Sunday night was the Bastille Day firework celebration.  They did not start until 11pm- as the sun sets quite late here. It was too late for the kids to watch.  Then at 11pm the apartment felt as if we were in a war zone.  The booms began and our windows were trembling.  I looked out our balcony and was pleasantly surprised that we had a great view of the fireworks.   However- the kids never even budged. I can't believe the didn't wake up with all that noise!   Kids started school on Monday at the International School of Paris.  They are taking French immersion language classes for three weeks.  What a delight it was when I picked up the kids from school to find Olivia asking for a play date with her new friend from Germany and Alex telling me he has made two new best friends- one from Holland, another from Ecuador.  At the park after school, Alex was already wrestling with one of his new friends!  Luciana and Emilia were placed in the same group so they stuck together the first couple days.  Our new found American friends whom we purchased the car from also generously gave us three razor scooters.  Scooters are the best means of transportation for  children and you often find parents scooting side by side as well.   Today Chris went to New York so I am on own until Friday.  Wish me luck as I have to take 4 kids to school by myself....walk to the metro- take one train then make a transfer onto a different line- then walk to the school.  Needless to say I am a bit nervous- I hope they behave!!! As  for the pictures below- Olivia has taken an interest in photography- these are her shots.