Aix en Provence

After leaving Avignon we stopped for lunch at Aix en Provence. By the time we parked and started walking it was nearly 1:00 - so I was a little worried that this was going to be an ordeal to get through - as many French lunches can go on forever! But I was pleasantly surprised by this city - we found a nice spot quickly and enjoyed the people watching almost as much as the food. I'd go back for seconds anytime . . .





Eli's shirt says "I'm the new one" - although he really doesn't look it. One lady commented that my 6 month old sure had lots of hair . . . I said "6!? - he's only 2 and 1/2!!" She was shocked - but she was also French, they breed 'em a little small here.

Avignon

This past weekend we drove to Cannes to meet Alan and Deb who flew in from Idaho. On the way we stopped in the city of Avignon to spend the night.
Daniel found a hotel that had been converted from an old monastery and still had the original stone walls. It had a lot of character.
This is the courtyard of the hotel.



This is dining room where we enjoy dinner together.































Breakfast was out on the sidewalk - croissants and cafe creme - Beth and Alan we were thinking of you!!!




























The old city had plenty of original stone walls and architecture. It was the seat of the pope for a number of years so much of the building is a result of the pope's influence and power.




































Friends???










Washing up at the hotel . . .
This is the city center in front of the pope's castle.

Neuchatel

Over the weekend we drove to Neuchatel to see the chateau from the 1200's. We enjoyed walking around the chateau, the village and seeing the market.

Mom and Eli

Taking naps with Elijah is one of my favorite activities at the moment - couch, bed, chair - doesn't matter, just curl up in the afternoon and conk out for awhile.




My favorite activity after napping would have to be laundry - JUST KIDDING!! But at least watching him smile while I shake out shirts makes it more enjoyable.

Sunday night

Just hanging out on Sunday evening after church. These are all pretty typical sights - Analise is filling Eli's swing with her own dollies and animals, chatting the whole time about "OK baby, it's OK . . . "


Eli watching his little mobile from the safety of the kitchen table - far from the "loving" body slams of his big sister.






And if you look carefully you can see the elusive "daddy" in his natural habitat - sitting at the kitchen table and savoring a glass of wine . . . you might even notice two glasses . . . hmm, the mommy isn't far away!










Analise still loves reading books and has to empty the whole shelf before she is content to sit and read through them all. Then mommy gets to almost break her neck as she walks around avoiding the piles - we haven't really mastered the "clean up" idea.

Leavin' . . . on a jet plane . . .

That's what Grady was singing at 7:30 this morning as his plane left Switzerland in route to Dallas with a final destination of Salt Lake.
The little guy didn't know what was about to take place as he laid by the table nibbling on bits of steak we gave him for his "last supper."
It's so crazy that this dog, who has lived more of his life in Europe than in the U.S., has now ended his European adventure and is headed home. I think it's a sign of the surreal experience to come as we pack up and head out.
He's staying with Daniel's sister Sarah (and family) and we can't thank them enough!
The movers are coming June 29th - what a way to celebrate Analise's 2nd birthday!

See you all SOON!!

so sad!