First bus ride - trip to the mall

As the jet lag seems to be getting under control, and everyone was up and fairly rested by 9:30 am, we figured this would be a good day to try out the bus system.  The six of us, with one umbrella stroller, hopped on the bus (at the bottom of the hill), and headed for the mall just outside of Nice.  Mathieu had been repeatedly asking to find a toy store so that he could spend some of his birthday money which he had been saving for France.  The 50 minute busride to the mall was actually great (yes, even Daryl would agree.....I think).  We sat in the 5 elevated seats at the very back, which felt very much like those on a tour bus.  Kids were happy....all was good.  As we were walking into the mall, in the heat, I said that I thought it was good that we didn't have a car, as that way we didn't have to find a parking spot.  Mathieu, being his fathe's son, said "Mom,if we had a car we wouldn't have had to take the bus or walk from the bus, and we could have just parked right there." (as he pointed to a parking spot not far from the door of the mall).  Once in the mall, Claire was excited to see a Claire's store, which we had to of course go in, but other than that, we quickly realized that this mall was not going to have any toy store for Mathieu.  Aft walking for a bit, we finally asked someone, and were told there was a large toy store across the parking lot from the mall.  So out we go again.  Oh...and I forgot to mention that Stephie had worn new shoes for the first time, and had started complaining about sore feet the minute we got off the bus.  I basically told her she would be fine, and to suck it up.  On the way to the toy store however, she took off her shoes and showed me that the heels had basically disappeared....melted maybe....I have no idea.  So, the fight was on for who had a better reason for being pushed to the toy store in the umbrella stroller.  Baby Marcus, tired Mathieu, or sore footed Stephanie, or Claire who simply didn't want to be left out.  Mathieu won.  Once we arrived at the toy store....everything was great, of course.  Kids all found something, and we were on our way to the McDonalds across the street that we had promised  if all went well in store.  This time, Stephie won the umbrella stroller dispute, Marcus got carried, other 2 walked.  Got to McDonalds......construction all around....were told it wasn't opening until August 27th.  No food, or  ice-cream for us, or bathroom.  Just back to the bus stop.  Mathieu won stroller dispute, Stephie wore Mathieu's shoes.  Made it to bus.  Great.  Very hot, everyone getting grumpy.  bus packed.  3 seats in middle of 5 left at rear.  S, M, and C took seatsL sat on step in front with Marcus, D stood in middle of bus.  After 30 minutes, M asleep, c asleep, and little M asleep on L.  How were we to get off bus?! Woke everyone....barely made it through the aisle in time to get off.  Once off, fight on for stroller.  Little M won, as others were told no ice-cream if they didn't walk.  Made it to bottom of hill (driveway).  Then, L carried C, M and S, very much disliked France.  Once home, kids happy with toys.  D on Internet searching for car.  D not to excited about heading back down hill to get food for supper.  Nonetheless....ended up to be a good nit after juvenating I pool, having pizza and ice-cream, and playing with very much appreciated, and earned toys.