We started the week off with another mini- adventure.  Luciana woke up at 10pm screaming that her ear was hurting.  She has been coughing for over a week during the night so it was to no surprise that she had an infection.   From one of my seminars- I learned to call SOS at night for doctor advice.  What another fantastic French service!   A doctor was at our home within the hour and gave her medicine to get her through the night.  A total bill of $148 for incredible customer service.  I went to the pharmacy the next morning to fill her three scripts- ammoxicillin, a pain/fever reliever, and Betamethasone.  This steroid is given to reduce inflammation for 3 days- this is was what she was given that evening by the doctor and she was fine within hours.  Another interesting fact- is that you are given the whole bottle of medicine- not just the amount for days required.  Our total pharmacy bill- $14.  The cost of medicine still surprises me- especially compared to other goods to here.  I had to buy Emilia a water bottle for school and that cost me $14 too!

Chris and I joined the Paris Country Club.  We never have been members in the US but given the cost here- we decided to join.  I started out with a workout class with 40 other woman while Chris was on his own.  We then enjoyed a coffee and croissant at the restaurant.  So much for those calories I just burned.   Chris and I also will be starting tennis lessons there as well.  Unfortunately Chris was sick all week- just a bad cold. According to him, it was life threatening and he needed to rest all the time so we didn't make it back to the gym.

Horse riding lessons have been getting better and easier.  I finally feel comfortable putting the bridle on and the kids know how to saddle the horse.  Each week they have a different horse and each horse has different equipment so they can read the symbols as to what they need to get.   Emilia's horse managed to stick his head in the garbage can on the way in to the course and it got stuck. I pulled it off of him but he had a mouth full of garbage.  Horses can't vomit so here I am shoving my hand in the horse's mouth trying to get anything out.  Fortunately the instructor saw and came running to help. Never a dull moment at riding lessons! The kids did great though as they stood on their horses and are trotting now.

Olivia is really breaking out of her shell.  At gymnastics she has made some friends and they all try speaking English to her.  Olivia wanted to show them she knew a bit of French- so at the break she gathered everyone around her and starting singing a French song.  Her teammates all applauded.  It was very cute.  Also, the temporary change in gyms is good for her.  She feels she needs to prove herself and is doing new tricks she would have been afraid to do before.  

I joined a group of five moms at school who are responsible for creating the 5th grade memory book.  I chaired the yearbook at Lake Bluff so I think I can handle the one grade.  It is recording all the 5th grade events and it is a gift for them as they enter middle school next year.

Friday we had our visit with the OFII.  This is the office that gives us the final stamp of approval for our year long visa.  We missed the first two appointments as Chris was out of town.  They told us we "better make this one".  We had to have a medical exam which included lung x-rays. Now we are officially approved to stay for one year.

Saturday, Chris and I finally had another date night.   Chris and I were dressed nicely and Alex kept looking at us smiling.  He told me I looked beautiful with loving eyes.  I told him - "You can't marry your mom Alex- and he replies "I can in my dreams".  He cracks me up- he is already quite the charmer.  We went to a place called Thoumieux- its in the 7th Arrs. of Paris.  Excellent food and atmosphere!  The dessert was fantastic - I had to take a photo.

Sunday was Alex's first hockey game.  His team is Les Tigres de Boulogne. He scored one goal and had four assists.   One of Alex's coaches coached Marian Hossa from ages 11-14.  He told Alex- its all about the footwork at this age.

I can't believe it is almost October.  We are already 1/4 into our trip. My parents are coming soon and we are headed to Prague, Vienna and Munich.  It's a road trip so it will be an adventure as we rented a humongous van.  My dad will finally get to drive on the autobahn!  My sister and Lucas are coming in November and Bonpapa and Laura in December.   I am also super excited as we just booked our New Years plans.  We are headed to Morocco for 10 days!  Spending a few days in Marrakech and then driving out toward the Sahara- stopping along the way.  Once we get to the desert we have a 2 hour ATV drive out to our luxury camp where we will stay for 2 nights.  We will all be sleeping in a tent together.  We will have camel rides and will be going sand surfing.  So excited for all the vacations and that our family is coming!

This week the girls started gymnastics.  Emilia is on team this year and was excited to jump into it. Olivia did great and impressed her fellow teammates.   I was very proud as she quickly made friends while struggling to understand the coaches instructions.  I am excited for both of them!  Luciana also has gymnastics once a week.  She has mastered her somersaults! Alex finally got on the ice for hockey. He is a bit hesitant with the language barrier so hopefully he will gain some more confidence next week.  Alex also started soccer- which seems to be his favorite sport now.

I had a couple living skills seminars at the school again.  One was called "Getting around Paris".  After driving our car for 2 months now we now know that one must carry in their car- a vest, triangle and a breathalyzer.  You are to wear the vest if ever leaving your car for an accident.  Post the triangle if you have mechanical problems and have a breathalyzer if you get pulled over.  If you do not have any of these items it is a large fine.   You are also not supposed to leave your "carte gris" or title in the glove compartment.  Apparently, if someone steals your car and has that "carte gris" - they can easily go and claim it as their own.   Thank goodness we have not been pulled over!

Friday, Chris and I spent the day in Saint-Germain de Laye.  It is a large town north and west of Paris. It is a beautiful town with a lot of history and a castle.  It is also a great place to shop!  Chris and I did a walking historical tour and followed it up with a fantastic lunch.  We found this great Mexican restaurant. I have been missing Mexican food and this restaurant went above and beyond my expectations!  I also discovered the Cafe Gourmand.  This is a dessert which is a coffee and small samples of each dessert.  Most restaurants do not put it on the menu- so you just have to ask if the have it.   I highly recommend asking- it gives you just what you need for your sweet tooth!

Chris with a statue of Saint Christopher in the wall on the streets of Saint- Germain de Laye

Gardens of the Chateau de Saint Germain en Laye

This weekend we went to Place de la Bastille.  It is a square where the Bastille prison stood.  Now in the center is the July Column which was built in 1840.  Also in the 4th arrondissement we discovered a grocery store called Thanksgiving.  It is a small store selling American products only.  We left with 4 items- a jar of Jiffy peanut butter, a can of refried beans, a can of italian bread crumbs and Aunt Jemima pancake mix. I had to pass on the $12 family box of Kraft Mac and cheese because our total bill was already $37!

Bastille Square

Sunday we we  went to the Familathon in Saint-Cloud.  The city organizes this family event once a year where 30 vendors are displayed in a park introducing children to different sports.  All free of charge- the kids were able to try sports such as fencing, archery and bmx biking.  There was a mini decathlon, roller street hockey and so much more.  Everyone enjoyed trying something new and of course the French are much less restrictive with the kids.  They even had kids holding plastic knives while instructors showed them how to defend attackers and on the zip-line the kids had to unhook themselves at the top and reattach to another line while standing on a rope.  Another couple things that wouldn't happen in the states...I  can't believe another week is over.  Time is flying by....

Emilia on the attack

Olivia and Alex finally got to throw punches at each other

Hurdles

Emilia and the high jump

Olivia at the circus school vendor

Kids got to experience  wheelchairs.  Hopefully got more out of it than just the race!

Alex and Chris and ping pong

Olivia and Chris on the BMX bikes

Alex is a natural!

Emilia at the top

Street Hockey

We survived the week without Chris.  It got difficult around midweek but not so much because of Paris but because the kids were starting to misbehave.  I am planning on incorporating some french parenting with my kids.  No more interrupting me when I am talking to adults is my first priority.  I read somewhere that in France they do not call it disciplining your child- rather they say they are educating them.  I like that better.

Kids had another great week at school.  Their biggest struggle is hot lunch.  They talk about it as if it is life altering.  Although one day this week, they both came running to me happy as clams saying that they had the best lunch ever.  It was chicken wings, rice and vegetables.  Three months ago they would have complained!  Olivia has made a good group of friends which is so nice to see.  She is having her first sleep over next week.   Olivia also told me that a boy from school has a crush on her.  I asked her where he was from and she said he was African American.  So I asked- from which state?  She responds- he is from Africa.  I got a kick out of explaining that he was just African- not African American.  This whole experience will truly make them global citizens!

The school offers many seminars on living in Paris and one I enjoyed very much was a 3 hour session on grocery shopping!  Yes- 3 hours may seem long but there was still so much not covered.  She said shopping for cheese was a session in itself!   I also learned that most French people today eat frozen pre-made dinner meals 4 or 5 times a week!  What a surprise that was to hear.  I was under the impression that the French made home cooked meals from scratch each evening.  I am anxious to share that bit of information with Chris!  Shopping is quite complex.  There are small and larger chain groceries that sell everything- like a Super Target.   But what is recommended is to do your shopping for  at each specialty shop and at the local street markets.  This way you not only get the freshest foods but more importantly you build relationships with vendors.  So you don't do what we do in the US- which is make a shopping list for the week and spend as little time possible finding your items.  In France, you go the markets to decide what you will prepare for that evening.  At the local street markets (which are everyday in different locations) you are encouraged to find a vendor you like and stay loyal.  These vendors tend to have the longest lines.  Our family went last week and saw two vendors with long lines and we avoided those and went for the quick service.  So what normally I would do in one store in the states in one day now could take days because I will have to visit the boulangerie, the boucher, the fromagerie, and the marches de quartier!  It really is a whole different approach to food here and I am appreciating this very quickly!  In the markets- you do not touch the food.  You tell the vendor when you are planning on eating it and they choose for you depending on the ripeness.   There are few, if any fat free items.  The French believe in the fat -just smaller portions.  I also learned why eggs are not refrigerated in France.  In France they do not wash eggs from the farms, so the natural protective layer is maintained on the eggs- not allowing salmonella to enter the egg.   Also, the meat here is so much better quality- cows are all grass fed. They eat meet rare because it is fresh and very lean.  Another interesting fact is that cheese taste different here.  She said goat cheese is much different in France because the male and female goats are kept separate and this produces a better taste.  Bread is different from town to town  as well.  I just need to spend some time finding the places that I like and make a habit of it.....and no more rushing thought the markets.  This last part will be difficult for Chris- he is not a browser.

This weekend we celebrated Chris's birthday.  I made reservations a couple weeks ago at a restaurant called La Grande Cascade.  It is located in Bois de Boulogne.  The restaurant used to be a pavilion in which Napolean III would stop while hunting.   It is supposed to be a unique dining experience.  Unfortunately, our sitter never showed so poor Chris had to eat a frozen meal.

Sunday we celebrated with the kids.  They made Chris a nutella and peanut butter chocolate cake.  The decorations were wonderful as they printed out over 20 images that reminded them of their dad.  There were images of the family, his interests and of course some humorous ones!  A couple being hockey players checking and a VW bug since he is always "checking" the kids or punching them with "punch buggy".   Wait- now that I wrote that, it reads more violent than funny!  For the past 8 years Chris has been bringing home Kinder Eggs each time he travelled abroad.  He hides them in the house and the kids are always look forward to finding the chocolate eggs.  The kids decided to use their money and buy him 6 eggs and hid them in the house.  Took him a good 20 minutes to find them!

Peanut butter chocolate nutella cake for breakfast

Chris searching for eggs

We spent the day at Parc Asterix.  It is an amusement park just north of Paris.  It's a bit smaller than Great America and we are not planning on going again....but kids had fun!

Lots of things happening...

Kids had their first doctor visit.  They need to have a doctor certification form to participate in any city sports/classes. This doctor was recommended as he speaks English and makes house calls when your children are sick.  The exam was quick- $25 each and now Alex can play hockey and the girls can do gymnastics.  We were quite surprised at the doctors office.   First of all there was no appointment- he just recommended times for me for bringing 4 children.  It is just a waiting room and his office- which includes a desk, cot, chair and equipment. No reception, no nurses, no examination room.  He answers all phone calls, took my payment and gave me a receipt for insurance.  It makes one re-evaluate our healthcare system....once again!

Alex had his first playdates.  Two of his classmates came over and he has been to a friends house as well.  So far this is a good year for Alex- he is making friends easily and is actually enjoying school. The school is so nurturing.  As 1/3 of kids are new each year the system is set up to help guide the kids yet encourage independence.  The counselor visits the children in small groups every month to ensure everyone is getting acclimated.  They have many field trips and do a lot of team building events.  Each class beginning in grade 2 have a week overnight field trip.  No communication with their parents for a whole week!  The 2nd graders go to a circus camp, 3rd to a farm in Normandy where each child is assigned an animal to care for the week and they learn about agriculture.  4th go hiking on a volcano and they learn about geography and 5th go clam digging and do other adventures in Brittany. The middle and upper school kids take even bigger trips- to Switzerland, UK and even Africa to help local students learn English.  Their is even an optional ski trip for grades 3-5 in Switzerland over Feb break.  I wish the kids could have all these experiences!   In fact, Olivia said to me this weekend that she doesn't think one year is long enough and thinks we should stay 2 or 3....

We went to visit 4 of Chris's cousins and their families this weekend.   It was great to see 10 little cousins playing.  The oldest being 12 and the youngest at 2  We brought some gifts for them from the states.  One of which was a shinny hockey set.  It was fun watching Alex introduce his french cousins to this "new sport".  They all played so well together.  It was also such a pleasure to meet Chris's family.  I hope to see them more often.

cousins

Our neighboring town- Garches, had a festival on Sunday.  Kids enjoyed the puppet show and activities.  Kids asked for cotton candy and since we never indulge in this - I thought why not? Luciana was afraid to eat it.  She kept saying it was so soft and only wanted to touch it.

This was the small size

enjoying the puppet show - Guignol

Kids also watched a Percy Jackson movie at home.  Luciana has spent the week chasing everyone pretending that she is Medusa.  She keeps telling everyone to look into her eyes.  I had to record it as I caught her doing it to herself in the bathroom mirror....

I am getting know many people at ASP.  Everyone is friendly and welcoming.  Along with the tour group I belong to,  there have been parent social meetings for the grade levels.  The school had a community meeting in which vendors came soliciting everything from doctors, cooking classes, tutors to beauty salons.  I feel like I have a good handle on local resources.  I have also joined the American Womens Group of Paris.  There are loads of activities there as well. I  also met a woman from Mexico who has children at both the American school  as well as the Montessori school. Our boys enjoy playing soccer together and have become friends.  I told her my mom was from Ecuador and she asked if I wanted to join the ASP Latin club.  It gives me a chance to practice my Spanish and meet some new interesting people!

This week is going to be tough as Chris left for the US for 6 days.  Wish me luck!

Luciana started school Wednesday.  I asked her siblings to give her some advice.  Olivia said "1 +1 =2".  Emilia said "have fun" and Alex said - if anyone says anything to you - just say 'oui' or 'pain au chocolat s'il vous plaît". Most kids clung to their parents, but she just grabbed a chair and started to color.  I told her I was going to miss her and she said "don't worry mom- I will come home".  The fourth child can handle most anything! Wednesdays are a half day in the French school system, so the two came home at noon.  She is happy going to school!

Wednesday was the first horse riding lesson for Alex and Emilia.  This past weekend we bought all the gear and the kids are excited for this new sport.  Riding lessons are not nearly expensive as they are in the states. I was told that France wants to make these types of activities accessible to all, therefore there are quite a few places and prices are reasonable. Kids arrived a half hour before their lesson to brush and groom their ponies.  Alex's pony is called Kakahuete and Emilia's is called Filoute.  The kids are thrown right into it!  They learn to put the bridle and saddle on immediately.  There was a quick demonstration and they were on their own to find all the gear.  It was chaotic for me!  First, since I understand little French and know nothing about horses, I lost most of the instructions.  Second,  the kids ponies were on opposite ends of the barn so I had to run back and forth.  Third, Luciana was moving around brushing everyones ponies while stepping in poop and Olivia kept sulking that she now wants to ride as well.  I thought I had a handle on it as I gave Emilia her gear and asked Olivia to help while I helped Alex.  15 minutes later we were going through the next phase of putting on the saddle, etc. and I noticed Emilia and Olivia and Filoute were gone.  I searched everywhere nearby and couldn't find them.  How could I lose 2 children and a pony in 15 minutes?  I walked about 50 yards to the practice arena and there is Emilia on her pony riding with a more advanced class.  Apparently, an instructor saw her- buckled the saddle and took her with his class and Olivia just went with and didn't bother to tell me.  I tried to communicate with the instructor and he just asked- how old is she- I said 6 and he said Oh, thats fine.  I guess these matters are not nearly as concerning as they would be in the US!  That class finished up a few minutes later and the girls came back to our introduction course.   Not surprised that Emilia is a natural with riding. Alex was a bit hesitant at first but grew into it- perhaps we may have a future polo player because he looks pretty darn adorable in that outfit.

Thursday was my first school parent tour.  It is about twice a month and the same group of parents visit different sites with the same guide.  Today's trip was to Montmarte.  I was planning on taking the train into Paris but plans changed and I decided to drive.  I was going to drive into a familiar area- park where I know I can and then take the metro to Montmarte.  But just getting out of Saint Cloud and across the river in rush hour traffic put me back so I decided I was going to just drive all the way there and hope for a parking spot.  I only look 1or 2 steps ahead on my google map on my iphone so as to not confuse myself -plus I was driving.  15 minutes into my drive I see that  two steps ahead I am heading into one of the worlds worst intersections- the Place de l'Etoile or the Arch de Triumph.  For those of you who have been there- you know how scary this traffic circle is!  It has 8 lanes - none of which are defined or visible and 12 exits- all onto major streets.  I have been through it while Chris was driving and my knuckles were clenched on a Sunday when there are few cars.  So here I am, alone and all odds are stacked against me. 1. I am relying on a hand  held navigation application. There are no signs so I need to drive while looking at the map to know which street to exit.   I know my exit is about 3/4 into the circle so I had a long way to go.  2. The Sun. It was blazing this morning- my sunglasses nor visor were of any use.  I was going to SQUINT around the circle!  3. Rush hour traffic.  Cars are everywhere- it is chaos.  No person in their right mind would attempt this for the first time during rush hour! 4. Motorcycles.  Motorcycles and scooters are everywhere.  They go in between lanes at high speeds.  They are on both sides of me and are always cutting me off.  How on earth, will I cross 8 unmarked lanes??? and finally 5.  What happens if I get into an accident- how will I communicate anything??   I just had a moment to say a quick prayer and I entered the wheel from Hell.   I knew it would be crazy but this was unbelievable. Cars and cycles were everywhere.  I think I held my breath and I got to the half way point- and just as my luck would have it, there was an accident.  Two cars and the drivers standing outside exchanging information.   So what was a crazy experience to begin with had just been quadrupled as I had to maneuver around these cars and people.  I can now say that I feel comfortable driving anywhere.  I can only  compare the whole experience to giving birth.  I was nervous and praying at the beginning and when it was finished I cried tears of joy and disbelief and thankful that it was over and of course you swear you will never do it again!   I made it to Montmarte, found a parking spot and had a pleasant tour. Between this episode and losing two kids and a horse- I have at least 20 new gray hairs.  Here are are a couple photos to give you a better visual.  Now just imagine this with three times as many cars in rush hour, an accident blocking multiple lanes and your eyes being blinded by the sun!  I am having wine for dinner tonight!

The Place de l'Etoile with no traffic

A little traffic

Saturday we went to the Palace of Versailles. It was a beautiful day to spend in the gardens.  We opted not to go in the castle this time since it was so lovely outside.  We live only 10 minutes away so Chris and I have already decided we will make frequent visits with and without the kids.  The gardens now have music playing with the fountain displays so it makes the experience even more enjoyable.  Kids took a ride on a canoe and Luciana attempted to row as well.  Next time we will rent the bikes and see more of the gardens.

Gates of Versailles

Emilia was our navigator

musical fountains

Luciana rowing

Emilia and the Chateau de Versailles

Waiting for the fountain 

Saturday evening Chris and I went to dinner in Paris.  We had such a lovely time. Dinner in Paris is not just a meal.  When you are seated it feels as though it is your table for the evening.  In the states one often feels rushed.  There are servers running around, often interrupting your meal.  You feel like it's your table for just a moment and soon someone will replace you.  Chris and I spent 2.5 hours thoroughly enjoying our meal and conversation.  Sunday we went to Parc Monceau. It is in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.  It is characterized as having an English garden layout and has numerous statues of famous French figures as well as a variety  of small versions of architectural landmarks including an Egyptian pyramid, a Chinese fort, a Dutch windmill, and Corinthian pillars. We had a wonderful picnic and enjoyed the grounds and playground.

Parc Monceau

This is a week of many firsts...
Alex brought home his first paper from school- it was called "My hopes and dreams for third grade". He wrote... "I hope the school builds an ice rink, they serve pizza for hot lunch and that we have soccer in PE."  I don't know how to respond to that one.  Kids are enjoying their classes.  They have homework each night- @45 minutes.

Monday was Olivia's try out for gymnastics. She did great- made the team.  She only has 5.5 hours a week of practice which she is bummed about.  At home- she would have 13 so will see if we can squeeze in some extra lessons!   Emilia also tried out and made the young team- she goes 4 hours a week and Luciana will go one hour a week as well.  Of course, each child is on a different day so I will be at this gym 6 days a week!  Fortunately it is less than a 5 minute drive.

Emilia had her first day of school on Tuesday.  Unlike myself, she held it together.  No tears, no fear.  I was so sad leaving her as she is the only English- speaking child in her class. Of all our kids, she is the strongest mentally so I know she will do well.  The teacher said she showed enthusiasm,  raised her hand and asked good questions.  She came home with two new friends who only speak French.  They chased the boys together during recess and she is excited to go back.  Her school supply list was an adventure just to translate. So many different size notebooks, protectors, etc that I spent an hour on -line figuring out what each item was and then another hour at the store trying to find them.   She needed everything from a compass to specific color notebook protectors.  They use pens to practice cursive and do most subjects. Pencils are used only for art and geometry.  I have a feeling Emilia is going to come out of this with the most unique learning experience.

Emilia's first day of first grade

Alex had his first hockey lesson Tuesday evening.  They had some issues with the rink so he doesn't have any ice time until the 19th but he got to meet his teammates and do land drills and get a good workout.   His team will play hockey against local teams as well as a tournament that includes teams from Russia, Poland and Italy.  I can not emphasize enough the amazing opportunities the kids are getting!  Tomorrow is Luciana's first day of school and a lot planned for the rest of the week!