"Meet the Parents" Moment

So, we were invited to an indoor water park not too far from here. We were very excited and quickly changed into our suits to get in the water. As Matt was getting into the pool the lifeguard blew his whistle at him. When he came over to talk with us, he explained that Matt's board shorts were apparently too modest for the French pool.  So, Matt was not allowed to get in until he changed into something more suitable--which of course we didn't have.  LUCKILY they had a vending machine full of all sorts of chic swim suits to choose from. After a LONG time waiting for Matt, he finally made his entrance to the pool, looking a bit like this...

While very normal here in Europe, his new suit had about 1/4 of the material he's used to with his California bathing suit. I really thought he looked great! But he just wasn't used to it...YET. :)

Afterward, we walked around the small village and got distracted by the leaves on the ground...

you think she is trying to tell us something?

Whenever Seneca naps or goes to bed at night this is what she has been doing lately before she falls asleep.

Armistice Day

This Thursday was Armistice Day here in France. Matt had the day off and so we decided to tour around the area. The first stop we made was to Saintes Maries de la mer. This is located in the Camargue region, just west of Marseilles.

It was cold outside, but Seneca cannot keep her socks and shoes on!

The main reason for going to this place was to see this...."L'Abrivado", the running in of the bulls.

They has a small live band in the community. Seneca loved it! Here is some footage as well.

 

 

 Seneca Dancing

Afterward, our next stop was to Arles. One of the most well preserved Roman arenas in France.

Here is another ruin...Roman amphitheater.

Pretty shot of the Rhone. 

Life....

I cannot believe we've been here for six months. It feels like an eternity since we've seen family and friends from the States, but with regards to the French language it seems as though we've only been here a couple of months. When we first moved here it was tough. Initially, we felt this was the right place for our family...but the challenges we faced often made we wonder. The culture, language and being somewhere new took a toll. I'm glad as time passed, little by little, we have become more acclimated to the point of really enjoying it here. I feel that a few contributing factors helped: Expats, Church, Natives and getting involved!
We were lucky in that we moved to an area where many expatriates live from many different countries. I have met some wonderful friends whom I love spending time with. These women are amazing! They are from countries like Holland, Argentina, Ireland, England, Hungry, Poland, China, Japan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belgium, Scotland, France, and US. (I apologize if I forgot a country :) All of these ladies speak their native language in addition to English and French. I love it! The potpourri of cultures, languages etc. is so fun to be around. While being here a few of us have instituted play-dates in addition to fun excursions for us and our children. In addition to this, we've also stared a Ladies Night Out once a month!

September LNO @ Indian Restaurant

 

October LNO @ Moroccan

Initially our LNO was about 10 people and now it has grown to 20+ in just a couple of months. I've also started teaching Yoga on Thursday evenings to get some exercise and for another opportunity to visit with the gals. While our spouses are working hard during the day, us ladies felt we needed some "US" time; hens the reason for instituting yoga and LNO.
Another help has been our church. I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. I love the gospel. I love that anywhere you go in the world the teachings and organization are the same. I know and believe the teachings to be true. This was one of the first interactions we had when we arrived. The members of our small congregation were and still are very supportive and loving! Their kindness is genuine and makes us feel very welcome here!
Other ways we've been getting involved is through Patati Patata. An indoor play area where native ladies bring their children to play. I go here frequently to practice my French. I've also met many wonderful ladies here whom have become my friends. Seneca is in "La Garderie" (daycare) 2 days a week for three hours a day. The purpose for this is for her to learn French and play with other children. This has been a fun experience for her. It was been so exciting to see her grow and progress not only with English but with French as well.  She mixes her French with English unknowingly. The other night at dinner she asked "tu veux, mommy". Which mean "you want". The following day she offered me a drink from her little tea party set by saying "un petit peu"; which mean "a little". She can also count to 10 in French and will often tell us "no speak French", when we read to her in French. She is so funny! So, needless to say, we have been very blessed while being here! Life is good. I am so happy to be here.
One last thought...please know these posts are fun! My intention is not to offend or make people jealous. I believe each place is unique and special in its own way. Of course, we love the conveniences the US provides, but also love what we've been offered here. There really is no comparison. We love both places. Yes, we get to see new places along the way but that is because we live so close to many places.
After going through this experience and living in California, Utah and Pennsylvania, I've realized more of what I love. Our town's population here in France is about 20,000 and I feel it is just perfect! Small but close to large shopping areas! :) I need to be close to fun shopping but don't necessarily live in it. Anyway, I love seasons, the mountains, the trees, and I love animals (cows, sheep, horses, deer, pigs, etc.). I'm not exactly sure were this adventure will lead, but I do know when we are done wandering the world, I'd like to settle in a petite ville living in a cute villa with some animals. I do like the whole farming thing...but having no knowledge of this would make it difficult to come to fruition. Anyway, I love the earth we've been given I thank our Heavenly Father for this wonderful gift as it is beautiful---at least what I have seen; which is not much!

Ciao!

Mom & Ray

Since our last post we decided to spend a day in Forcalquier, a small village not too far from us since Matt had the day off.

Later on that week we were happy to receive a visit from my mom and Ray! We had such a wonderful time with them! We miss being so far from our families.