After a two-week break, the kids returned to their schools this morning with a bit of apprehension that quickly evaporated with the warm smiles of friends and teachers. And then they all went on to have SUCH good days.
Jack enjoyed his first lunch at the cantine at school, so we didn't see him between 8:20 a.m. and 5 p.m. We were a bit worried ourselves that that might be a tough transition after the break, and I was expecting a bit of a sad and mopey boy to be walking off of the bus... but he had a bright smile and said he loved the lunch (delicious pizza and vegetables that he didn't recognize but ate anyway and more) and that it was a great day. For now, he will have lunch twice a week at school, and twice a week at home. We have told him that after trying both lunch days this week (Monday and Thursday), he can adjust that schedule as he'd like... but so far, so good.
Katie and Livie, too, had nothing but good things to report from their school days -- tales of games and books and artwork created. They do occasionally have to explain to us that, you know, everyone speaks FRENCH at their school and THEY don't speak French yet, so it can be a bit tricky... but on the whole, both of them seem very content and pleased with their school and their work.
The great weather probably has helped everyone's spirits as well. I went for a run through the vineyards this afternoon and felt like I was smiling the whole time because of the sunshine. There are still many (many!) moments that I can't believe we're really here -- in France! You'd think after five weeks it'd be less of a surprise... but then again, there are still moments (more than five years after the "routine" ultrasound let us know the big news that there were, in fact, two babes in there) when I am a bit surprised to have twins!
I have been grateful to my mom (for many things, actually, but in this case...) for not only always reading the blog but also for reminding us that it *hasn't* been that long, that we've settled in so quickly and already done so much. I feel a pretty powerful sense of urgency, I think... because our time here is limited and there is so much to see and learn and do and experience. But it's good to be reminded that part of the experience is just *being*. So thanks, Mom!
Right now, I don't have too much planned the rest of the week beyond *being* in France. John may take a one-day research trip tomorow while we still have the rental car (he also visited a huge Buddhist temple about 90 mintues away Sunday afternoon, once his parents were safely on their way). I am trying to work up the courage to call for a haircut appointment, and if that happens, we may go to Dijon later this week. But otherwise -- although it was so wonderful to have Jay and Judy here and see so many amazing places -- it's kind of nice to not have much on the agenda right now. Because even a boring week in Villers-la-Faye is still pretty incredible when you think about it...
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