Fun in Monaco

Though Monaco is not particularly a place for kids, we could not possibly miss the opportunity to spend a day there, as it is only 45 minutes away.  The girls have been particularly interested in going, as they are quite curious about Princess Stephanie of Monaco, and the royal palace.  I am pretty certain that they are visualizing a Disney Princess, but why wouldn't you when you are 4 and 7 :o)  We tried to explain the idea of a Principality and the fact that Prince Albert (Stephanie's brother) is actually the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco, however not sure that meant much to them.  Nonetheless, it was a great day for both Daryl and I, and the kids.  Here are some photos of our day.

Kids in front of Palace in Monaco just after changing of the guards (they were very fascinated by the guards that don't move!)

Port of Monaco from the Palace

Oceanographic Museum

Mathieu showing how tough he is in the jaws of a shark

touring the Museum

Monte Carlo Casino, from the car (this is as close as we thought we needed to get with our crew :o))

Celebrating our 8th Wedding Anniversary

On October 29th, we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary.  We discussed whether an anniversary is for the couple, or for the family, and decided that our anniversary is actually a celebration of the beginning of our family.  It is amazing how things can change in 8 years!  That being said, as the kids were off school, we decided to visit the village of Biot.  Biot is another hill town located about 30 minutes from us, and is noted for its bubbly glass and Europe's biggest Bonsai forest.  We did not do a whole lot there, aside from walk through the town, after we decided to have the picnic that we had packed in the van.  Sounds odd, but we are always on the look out for 'the best picnic' spot, and have learned that it is often in the van :o)  We ended the day with a fire at home, and a nice bottle of wine :o)

Picnic in the van (yes, Marcus has a pink carseat)

walking the streets of Biot

street in Biot

we found a playground for the kids

enjoying a nice glass of wine after a great day

A visit to Grasse

Grasse is a village located about 40 minutes from La Colle sur Loup, and is known as the World Capital of Perfume.  It has 30 perfumeries, with the largest most well known being Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard.  As perfume however is not particularly of any interest to our crew of little people, we did not venture into a one. We did however walk through the old streets, visit the Fragonard musee (museum), and visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which was built in 1244 (truly amazing).  Marcus has become extremely good at finding the old churches, as he gets extremely excited when he hears the church bells ringing.  We have begun a new ritual of lighting a candle in each new church we visit.  To end off the visit, we did a jumping photo shoot, which is a new favorite family activity.

Kids sitting inside a flower.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame

Daddy pointing out La Colle sur Loup

The photo jump winner of the day