Lots to catch up on! What a great ski trip! As we headed for Anzere, Switzerland we made an overnight stop in Genouilly, France to visit Chris's uncle and aunt. They have a beautiful home in the wine region. We had a great dinner, fantastic wine and interesting conversations. The littles behaved nicely and we really enjoyed our stay.

Kids enjoying their french dinner

Genouilly

Chris's aunt and uncle

We had a great ski vacation in the Swiss Alps.  Alex and Olivia went with their school to Saas Fee, Switzerland while the rest of us went to Anzere, Switzerland.  All had a fantastic time.  Luciana skied the first day and Emilia took lessons and left a better skier than myself.  We put Luciana in daycare the second day as it was difficult for both Chris and I to ski with her.  The girls went sledding each evening and enjoyed the snow as we did not get any in France this winter.  We spent one evening in the pool followed by a fondue  and raclette dinner.  Typical Swiss meal- as cheese fondue originated in Switzerland and raclette is a Swiss dish in which you heat the cheese and scrape off (racler) the melted part.  It was so delicious that we replicated the meal at home for Olivia and Alex. 

Alex and Olivia had a great time.  I felt they came home a bit older, wiser and taller!  It was Alex’s first extensive trip away from home.  He never called or emailed us so I assumed no problems!  Without his mom’s constant reminder, he only took one shower for the entire week!  He was the class clown and quite the gentleman as he was always holding the girls poles for them.  Olivia kept in touch via text.  She made some new friends and created some wonderful memories.   

The kids brought home gifts for us and their siblings.  Alex brought me a pack of fake gum cigarettes as I told him I liked them as a child.  He of course bought 5 more packs and enjoyed pretending to be cool as he puffed the sugar away.

Trying to look french

It scares me that Emilia looks like she knows what she is doing!

Back to reality – the following week. I of course had my 100th dentist appointment. I have spent more money and time at the dentists office in 1 month than I have in 10 years! Alex also went to the orthodontist. He now has an expander for the next 6- 8 months to widen his jaw from a cross bite. The night before he had it put in, I surprised him with a dinner of just chewy candy and gum for dessert, as he won’t have it for quite some time!

Luciana in her Austrian outfit

Emilia with a croissant tip "tongue"

Chris and I took one day to see the photography exhibit: Brassai, For the Love of Paris. It was being displayed at the Marie de Paris (Hotel De Ville) for free. His photos date back to the Belle Epoque period and showed Paris in a timeless, romantic way.

We went to our first ballet in Paris. We were most excited just to experience the Palais Garnier. It is absolutely beatufiul. It was built in 1875 and was used as the setting for Phantom of the Opera. We saw two 50 minute performances- Fall River Legend and Mademoiselle Julie. In both endings, the woman dies violently so Olivia was not all that impressed. I enjoyed the performances quite a bit while Chris was more appreciative of the atmosphere.

I took another school tour- it was a Tour of the passages couverts. In the18th and 19th century the areas around the Grands Boulevards created many glass-roofed shopping galleries known as les passages couverts (covered passages). They allowed you to take a shortcut, step out of the rain, shop, dine or even take a bath in one of its public bath houses. At one point there were 150 passages, now there are only 25 open today.  They are quite beautiful and a must see if you visit Paris. 

The mosaic floor was designed by the same man who designed the mosaic in the opera house.

I continue my french lessons but still having a hard time getting the words out of my mouth. It is frustrating because I am always messing up on whether a noun is masculine or feminine. I have a 50 % chance and have a 25% success rate. As soon as I mess up here, the french no longer continue to speak french to me, the correct me and then continue in english. The other day I had a funny experience. I went to the dry cleaners and you have to pay in advance. I was short one euro and had only a large bill and the woman would not give me change. She was angry with me and told me to go find a euro and come back. I was embarassed as I couldn't get my words out and went to the car and found some change. I came back, paid and as I was exiting - I yelled out a loud "bonjour" her to her. I should have said " au revoir".  My mistake broke the old angry woman down as she laughed and finally smiled at me!  The weather here has been fantastic! 60-70 and sunny for 2 weeks! We have had some wonderful picnic and outdoor strolls.  I am tempted to pack away winter gear but don't want to press my luck!  I also added a video of Luciana.  We have watched Frozen and listened to the soundtrack so many times that it really has become a daily part of our lives this month!