We were invited to our neighbors home for the first time. In France, the say it could take years before your neighbor becomes friendly with you.  Not like in the states, when you are welcomed immediately with cake or cookies- it takes some time!  After being here for nearly one year, I have to say that french are just not used to being friendly with people they don't really know.  Its funny because Chris will often say bonjour to random people on the streets to get a reaction. Sometimes they are pleasantly surprised and respond with a higher pitch "bonjour" while other times you get a look of why??? and a you get a low quick "bonjour".  I have been taking classes regularly now at the gym and I am finally getting a bit of eye contact and a half smile. Chris's charm seems to break down the french more often than not.   He has an infectious laugh and cracks a corny joke that can make even a non- interested frenchman pay attention to him. Anyway- Chris was out of town so I went to the neighbors solo.  They asked me for an apertivo at 7pm.  I posted a note on a facebook Americans women group in Paris on etiquette for such an invitation.  Some said bring flowers, wine, nothing, stay 2 hours max...most did not know. I went with my American tradition and opted for the flowers.  She was very surprised and thankful.  It was a nice evening- quick!  I learned you stay one hour just for a glass of champagne and head out before they have dinner.  A very nice experience with very friendly hosts!

Luciana celebrated her 4th birthday.  We spent the day at Saint Cloud Parc and opened presents and had cake to celebrate.  Luciana also had another asthma attack.  A bad cold will trigger it- poor girl had a rough night and spent a couple days at home. She has a new thing of asking everyone to say sorry to her for any reason imaginable.  If you don't say sorry, she keeps asking or starts to cry.  It is very difficult, if near impossible for her to apologize. The other day she accidentally poked me in the eye- so I asked her to say sorry.  She refused but finally said she was sorry but followed up immediately with- "now you have to say sorry to me for saying oww!".  She always gets the last word!

You can rent these cars at the parc.  Luciana is wearing her princess gown and Olivia does not want to be doing this.

Another nebulizer treatment 

Her party with her friends was at the end of the week.  I had planned a typical American party.  Put the crown on Luciana, craft projects, freeze dance, etc....  The party was from 4-6 after school. Her friends represented so many cultures.  She goes to a french montessori preschool but her friends are from all over the world. (France, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Tunisia). It was hard hosting a party as I said instructions in English, then Spanish, then Chris followed up in french.  Nonetheless, it was a great time.  Luciana was beaming the entire time.  She was so happy her friends were in her home celebrating with her. The party started off slowly as Olivia did face painting.  Everyone was shy but in the last 20 minutes the girls ( all dressed as princesses) were running and laughing all around the yard. No one wanted to leave- a good sign for 4 year olds!!

This was another long weekend in France- so we made a trip to London via the train.  Kids were so excited to go!  Its a two and half hour train and of course we go via tunnel under the ocean for a bit to make it across...pretty eerie.

We hailed our first taxi.  I like how you have to tell the driver where you are going prior to getting in the car.   I also like the old fashioned black taxis where the seats face each other.  On route to the hotel- kids were loud and then all of a sudden Luciana was quiet...too quiet.  I looked at her and she said "I just went potty".  Her clothes were soaked and the taxi was wet.  I looked at Chris who says - we are less than 1 minute away!  With an instinct only an experienced mother knows- I quickly changed her and cleaned the taxi within 30 seconds.  The kids didn't even know what happened!  We had to have the traditional fish and chips for dinner and made a night of just walking around St. James Park.

Just before the accident

There are signs on the street reminding people that the flow of traffic is opposite in London and one needs to look the "other" way.  Apparently, there are many pedestrian accidents.

Our first full day we headed to Buckingham palace.  Although we were too early for the changing of the guards, we did get to see the military school in action.

We then headed for a walk to the London Eye. Along the way, we saw the Parliament buildings and Big Ben.  We also stopped at a park where the kids could play before our "fast track" tickets for the Eye were eligible.  Any opportunity not to wait in line with 4 children- we take without hesitation!

From the top of the Eye

Big Ben from the Eye

Afterwards, we headed toward the London Tower.  It is a bit of a walk- but we walked along the Thames River until we arrived to the Borough Market.  It was a unique market filled with international foods.  Stalls were lined up along the street and the kids were happy with their dish. Right before crossing the Tower Bridge we came across a skipping fountain.  Chris and the kids successfully made it across without getting wet.   We finally made it to the London Tower.  Unfortunately the line was too long for the Crown Jewels display but we did manage to see the other parts of the tower.

Upon arriving at the hotel- we had our first  British "tea time". Chris has been having this tradition for years with his mom and he has carried it down to our kids.  We always have tea around 2!  We then headed to Hamley's.  It is the largest toy store in London.  All 5 floors were filled with toys and the kids were in heaven as they were allowed one toy each.

The next day we decided to take the tube.  I always think one must try the local public transportation.  We headed to Greenwich Park.  It is a very charming spot. Our first stop was Cutty Sark - a shipper clip built in 1869. We then headed to the Royal Observatory and had some beautiful views of the river and London.  We made a stop to a famous candy store called Mr. Humbug.  Apparently- Willy Wonka was inspired by its floor to ceiling candy jars. Of course we bought too many candies!   To burn off the sugar- we headed to a playground where the kids interacted and played with the locals. We ended our day with dinner at Sarasotas.  It was recommended to me by a few people- an entertaining spot in the theatre district.

Alex swinging in the Tube

An interactive way to try to see how many days it would take you to sail the ship

The Cutty Sark

Enjoying a paddle boat ride in Greenwich park.

Dinner at Sarasotas

We spent the next day at Warner Bros for a tour of the Harry Potter studio.  I have only seen half of the movies but Olivia has read a few books and has seen most of the films.  Alex and Emilia have seen a few as well.  We took the first bus out- about an hour away from central London.  It was really interesting seeing the sets, costumes and behind the scenes tricks.  It happened to be wand week- so the kids got to see how the wands were made.  Of course- we had to by four of them.  Kids also go to go on the green screen and ride a Quidditch. The video is pretty hysterical and we have some fun  photos. We then headed back to London and went to Hyde Park.  London is so green! So many large parks!  There was a triathlon happening so we sat back and relaxed and enjoyed the event.  We spent our last day walking around Covent Garden and then headed on the Eurostar back to Paris.

Enjoying watching the triathlon

We made it home late Sunday. Olivia and Alex left Monday morning for their school week field trip.  Olivia is off to Brittany to go sailing, kayaking and fishing while Alex is headed up north to a farm to care for animals and lead a farmers life.  A week without their parents- no communication allowed...can't wait to hear about their adventures!  Chris also left for NYC - so its just me and the littles this week!