist-y which fit our purpose well, I suppose.  It was really a lovely day, ending with everyone purchasing some Swiss chocolate. (Really, isn't that is how every day should end?)  We had to say our goodbyes to our friends and we were on our way to Paris. 

Paris, aahh Paris.  I love Paris.  I have actually never really driven in Paris before... And the first time wasn't exactly pleasant.  Lavar's game started at 8 I think.  And we were soooo on time even after hitting some traffic just outside of Switzerland.  Then it all happened.  I will take full (ish) responsibility for what happened for the next two hours.  (I partially blame the GPS)  Anyway, we drove around Paris for two hours looking for the gym that we actually saw right when we drove into Paris.  So the GPS had led us astray before and it was pointing to a street that wasn't actually there, or we couldn't see, and we saw a complex, but we weren't sure if that was it.  Well we should have just checked, but I guess we were delirious from being in the car all day... Anyway, we got there with 8 minutes left in the game.  At least we got to see that, to be positive.  I wasn't exactly being positive at the time, but hey, at least I am trying.  We stayed at some hotel that smelled, to be quite honest.  The Aunties woke up early to see the sights.  Well I had seen them and I wanted my sleep.  So my mom and I slept in and woke the boys up to meet them in front of Notre Dame at 12:00.  (Getting to the Notre Dame with the boys is a whole other story...)  Well then the best part of my day was seeing my best friend in France, Charlotte.  She is living in Paris and came to see us.  It was sooo great to see her.  We became friends 3 years ago in Brest and have always stayed in touch.  Love her!  We saw Shakespeare and Company got some ice cream and headed home.  It was a lovely trip.  (Except for Tae 'dealing' with all the cheese he had eaten in Switzerland, if you know what I mean.)

Phew!  That is the trip!  We made it home safe without getting lost for once!!!  (Most of the 10 days was spent getting lost somewhere)  Thanks for reading and I can't wait to write about Tae's school and French.  Honestly, it's hilarious!

Recent Tae

 

I love this picture!

 

Tae and Mommy at Bella's birthday party.

 

Tae and Austin doing Karoake after the girls had finished.  Look at Austin go!

 

Tae and Bella.  Happy Birthday Bella!  She turned 6 two days after Tae turned 3.

Tae turns 3!

Tae is turning 3 years old today.  I look at some old pictures and I can't believe it has been 3 years!  He already seems so much older and more mature, I guess you can't stop time, sometimes I wish I could slow it down a little bit!  Here are some pictures of his little party he had last night.  Small with a few friends and family, but he liked it.  

 

Uncle Eric & Uncle Johnny

 

Just waking up from his nap to find things decorated for him. 

This is what Poppy and Grammy got him.

 

His friends

 

The party goers.

 

His friend Elinor checking out the pinata

 

The cake, I was lazy this year, I bought it from Pavillions 

Tae trying to get the Pinata!

 

All the kids going after the candy.

 

What chaos it is opening presents at a kids birthday party when all the other kids want to "help"!  It was cute and fun and Tae enjoys it.

Happy Birthday little man!  Mommy and Daddy love you and are so proud of you!