Au Revoir Paris

(photo taken 4 years ago!)

Tomorrow I leave Paris

with the kids.

We fly to Boston and then

on to Martha's Vineyard for the 

summer and then

we head to California 

for the start of another school year.

I am so very thankful to have called

Paris home for 4 years.

I am thankful for the travel 

and the cultural experiences we've had.

I'm thankful for the friends we've made 

along the way.

 I'm thankful most for 

my children who have embraced

this lifestyle we've chosen.

I am so proud of how they've 

handled all the changes we've 

thrown at them..

I know these experiences will 

only enrich their lives

as they continue to grow

and start lives of their own.

And I'm thankful for 

my husband.

Steve..

we wouldn't be here if it weren't 

for your hard work.

I'm thankful we share the same

appetite for travel and new 

experiences.

I am sad to leave Paris..

there is no doubt about that..

and I've thought about all the things 

I'll miss.

Too many to list!

However, 

I know it's time for the 

next adventure and more

new experiences and new 

people to meet.

So..

merci Paris

for giving us the most

amazing 4 years!

Au revoir et a bientot!!

April Vacation!

Well,

the past month and a half

has been crazy!

For over two weeks now

I've been laid up with 

a pinched nerve that has caused

severe pain and limited mobility.

I'm finally healing..with the help

of traction, anti-inflammatory's

and a lot of help from my family.

Enough of that!

The kids have two weeks off in 

April..

Hannah went to Romania with

her Habitat for Humanity club..

So proud of you 

Hannah!

Steve and I took the two 

boys on a whirlwind trip of

Southwest/central France.

We flew into Bordeaux to maximize 

our time.

We rented a car and drove straight to

Saint Emilion.

We spent 3 days here..

exploring

eating and drinking delicious wine

and even took a wine tour!

From Saint Emilion

we drove a few hours inland

to the Dordogne region.

We stayed in the 

charming town

of Sarlat-la-Caneda

and for the next few days

drove all around

the scenic towns of 

Dordogne.

We visited castles

and took a boat tour

along the river.

And after three glorious 

days in Dordogne..

we drove about 3 hours

west back towards the coast.

We made a stop at the biggest

sand dune in Europe!

We had fun climbing all the way 

up and running down!

A great way to spend the day

and break up the trip!

Headed south to Biarritz!

Unfortunately,

the weather was 

wet and windy

and cool!

But we were happy to visit!

We did a day trip

to San Sebastian Spain!

A quick trip from Biarritz!

We loved San Sebastian!

The next day we headed up the coast

to the island of 

Ile de Re!

I loved everything about 

Ile de Re'!

It was a fabulous trip and 

we were able to see a lot

more of France!

Two days after we returned 

to Paris..

I was on a 12 hour flight 

with the three kids to 

LA to house hunt!

We spent the next week of 

vacation out in Newport Beach!

Lots of sun

and house hunting!

A whirlwind few weeks!

Avoriaz and The French Alps

Over February break

we took our annual 

trip to the French Alps.

We've gone to Avoriaz

three years in a row now..

and each year I've thought..

should we try somewhere new?

And then when we arrive..

I'm happy we've come back.

After skiing here for three years..

we know the trails

and the accommodations

and our favorite places for 

fondue.

And hot chocolate.

The Yeti is our hangout..

We all meet up here

for apres ski!

We have the most amazing views

from our balcony.

And we play hours of Monopoly..

One of the things I love the 

most about Avoriaz is the

ski in/out..

we park our car and don't see it

for a week.

And hearing the horse drawn

carriages shuttling skiers throughout

the village is just so charming.

We'll miss you

Avoriaz!

Thanks for three

great years!