Entering The World of PIANO

Elizabeth and James shared their first piano recital last week and each did a fantastic job memorizing their pieces!

 Elizabeth played "The Old Clock" and "Jingle Bells"

 James played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and "Silent Night".

 He was the only one who remembered (or had the courage) to bow.

 There's Lizzy with Miss Rachel

 And all of Miss Rachel's students. We happen to be really good friends with the 3 boys.

So afterwards all of our families went out to celebrate! 

 Robert, Caden, James and Seth checking out each other's creations.

 Megan, Hannah and Anna enjoying their treats

JoJo and Bree 

and all the parents... 

Jojo loves getting his picture taken... (and was disappointed he wasn't in the above picture more...) 

 Abigail scored some one's candy cane.

Daddy got Lizzy flowers for her fine performance. Anna received some for her upcoming Dance recital. 

 Figuring James wouldn't go for flowers, he received a new book and finished it by the next morning.

We are loving piano! Let's hope this enthusiasm sticks around....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARIN!!!

Happy Birthday Karin!!! We love you!!!

Avignon & Les Baux de Provence

Seneca finds a playground in Avignon

orchards and vineyards surrounded our drive through the windy  countryside

 The streets of Avignon

 Amazing architechture

 The Avignon Palace

 Les Baux de Provence

-our photos don't do it justice. it was SPECTACULAR!

random placement of this photo of Jim clearing the parking garage

Back to Les Baux de Provence...

bon jour

Last week Jim and I dropped our 4 oldest off with their grandparents' and he, Abigail and I boarded a plane to visit my oldest brother... in France.

Mesia welcomed us with a delicious French meal.

 Planning out our week Sunday night, we were optimistic about ignoring the time change, jet lag and red eye flight.
In steps reality... We rolled out of bed at 11:30. Hey- you try waking up before then with rolladens darkening your room, and NO children telling you it's time to get up...
Soon we were off to the boulangerie (which became a tradition for Seneca and Jimmy to walk to each morning) for scrumptious pastries.

 Monday we took in the breathtaking view from the nearby town of Sisteron and enjoyed the scenic drive in Matt & Mesia's awesome car.

 Seneca was a super sport to travel all over southern France with us! Abigail loved that she entertained her and we miss our "big fat hugs".

A diesel Toyota Yaris. If Jim could get any commuter car in the states, this would be it. It was a great touring vehicle.

Especially compared to the 7 passenger Explorer we borrowed Thursday so the 6 of us could go out together for a day!

Check it out-

 Seneca and Abigail enjoyed washing up together.

A little R&R with Papa's Ipad before heading out for the night.

Matt & Mesia's friend, Megan, kindly babysat Seni and Abigail so we could go out for a fancy French dinner. 

 And it was just that.