The South of France - Part 1 - Hendaye, France

Playing in the waves in Spain!

Taking a break looking for rocks on the beach.

Sophia being buried in the sand.

My little angel making a sand angel.

Mmm.. ice cream!

Fun in the sun in France!

Sisters

A day and a half after we returned to France from the US, my Mom and the kids and myself headed south to Hendaye, France, on the Atlantic Coast of France. I didn't really know what to expect but I envisioned a Myrtle Beach-like coastline and was quite mistaken. We traveled to where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean with sandy coves tucked in and out of the cliffs and rocks. The ocean was crystal clear and the color of a sapphire with a bit of lime weaving through the waves. Surfers riddled the coast line along with sunbathers (sans swimsuit tops, at times) and adorable umbrellas and babies with buckets. Day after day we packed up and drove to the beach to take in the breathtaking views, play in the sand and ride the waves. One day we drove 30 minutes south to La Concha plage in San Sebastian, Spain. Love love love Spain! Not so much driving in Spain (with the crazy drivers and police men with bazookas) but the people were friendly and the beaches beautiful. We had a fabulous week in the South of France and Spain.

Lunch overlooking the ocean.... on the menu - moules frites (mussels and fries), shrimp (with the head!) and paella.

Mmm.. ice cream... again!

My body surfer.. I had so much fun playing in the waves with my little man. By the third day the water had finally warmed up to "not take your breath ALL away" degrees and we dove in and rode the waves.

It was so hard to get a real smile from her for the camera all week!

But definitely not from this little sassy one...

I swear I wasn't pinching her...

Meme and the girls...

I love these kids!!

Our maison in Hendaye, France. Au revoir!

Home Sweet Home

Emily Claire and Canon Jay chillin' in the race car shopping carts at Publix... ahhh, , Publix. I heart you! :) (And, I didn't fail to gushingly tell you that at the checkout line either.. that is what you get for small talking with your customers)

Uncle Freddie and sweet baby Reese - 9 months.

Emily Claire and her new best friend - Farley.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and emotions. Two weeks ago Freddie's dear grandfather passed away. I only knew him for 7 years and it was such an honor to have our paths cross. He served in the National Guard and was the husband to Louise and father to two daughters - one of whom is my precious mother-in-law, Susan. I will always remember his stern look yet gentle smiles. He will be missed.

We took a quick trip to the States to be with family and to attend the funeral. There were mixed emotions as the reason for the trip was sad but at the same time it was really nice to be back in SC and around family and things familiar. I was able to meet two nieces who I didn't think I would hug until they were toddlers. We played tennis and in the sprinklers in the yard (what is that green stuff??), had an awesome reunion with my Greenville girlfriends and a play date for the children the following morning before we rushed off to the airport to fly back to France. While it was difficult to leave it made it much easier to have Freddie and my Mom waiting for us on the other side of the ocean.


Joshua and Drew - duking it out Hulk style.

Joshua and Laura

Drewbie and Caleb

The play date crew - friends since 3 months of age.

One of the best sister-in-laws ever and our beautiful babies. Thank you so much for all you did for us on our short trip to home sweet home. It was very special.

Muddle Puddles

When God throws you consecutive rainy days without the command to build a boat... there is no need to be confined inside... grab your wellies (thank you Magic Treehouse for my adorable new word) and umbrellas and splish splash in some muddle puddles (thank you Sophia)!

Lac Chambon - May 2010

On one of the first warm(er) days in May, the children and I took a field trip to a beautiful lake about 45 minutes away from our home. The views were breathtaking and, yes, you do see snow on the top of those mountains (in May!). We visited the nearby town of Murol where we visited the outdoor fresh market and dined, al fresco, on burgers, fries and truffade. I tried to persuade Joshua to really have a cultural experience and try the "cuisse de grenouille" (frog legs) but he thought it was best to stay with the beef.