Getting ready for school swimming lessons

Both Stephanie and Mathieu will be taking swimming lessons through school.  It is mandatory that they where a 'bonnet' in the pool.  Another great moment when we brought home their 'bonnets' from the store.  Wait 'til Mathieu learns he has to wear a speedo with his bonnet!

Street cleaner, Mathieu

When walking down the old street in La Colle one afternoon, we were first introduced to 'street cleaner Mathieu'.  Check it out.  We have seen him around a few times, and each time is just as exciting as the last!

Visit to L'ile de Porquerolles (Island of Porquerolles)

Porquerolles is a beautiful island in the Iles d'Hyeres.  To get there we drove to Hyeres, which was about 1.5 hours from our place, and took a 20 minute boat ride.  It is a car-less, smoke free island, population 200.  Though people rent bikes to get around, we opted for walking.  We spent some time on the beach, and then did a small hike up the hill to Moulin du Bonheur (the windmill) and Fort Sainte Agathe. 

La Tour Fondue, before heading to Porquerolles





Getting ready to board the boat to Porquerolles



Moulin du Bonheur, on way up to Fort Sainte Agathe

View of the beach we swam at, from Fort Sainte Agathe

School Week 2

Not much to say, except for.....no tears!  Was a great week :o)

The pets we have had, so far...



Andre was caught on the ceiling in the bathroom when Stephie was going pee.  S did not like this one bit.  Andre was part of the family for 8 hours.  He was extremely quick, and left the shoe box as soon as he saw the opportunity.

Snaily was found on the window ledge, and was part of our family for about 24 hours, when daddy 'released' him.

Our home away from home - 'Mas de Saint Paul'

A few people of asked if I could post some photos of the home we are renting, along with a picture of 'the hill'.  So here it is :o)

Front man gate

Car gate at top of driveway aka 'hill' (note:  it continues further around the corner)

Eating area

Living room



Master bedroom



Main washroom (complete with bidet)



Back yard

Stephanie drawing picture of Saint Paul from our favourite room (playroom/wine drinking room :o))

School Update

I think that the 3rd day of school (Friday) is going to be in the books for the toughest drop off day.  Thankfully Daryl didn't have classes, so I took the kids to school without Marcus.  It is tough to bring him, as he cries when we leave.  Not sure if it's because he wants to stay, he doesn't want the kids to stay without him, or others are crying so he feels he should.  Anyway.......Friday morning Claire didn't want to go to school.  I tried ignoring it, but didn't help.  Crying started as soon as we walked up to the gate.  Dropped S off at her gate, where parents are no longer allowed to go beyond.  S was apprehensive, but went in with a new friend from her class.  All good.  By the time we went to drop M off, C's crying had got to him, and he started to cry.  He didn't say that he didn't want to go to school, but that he didn't want to stay at the cantine for lunch.  Now, 2 kids crying, bell goes.  Try to console M, but just getting worse.  Teacher very kind and holds him as I run off.  L's heart so sad.  Bring crying Claire to her class.  Teacher holds Claire as I run off.  L's heart more sad.  Good thing D was home to console L and tell her that they would be fine :o)  The little family (Daryl, Lindsay, and Marcus) spent the day doing a bit of shopping and driving around of a new city called Antibes.  When pick-up came, S, M, and C were full of smiles, were not mad at L for leaving them there, and their teacher's said that the tears lasted maybe 2 minutes.  So.....all was good.  We celebrated the end of Week 1 of school for everyone, and enjoyed the weekend.