^ ^ ^

It's cold outside (and inside). A little ride around the block was enough. Then back to playing with new toys and trying to keep warm and watching Sinbad for the zillionth time!

Christmas Day

We had a lovely Christmas day. I've never seen Sam so excited. Bella was too, but I'm not sure what she understood. The first thing Sam wanted to do was check Santa had eaten his cupcake. Phew...he had, but he did leave a mess on the floor with his snowy footprints :)

Now, back to cleaning up the mess and find bits of missing lego!

Happy Christmas

It's amazing how many different things you can make with glue, tape, felt and paper. We did get the glitter  out today, but only when Bella was asleep. Potato printing was fun. I'm finding it quite addictive.

Happy Christmas everyone. I've 'met' some lovely friends here this year :)

In Paris # 3

Day 3 in Paris. Bella now has 3 hats. It seems she has a thing for hats aswell as shoes. She stole my hat that Lori sent and it definitely came in useful for our windy stay in Paris.

The children sat still in the restaurant. I think they were amazed at just how many people were eating lunch - they're not used to it :)

And we headed over to an exhibition on vintage computer games. Sam was in awe, spending on average 20 seconds on each game. Bella had had enough and trotted off in search of a baguette (see above photo!)

In Paris # 2 in the rain

I told you the wind and rain didn't stop us. Montmarte was especially bad way up there. A sugary donut and coca cola gave Sam a quick fix and the birds came to join us too. The poor stall holders couldn't keep their brollies in one place.

In Paris

We've been in Paris for a few days. The weather was terrible - rain and strong winds, but that didn't stop us getting out and about. Our friends generously left us their apartment whilst they decamped to the countryside. Before they left though, we visited Le Marché de Noël des Champs Elysées together and caught a glimpse of Santa's sleigh! 

6 Years and a Christmas Fair

6 years ago today Scott, me and 2 dogs boarded the ferry from Dover to Calais. Scott in a 1960's VW camper and me following in Uncle Ernie's proton. We rented a gite for 3 months - no television, a wood stove and snowed in several times. It was bliss and very peaceful! 6 years on, we're married with 2 children and part of a little community. It couldn't be more different from our busy lives in the UK.

We went to a Christmas fair yesterday. The streets lined with stalls (and locals dressed as vikings?). I managed to buy us some nice handmade gloves, but that was about it. The children were pulling us towards the rides. We stopped in the bar for a quick drink. Bella went and installed herself at a table saying she wanted chips!

Off to Sam's Christmas dinner now :)

Saturday

Rainy days here. We're hoping to get out to a Christmas market or two together today if weather permits. Sam brought his school book home for the weekend and has been catching up on activities he missed, voluntarily!

Bella on the other hand is super happy with her red shoes from the charity shop. They look a little worn but are actually great quality shoes. Shoes are sooooo expensive in France. And her feet just keep growing :)