A Fun Birthday Trip...

I celebrated my birthday this past week and so we enjoyed a little exploring adventure to a neighboring town, that is only about a 45 minute drive from where we live. It's to the beautiful town of Annecy. They call it the "Venice of France" because there are streets of water and little canals down several little areas. It is a beautiful town nestled into the Alpes Region with Lake Annecy at the foot of the mountains. (Often I say to myself... I can't believe we live here!!) Now, please remember, it's not all beautiful all the time... and when I walk out my door, I have to speak (or at least try to) speak a language that is (still) foreign to me and meet and live with people whose customs are different than my own! So, while this may seem picture perfect ... there are still day in and day out struggles here too! ;-)
We started off the day with a carosel ride and then ventured back into an art show that was going on. Then we stumbled upon some people selling antiques (I think they were)... but we saw lots of cool things! We heard lots of French and are learning more and more daily about the culture, customs and people of our new home. Stephen surprised me with a new camera for my birthday, so I'm enjoying "trying it out" and taking lots of different things... bare with my photo taking!!! And, just let us know when you want to visit!!! ;-)



Beautiful canals...

Antique Road Show, French style...



My two favorite little people...

Setting Up House and Home...

Here are a few pics of our house... it's a small flat, but we're thankful to call it home. I only have a few, but hope you enjoy taking a look around...

I took pics of the kids while they were sleeping. Noah and Sadie Mac share a room and their beds are at the same end of the wall...


The "two sides of my kitchen"...


Stephen, working hard in our den (which also doubles as our dining room) where you can't see...

My Big Eater...

Eating is serious business to my Noah. The nursery workers tell us how he LOVES to eat! We're thankful, because after being so little at birth, we'll take all the appetite he can handle! He's doing great now... and loves food. The other day... a funny thing happened... after his big smile....


Lets take a break from the eating... and do a dance!!!....

(All I can think of is the song....) Everybody say, "Hip-hop-horay-ho-hey-ho!!!"

Starting School...

Starting school for any child is a bit scary... but think about a three year old, who doesn't speak the language, and just arrived two weeks prior to the start... no friends, not even an acquaintance. My little girl is brave...
A few days before the start of school we went to explore. I was thankful we could meet her teacher, who speaks a little English and was very kind to Sadie. Her classroom is full of fun toys that any child would enjoy. Kitchen set or "cuisine" in French, baby doll area, painting, puzzles, blocks... it's great!

Of course we had to do a bit of shopping before the big day... she wore her first school outfit from NanNan and her little bookbag was from Grandma! We also had to go and buy little house shoes for her to wear in her classroom... I thought they were really cute! She also needed a little pillow and blanket for their rest time... so I stitched her name in a pillow just her size...






She was excited and ready, with a few butterflies on the inside, I'm sure! She has done great! Yes... it's been a bit rocky, but all things considered, I'm so proud of her!! After a few days, we were walking home talking about her teacher and she stops us and says, "mom, dad... I call her MADAME!!" It was so cute!!

Taking a Look Around Our Town

So, we thought we'd share with you some of the beautiful and amazing things that we pass by, some every day. We laugh at how we NEVER thought we would have lived in a place like this... my dream was an African hut... but I guess the Lord has other plans for this season of our journey. Enjoy taking a look around....


We pass by this area walking to Sadie's school...

Went up on the mountain a few days ago and got this pic of our town, nestled into the mountains...

From our grocery store parking lot...

Sadie Mac and the Muffin Man, who lives on Drewery Lane...

Catching Up with Old (and new little) Friends...

A few days after we arrived, we were so excited to welcome some friends from a neighboring country! We have lived together in America, Sudan, Egypt, and even spent some time together in Jordan! We've known them for a while and so it's fun to watch our famillies grow together. They now live just about 2 hours from us and so they came (through) the mountians for a few days of catching up.
It was also an extra special visit because in the past year of being apart, we added to our families with two little boys. Here are some pics of our reconnecting and playing...


Yes, this is our favorite new park!!!

The Three Musketeers!!! (watching a movie!)

Noah, this is Ezekiel... Ezekiel, this is Noah. (and your milks)

Princess TEA PARTY!!!

Slumber party!!!!

This is why they call it a "passie leash"