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

 

Fete des Chatagnes - Valdeblore de la Bolline

A couple of weeks ago we were at the park, and we found some nuts laying on the ground that had fallen from a nearby tree.  We were told by the others in the park that these were "marrons".  The kids decided that these "marrons" were basically "treasures", and started to collect them.  When we got home, we looked up what a "marron" is, and learned that it is a chestnut.  Another name for a marron (in french) is a chatagne.  A few days later, Marcus and I were at the tourist office, and found a brochure for a "Fete des Chatagnes" in a villlage in the mountains called Valdeblore de la Bolline.  So.....last Sunday we headed to the "Chestnut Festival" in Valdeblore, with the Labrie family.  Another fabulous outing to remember.  The drive was beautiful, and being that we were headed up in the mountains, the temperatures were cooler, and the colors were more vibrant. Here are a few photos of our day .............

The drive to Valdeblore

One of many tunnels

Valdeblore

The men roasting chestnuts

"chestnuts roasting on an open fire...."

Live entertainment

Daryl and Mitch enjoying a ``biere de marron``

Ending our visit in Valdeblore

Beautiful colors!

New hair-dos for Marcus and Daryl

Marcus before

Marcus after

Daryl after

Stephie's "Monstre High" Birthday

Stephie's birthday cake (her new favourite,  the Tropeziene)

Freeze dance is just as much fun in France as in Canada :o)

Gift opening.....

Celebrating with new school friends

Marcus taking his turn at the 'cut the cake' game

Mathieu,  not so successful at the 'cut the cake' game

Celebrating with the family

Afternoon birthday date with mom to St. Paul

Looking for the perfect scarf to buy with birthday $ (we didn't realize this was a 'vrai renard'!)

Posing outside the macaroon shop

Enjoying her first day of being 7 :o)

Parc Phoenix, Nice

Musical fountains......

Playing hide and seek in the sunken gardens

"I got the whole world in my hands!"

The whole play park to ourselves!

Flamingos were a favourite.

Beautiful flowers, even appreciated by the kids!

Parc Phoenix is a beautiful park in Nice, located across the street from EDHEC (Daryl's school).  Marcus and I have visited it a few times, however the other kids got a chance to explore it on Saturday morning, while Daryl was at school for the morning.  We were first ones in the gate, therefore had the whole place to ourselves, and it was amazing!  I would have to say that this outing was one of my favourites so far.  The kids were free to explore the gardens and enjoy the animals, the weather was not too hot, and there were no crowds!  The park consists of a large pond full of various birds and turtles (which you can walk across on stepping stones), cages full of every type of bird imaginable, a huge turtle reserve, lemurs, very noisy and annoying parrots (the kids were surprised I let them use the word annoying....but there was no other word to describe their terrible bird sounds), kangaroos,  rabbits, free roaming peacocks, and numerous other creatures including flamingos and giant turtles in the "Green Diamond" greenhouse (which consists of flora and fauna of seven tropical climates).  The huge playpark was a huge hit with the kids as well.  We are planning another trip to Parc Phoenix on Saturday, however this time we will remember to bring a picnic as it is a perfect place for a family picnic.  This will give something for Daryl to look forward to after his Saturday morning class..