Easter Break in the Cote D'Azur: Saturday to Monday

Hello SCR readers - if there are any left after the recent barrage of baby pictures. Over here in Europe, at least in Switzerland, the kids get a week off for Easter. Actually, make that 7 working days. And since I'm off until end of August, it was a great opportunity to get another trip under our belts (and Aaron had lots of overtime hours to use up). We couldn't quite settle on where to go, throwing around the UK and the black forest in Germany, until friends of ours - colleagues and neighbours Julie and Darren Smith and their kids, Nadia and Cedric, invited us to join them in the Cote D'Azur for a week. Why not?

Julie, ever so organized found us a gorgeous place with a pool and an outdoor hot tub in Tourrettes sur Loup, which is just north of Cannnes. Sold.

We planned to caravan on Saturday. The first challenge - and anyone who knows me will understand - was to get everthing I decided we'd need for the week into the car. 4 suitcases, 1 stroller (the big kind), 1 potty, 3 big bags of groceries, 1 bag of books and games, 1 lunch box, 1 diaper bag/purse, 1 dvd player, 2 car seats (with kids in them), 60 diapers, 1 bbq wok, 1 laptop and a bunch of other random items. We did it AND we could still see out the back window (I find it always feels so cozy when packed in like that - reminds me of trips to the cottage as a kid). Aaron is becoming a pro at 'car tetris'. We were off! Julie and family, however, were delayed thanks to a nasty bug that Darren had picked up, which took the stress off being ready for an 8 a.m. departure (9:30 isn't bad....).

Google maps told us it was about a 5.5 hour drive, but if we took a slightly longer route, we could hit a crocodile farm about midway - a great place to stop and stretch our legs and have lunch. We had been talking the Crocodile Farm up all week, and Sam was stoked. Thing went great for about the first 15 minutes, until we took a wrong exit. Of course, neither one of us had really studied the map and assumed we wanted to go in the direction of Lyon. Wrong. a big detour later (there should be rules about more frequent exits on highways) and we were back on track, having lost only a half hour. In the first hour. But whatever!

The rest of the ride went smoothly. Frequent pee breaks for Sam (he was a superstar) and Rhys was crashed out. We passed many, many cars like ours - packed tho the gills with kids in the back. Everyone was going somewhere for Easter week. And I think everyone was getting onto the A7 at Valence. Traffic ground to a halt. Turns out it was likely due to the toll but we had no idea so we snuck off the highway in favour of the national road. Not a terrible mistake, but not a time saver either. Our moods were buoyed, however, by the fact that we were near where we had stayed when we took Sam to France in 2008 when he was 8 months old (GREAT trip). We passed a lot of familiar landmarks, including an 11th century castle way up on a hill where Sam had been terrorized by a chevalier. We vowed to bring Rhys there before we go home in 2014.

Sam, 9 months, not loving the chevalier. Marnas 2009

By this time it was nearly 1 p.m. and all we really wanted to to was get to the house - we were supposed to be there by 4 p.m. We suggested to Sam that he didn't reeeeeaaaalllly need to see stinky crocodiles but he gave us a look like we were crazy so we stopped. Rhys woke up and started to squeal just as we pulled into the parking lot. Rhys was fed, we all checked out the crocodiles (there were LOTS) and the turtles, had a bite to eat, and then got back on the road.

Sam, loving the turtles and crocodiles

Ouch, my foot!

While we didn't take any detours on the second leg of the journey, we did have to make frequent stops to sooth Rhys who had decided that he had had enough of his car seat. Fair enough. Sam very stoically put up with the screaming. The final hour on the highway was like a bit surreal - signs for Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, St. Tropez, Cannes, Monte Carlo. I almost expected to see Paris Hilton. Finally we turned off the highway towards Grasse. 20 minutes to destination the GPS said. 20 minutes later the GPS STILL said 20 minutes to destination because we were at this point travelling on teeny tiny one lane roads snaking up the foothills of the Maritime Alps. In the fog. But when we finally arrived it was worth it. The house was gorgeous and we were warmly welcomed and shown around by Yan, the caretaker. We settled in, Julie and Darren arrived a few hours later and kids were put to bed. Next order of business - testing out the hot tub.

Hot tub with light show

After hot tub, and before crashing after a long day, we got ready for the Easter Bunny's (EB) visit. The EB, ever so conscious of the kids' age range and level of experience decided to hide eggs by color so that each kid would get the same amount. Very wise. He/she also left some chocolate for the parents. How thoughtful!

Morning came and the kids were thrilled. Sam's first EB visit was a hit. Eggs were found and then we all sat down at the beautifully decorated table for a light brekkie.

Reading the note from the EB explaining the rules

Julie's beautiful Easter breakfast table

Something for everyone - except Rhys. Sorry Rhys.

"I FOUND ONE!!!"

Cedric and Sam comparing loot

Happy family

Rhys in the sweater and hat Mom knit for Sam

It was then time for a quick dip in the hot tub for the kids. Pool was waaaaaay too cold and it wasn't that hot up in the hills anyway.

Sam, lounging

The morning dip (this became a daily event)

Rhys and his crush, Nadia

We couldn't linger long because Julie had made Easter Sunday lunch reservations for us at a nearby restaurant. The GPS said 30 minutes with an additional 20 for the roads (we quickly learned to factor this extra time into all trips). It was well worth the trip.

*Kir et mises en bouche

* Noix de Saint Jacques rôties, salade d’asperges vertes,

émulsion de jus de crustacés parfumé à la truffe

* Selle d’agneau farcie en persillade, pomme de terre mousseline

au thym, écrasé de courgettes en crumble de parmesan

*Chèvre frais, mesclun du Saleya aux condiments riviera,

crème de balsamique

*Douceur de pâques

The menu was spectacular - my favourite being the 'tomates d'amour' mise en bouche. None of us were quite sure what to make of the 'selle d'agneau' (lambs butt seemed to be a popular menu item at most restaurants in the area...some going so far as to call it 'cul d'agneau'). The kids were very good and tried everything. When they started to tire of the gastronomic experience, toys, coloring books and other treats were pulled out to buy us some more time.

Julie getting some snuggle time

Cedric and Darren

Amazing mises en bouche

Not only was the food delicious, but the restaurant had a great garden with a swing set and other toys for the kids, and a 'chasse aux oeufs' was organized. Everyone was thrilled. Well done, Julie!

Julie after brunch

On the way to brunch we drove through a neighbouring town, Bar sur Loup, - a very cute medieval village perchee (surprise) - that was all decked out for their annual Fete de l'Orangers marking the end of the orange blossom season. The oranges cultivated here are bitter oranges - not meant for eating (as we were continually reminded) but rather used to create scent and liqueurs. This area has supplied the world with most of its orange blossom scent for centuries. In fact, we were staying in the perfume heartland and depending on the time of year, different flowers are picked and turned into essence to be sold to be turned into perfume. Fragonard is only one of the big names in nearby Grasse.

We decided to spend Easter Monday checking out the Orange festival, as there wouldn't likely be much else open. It was very small, but very cute. There were performers, vendors, and lots of local food. Orange garlands were everywhere. Made for a fun morning for all. Sam even got in some street dancing (see video below) - although I think he found the crowd's exuberance lacking.

Grabbing a snack at the Orange Festival

Troubadours

Quaint town of Bar-sur-Loup

Oranges!

Shots anyone?

Every self respecting festival needs a fire breather

That afternoon, Aaron, Sam, Rhys and I decided to check out some other local towns, with no real destination in mind. We ended up driving all the way to St Paul de Vence, a very cool - yes - medieval village that became a celebrity and artist hangout in the 20's and has remained of interest to tourists and artists ever since (Bonnard, Modigliani, Sartre, F Scott Fitzgerald, Catherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren, Greta Garbo, Simone Signoret, Yves Montand and most recently, the Brange). Despite this, it is crowded but otherwise unspoiled with the added attraction of being chalk full of public pieces of art. Definitely cool.

Sam was most interested in the ice cream...

...the water fountains...

...running through the narrow streets...

...climbing on things...

...and eating snacks.

With kids in tow, we didn't get to do as much browsing as I would have liked (you know me) but we did manage to get into enough art shops to come away with two pieces of art - one original. Last time we agreed on a piece of art it was 2006.

Second half of our trip to the South of France after this short video

Mowing the Lawn

It has been a beautiful spring here in Collex, Switzerland. So nice in fact that we have already mowed the lawn twice. And by 'we' I mean Aaron. Last week, Aaron had a helper with this chore. He tells me it was to get one of the kids out of my hair while I packed for our Easter trip to the Cote d'Azur (more on that) but I suspect it was also early training/initiation.

Sam was very good about mowing right up to the edges.

He dutifully followed behind his Daddy to make sure no spots we were missed.

And we were both surprised at how long he stuck with it, stopping only to pee in a bush (his latest favourite - a challenge when we are out in public) and climb a tree. My toddler is becoming a boy.

By the way, that white shirt was FILTHY by the time they came in.

Hiking near Geneva

Between Sarah's trip to Florence and planned trips to Provence, Bern and Germany we were looking to keep it local for a couple weekends and decided that we would get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and put a couple miles on those new hiking shoes and jackets we bought last summer. Switzerland is a hiking paradise in general and the area around Geneva has many options for all levels of fitness and ambition. We even bought ourselves a handy guide to 70 of the best hikes in the area, helpfully organized by duration, effort and other helpful tidbits.

Our first outing was a bit of a learning experience -- we opted for one of the closest and shortest hikes without paying too much attention to the level of difficulty or putting too much thought into things generally. We decided to do a hike at the top of La Dole, the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura, topping out at a healthy 1677m. It's visible from our house, sporting a weather station and air traffic control radar site, and offered the prospect of great views of the lake, the countryside around Nyon and, if the weather was clear, the Alps and Mont Blanc.

Setting Out for the Summit of La Dole

Unfortunately, it was still early spring and despite warm temperatures in the city it was still brisk at the top and the snow had not yet completely disappeared (our friend Julie had warned us that there would likely be snow on the route). We gamely set out anyway but quickly realized that on the main trail up to the summit it was quite deep in places. Since we weren't equipped for snow, and since Sarah had a 1.5 month old strapped to her chest, we decided that we'd opt for some better footing and hike around near the top of La Dole rather than to the top.

Sam Says We Can Handle the Snow - Let's Go!

Heading Down from our Aborted Push for the Summit

We still had a great day and got some good exercise hiking up and down the hills in the area. Sam was a real keener and love his "hype". Sarah was also a trooper and set the pace. Rhys was mostly asleep but we're sure he will be a trooper too on future outings.

Sarah and Rhys - Not the Summit We Set Out For But Not A Bad Effort Anyway

Sam Gets Jiggy on a Big Boulder - As Close to the Top as We Managed To Get

We did manage to get some great views of the lake and the Alps, and we could even see all the way down the lake to Geneva and the world famous (?) Jette d'Eau, the world's highest fountain.

Geneva and the Jette d'Eau

Sarah and Sam Enjoying a Moment on the Trail

Team Photo - A Successful First Hike

The next weekend we headed out again, hoping to get in a hike and a lunch at a very well-recommended restaurant at Mont Mussy. Unfortunately, the restaurant was booked so we decided to save the hiking trails in the area for another time when we could celebrate success with a nice piece of homemade pie. Stay tuned.

Instead we headed deeper into the French Jura, aiming for a trail above the town of St. Claude that would take us to the Queue de Cheval waterfall. We learned another important lesson -- distances over the Jura are deceiving -- it takes a lot longer to travel 50km than it normally would when you have to do countless cut-backs up and down and up and down the mountains (we will never go hiking without consulting Julie again - she would have kindly pointed this out to us).

Roadside Attraction -- Sam Loved the Giant's Bike on the Way to St. Claude

Giant Pipe in St. Claude -- I Always Thought These Monuments Were a Canadian Phenomenon

We eventually arrived, a bit later than expected, and set out down the mountain toward the promised waterfall, Sarah once again gamely lugging a sleeping Rhys. Troubled readers may ask why I wasn't helping my wife out by carrying the baby -- because at various stages of every hike (usually just at the most uphill part) Sam demands to be carried and it is easier for me to carry him than for Sarah to do it. So really, making Sarah carry the baby is a very selfless act on my part. Just saying...

Sarah on the Trail

The trail took us through a cow pasture, into the forest, across a brook and scampering over some rocks down to the waterfall. It cascaded over a cliff from 50m or more, but the stream that spawned the fall was not much more than a trickle during our visit. So the effect was a bit diminished but well worth the effort nonetheless.

Sarah and Rhys

Me, Waterfall in Background

Sarah and the Boys at the End of the Trail -- A Job Well Done

We will be doing a lot more exploring in the neighborhood, hoping to get some of that Mont Mussy pie, and have a hiking trip planned to Leukerbad in June so we'll keep you posted on how we get on.

The Boys

Rhys is not yet of lawn-mowing age, but he sure does look cute just hanging about. Her are way too many pics of the boys, just doing their thing.

Rhys is now 10 weeks, can hold his (massive) head up pretty well and is smiling and talking a lot - basically any time anyone pays him any attention. He has fabulous rolls all over, particularly his thighs and neck and his eyes are still blue-grey but there is a teeny bit of light brown creeping in in spots. I have my money on hazel. Sam's eyes were clearly dark brown by this point.

Rhys is a bruiser. He is now wearing 6 month sleepers (hand me downs, though, so some could have shrunk a bit) and some of his 3-6 month outfits are too small. He isn't off the charts, but is at the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Sam started this way, too, but is still in size 2 clothing (shorts from last summer still fit) so he is clearly back around the median -where he should be with a slightly short mother and an average height dad. No doubt Rhys will do the same but I'm thinking he'll be a bit bigger than Sam. I've already started preparing Sam for this, particularly when he decides to sit on Rhys: "You know, Rhys could be bigger than you one day..."

2 monhts and 14 lbs...not that you are shocked with those thighs...

One sunny April afternoon out in the backyard, killing time before Daddy got home from work:

Sam got a push bike this summer (no pedals - very popular here)...and he is getting the hang of it:

More Rhys, because he is now smiling regularly and I can't resist:

Rhys naps better than Sam did (an hour at a stretch) - at least he does now that I remember to put him down regularly (so THAT is why he was crying so much lately...).

The brother torment begins early

And here is one of Rhys crying for good measure, since he does do quite a bit of that - basically anytime someone is not holding him or paying attention to him. Makes for loooooooong days but I know I'll miss it later.

Protesting being left alone or is it the striped velour one-piece?

My baby is growing up

Two other things happened the week Mamie and Poppa were here:

1. Sam drew his first stick person:

but even more exciting...

2. Sam was potty trained!!! (no picture as we are trying to INCREASE readership).

This latter was achieved after Sam had been using the potty for over a year (since 14 months - but only when prompted). I have been quite keen for Sam to reach this milestone, but have been really desperate since Rhys was born. All of a sudden, changing Sam was waaaaaaaaaay more disgusting (if you know what I mean) and also. I felt like I was changing a teenager in adult diapers. One evening after a particularly gross diaper change, I simply said, "Sam, Mommy REALLY doesn't like this. I would be SO happy if you went on the potty instead of in your diaper." Sam, always sensitive to his Mommy's feelings, said, "Yes. When I go on the potty you feel happy. When I go in my diaper you feel...(I was expecting 'sad')....sick!". Bang on buddy.

Then one day Sam decided that he wanted to wear underwear and so I indulged him, and decided that I'd try to end this diaper thing once and for all. I kept him home from pre-school and the Nanny's for the week to work on it. There were many accidents in the first few days (even a really nasty one - lucky Aaron who discovered it) but even day one he told us he needed to pee (too bad he already had). Understandably there was a learning curve after using a diaper for so long. As the days progressed, he had peed in his pants less and less before he told us he had to go until day 4 when he told us he had to pee BEFORE he peed. Success!