le château de versailles

On Tuesday we went to the Palace of Versailles and I'm not even sure how to sum it all up.  The estate is divided up into the main Palace of Versailles, the gardens, Grand Canal, two smaller palaces called Trianon's and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.  It is immense.

So much so, that just walking from the Palace of Versailles to the Western edge of the Grand Canal is 3.5 km.  That's 60 minutes on foot.  The Grand Canal itself is 1,700 meters long and they used to sail small ships on it in the 1600's.

We figured since it is the off-season and a Tuesday morning we would practically have the Palace all to ourselves.

Clearly this was not the case.

This is the lineup to enter the Palace on a Tuesday morning.  Hundreds of people.  After waiting for ten minutes and not budging an inch, we decided to go through the gardens first and head towards the Trianon's and Marie-Antoinette's Estate.

The Grand Canal stretches out behind us into the distance.  During our day of wandering the gardens, we probably only saw about ten percent of the nearly 900 hectare grounds.

Here is Jake in the portico at the Grand Trianon.  This palace is made entirely from marble and it looks out into this cute landscaped garden.  Inside it is all chandeliers and everything is draped in bold, very royal looking fabrics.   

One of our favorite stops was Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.  It was like stepping back in time, or right into a scene from Snow White.  Little dwellings with thatched roofs, stick gates, rolling grassy hills and farm animals.  Really lovely.  Can you see little bits of green on the rooftops?  They are all little bulbs about to bloom. 

Here we are in part of the Queen's English Garden, in front of the Temple of Love

On our way out of the Estates we decided to give the Palace of Versailles one more try.  Luckily, this time around the crowds had died down and we were able to go straight in.  The detailing was unbelievable - everything gilded in gold, fresco's on ceilings, crystal chandeliers everywhere and such ornate crown molding. 

Here is what the Hallway of Mirrors looks like all lit up and without all of us tourists.

While at the Palace, we noticed a couple walking with Starbucks cups and were happily surprised to learn that there was in fact a Starbucks only a few blocks away.  Hooray!  As you can imagine, Billy and I were thrilled with this discovery.  We enjoyed Starbucks on our drive back to Amiens and it was the perfect ending to our day-trip.

And to top it all off, Jake took three steps all on his own once we arrived home.  It was quite a big day.

hailey turns four

Happy birthday to Hailey!  

We can hardly believe she is already four years old.  We could not have imagined a sweeter or crazier dog.  She is truly unique, to say the least.    

 

Here she is, basking in a field of wild crocuses in Holland. 

feeding the swans

We have been having beautiful weather here.  So far Spring has been warm and dry so we are trying to get outside as much as possible.  There are not many grassy parks here but there are some funny things like this man-made lake, home to these pretty swans. 

Jake thought they were great.  So did Hailey who was tethered to the stroller and trying her hardest to pull it into the "lake".  Had Hailey actually managed to drag the stroller in, I think she would have been in trouble because these swans were twice her size.  I never really realized how giant swans really are until you stick little Jake in front of them.  

Of course French swans love baguettes and were not shy about coming over to get some.  

blackboard walls

Although we have lived in our place for two summers now, we have yet to finish decorating.  When we moved, we didn't have enough furniture to fill it and then once we started looking I just couldn't make my mind up on anything (this really shattered my belief that deep-down I was an amazing interior decorator.  Apparently, I'm not.  And I'm still rather disappointed about it).  As you can imagine, this did drive Billy crazy.

This Summer we are finally going to get most of it done.  I know, I said the same thing last year!  But as it turns out, having a baby makes you completely forget you have no kitchen table.  Seriously.

Anyways, all this brings me to the chalkboard wall.  I'm thinking about one right off of our kitchen.  Yikes!  I think you have to be a bit brave to do this and I'm not sure how brave I really am.  Don't get me wrong, I think this is the coolest thing and super fun, but am not completely certain about it yet.

I love the black but is it too dark?  Are they really messy?  Can it be easily removed?  As you can see, I still have some thinking to do on it.  Does anyone have a blackboard wall or know someone who does?  What's the verdict?

Note: I am happy to say, we did eventually find a kitchen table.  By the time we decided on it, had it made and moved it in we were able to enjoy it for two whole weeks before packing-up for Europe, but we are still really happy about it.  It is patiently awaiting our return home (as are we).    

Images via houzz.com, marthastewart.com and remodelista.com

first tooth

Finally!  Jake got his first tooth on Sunday and judging by his mood, he is working on a second.  We've been seeing that sweet toothless smile of his for almost eleven months now, so that little sliver of a tooth seems so strange to me.  Although, I'm sure it is even stranger for him.   

summer vacation

The hockey season is now over and our summer holidays have officially started.  Normally right now we would be packing and re-booking our flights home, but instead have to stay a few weeks to take care of some paperwork.  France does things by the books which I suppose is a good thing since last year was not-so-by-the-books and as a result I was detained on my return home.

We could not be more excited to come home, so the whole paperwork situation has me a little glum.  Although I know the remainder of our time will probably go quicker then I think, it's still not an ideal situation.  I just have to keep reminding myself that most people would love to spend a few weeks in France with an apartment, car and no work commitments.  I have been telling myself this quite a lot and we are going to find a few fun things to do.

Jacob ready for the match.

The game was so exciting and the crowd was unbelievable.  They sold out the arena and standing-only tickets had to be sold.  They certainly exceeded maximum capacity and I wished I brought my camera. When the players skated out, the lights dimmed and the crowd all held-up lighters and sparklers.  It looked amazing but I kept thinking how much of a fire hazard this is.  Apparently this is not a worry over here because upon entering the rink everyone is given a lighter.   

The national newspaper did an interview with Billy.

 

It was a great season and we couldn't be prouder of Billy.

tous gothiques

Today we are going to take full advantage of this warm sunny weather.  A nice relaxing walk downtown, macrons and maybe the park.  Hello Spring!

Tomorrow we are back into playoff-mode.  

They must win tomorrow in order to continue, so cross your fingers!  Apparently we're suppose to wear something pink to the game to show love for the team, win or lose.  This is a first and a little strange.  I'm not entirely sure if this plan will involve just immediate family and friends, or if all the fans are in on it.  Regardless, it is a kind gesture so we will see how it turns out.  Of course, I have nothing pink (unless you count a pajama top, which I don't).  I'm wondering if I pink nail polish would count?   

We found this magazine in our mailbox this morning.  

Go Billy.  Go Amiens.  

indoor fun

Yesterday we re-used some plastic bottles, big ones and small ones, and filled them with fun stuff like water, soap and rice.  Then shook them up like crazy to see turbulent water, bubbles and to hear the wonderful music rice makes.  Then Jake decided to roll them around and bang them together.  It was all quite a lot of fun. 

Surprisingly, Jake really liked the one filled with water.  Maybe because it was the biggest bottle or maybe because when shaken the water turns white, and as soon as it stops is clear again?!   I mistakenly thought water was going to be a bit boring.  Regardless, it was a fun break from our conventional toys. 

When Billy arrived home from the rink he happened to have a few more water bottles, so we made another one filled with flax seed and one filled with lentils.  Now we could practically make a band with our noise makers and Jake likes to closely examine the tiny grains of rice, flax seed and lentil in theses ones.  So fun. 

sunshine & playtime

Spring is here!  Flowers have been blooming and birds have been chirping away but it didn't really feel like Spring until Tuesday.  It was 19 degrees out!  We took full advantage of this beautiful day and went to the playground.  

The playground doesn't worry Jake anymore.  He leads us all around the park and enjoys a few of the activities there.  This wooden snail being a favourite. 

 

All of this has me eager to return home.  We have a fantastic (and humongous) park near our house and Billy and I are looking forward to taking Jake there.  It even has a little waterpark for small children.   It will be a far cry from this cute little European wooden park here.  I wonder if Jacob will find the change in parks strange at all?  Or maybe by the time we get there he will be an old pro at parks and won't miss a beat.  

Either way, it should be a lot of fun and will be so nice to talk to other parents and kids in English!     

a, b, c, 1, 2, 3

I am in love with these sets of kids blocks!  Both are SO fun and educational.

Classic ABC Blocks from Uncle Goose.  The most beautifully crafted and detailed wooden blocks I have seen.  They contain letters, numbers, math signs and animals.  Such a wonderful way to learn letters, numbers, counting, sorting and stacking!

or Classic Uncle Goose ABC Blocks with bag.  

Multiblocks building blocks.  Designed by an engineer with numbers and increments to encourage both mathematical and creative thinking.  Great for building, stacking, counting and sorting.  What a smart idea. 

Yesterday Jake woke up and crawled all the way across the room.  An actual continuous crawl.  I guess it just clicked.  Things are seem to be moving really quickly these days.  He is literally changing overnight.  Amazing.  Between the crawling, cruising along the furniture and climbing the stairs he is going to enjoy blocks before we know it. 

weekend news

This weekend was busy with two back-to-back hockey games, a birthday party and a visit to see baby Sacha.  Happily the team won both games and will play in the semi-finals starting on Friday!  Jake had a lot of fun at Henry's party and enjoyed playing with all of Henry's toys.  

 

Now we are going to relax a bit.  I found a way to get Jake to sit still for a few minutes.  Note how stylish his "toy box" is!  Ha ha.  The best part is, he thinks it's great.     

It was really fun at first but within five minutes he figured out how to climb out. 

adventures in grocery shopping

Jacob's first time in the shopping cart was a big hit.  I have been meaning to try out the cart for a while now but we usually shop downtown, which means we always walk, which means Jake is always in his stroller.  Well the other day, Jake and I decided to drive to the big grocery store so it was a perfect chance to use a cart.

He thought the grocery store was great and was doing some serious people watching.  I unknowingly picked the worst cart in the entire lot.  It had a mind of its own and one wonky wheel.  It took some serious maneuvering at times but we made to the checkout in one piece.

As for other adventures...

Jake cannot get enough of climbing and walking.  He can climb all fifteen stairs without help -  terrifying - and I am always hovering one step behind him.  He pulls up onto everything and "cruises" along the furniture.  And now walks around holding only one of our hands for assistance.  If he holds both hands, he breaks into a hilarious run.  Back and forth, back and forth.  He could do it all day long and he is pretty speedy.  His energy is limitless.  I on the other hand have some serious limits to my energy.   

This has been our busiest hockey week so far.  Actually our busiest for years.  Last night they beat Briancon, so it is possible they could wrap-up this round tonight.  The crowd at the arena was immense and their cheering so loud it gave me goosebumps.  Everyone was really fired-up because after Wednesday's game, the Briancon's coach criticized several of Amiens players in the Amiens newspaper.  We found this to be a little funny because in effect he just motivated those said players to play even harder.  It really worked to our advantage.  Now we just wait and see what tonight's game will bring.

Yesterday was the third time we have turned on our TV since arriving here.  We actually had to plug it in.  We watched the CCN World coverage of the quake and tsunami in Japan in shock.  So sad.            

celebrating ten months

Today Jake is ten months old.  

Growing fast and moving even faster.  One year is quickly approaching, I can hardly believe it.  

Where does the time go?! 

You hear this all the time, but now I truly understand what people are taking about.  Where does it go??  

As my Dad would say, "time flies when your having fun" 

and it is so true.       

a truly awsome book

Once upon a time, a Dad named Dallas Clayton wrote and illustrated An Awesome Book for his son, to encourage him to imagine and dream big.  He then put the book online and it became so popular he decided to publish it himself.  It all started out of his home and without a publisher; and the books sell out as fast as he can print them.  Over 10,000 copies have been sold all over the world and they aren't even available in bookstores.

It is a beautiful book with a beautiful message and will put a smile on your face.  The book is full of unique images - wonderfully detailed and sure to please both kids and parents.  Not only is it beautifully crafted, but it will make you burst with happiness and gratitude and "have you contemplating all the amazing possibilities life has to offer".  Don't believe me, read it here for your self.  It's free online, so enjoy!

Don't you just love it?

What a truly joyful and inspiring story. 

Clayton is even being called the "next Dr. Seuss".  Quite the compliment.     

And it gets even better.  Now there is a second book, An Awesome Book of Thanks that you can find in your bookstore or read right here online, for free. 

And for EVERY book sold, Clayton will give a book away to "schools, hospitals, libraries, anywhere kids are dreaming."

These books are really worth checking-out and I cannot wait to sit with Jake and read them one day!

a birds-eye view

One of my favourite things about our apartment here 

is this narrow floor-to-ceiling window in our bedroom.  So cute.  We like to watch the cars go by,  people strolling past with their baguettes and the kids walking home from the school down the street.  Some cars even get a big wave from Jake, although he is pretty selective about it. 

 

This window is a favourite of Hailey's as well.  She likes to guard our apartment from this little perch and never misses a dog or cat, even though they are three stories below.  She barks a little, just to let them know she is watching.