1 Year Anniversary

 

While we were in the South of France we had our 1 year anniversary since leaving New Zealand.  We brought a yummy French cake, ate lollies and danced around the lounge.  Corban even offered Leo her dress, she told him "he would look cute" ... being the tough boy that he is, he took her up on the offer and they had a wonderful time! It is crazy to think that we have been away for a year!!  We have learnt so much, met many new people, been challenged over simple things, had the longest winter ever, learned to greet people in 4 languages and much to Allan's disappointment been ripped off on the odd occasion.  The kids have all grown heaps.  Leo was barely talking and now he expresses himself in the funniest ways and gets us all laughing.  Corban is beginning to read simple words, I had to laugh on the bus when she was trying to sound out a really long Czech word and then responded with "well that doesn't say anything!" ... just what I was thinking (ha ha). Taylor gives directions to tourists in Czech.  Allan can drive on the right hand side of the road without freaking me out and I got us going with how to travel Europe as a family of 5 without breaking the bank.  All in all a great year!  

Le Bourget du Lac

Le Bourget du Lac , a set on Flickr.

I have already posted some photos of Le Bourget du Lac, this is the area we were staying. These are an assortment of photos from our mornings and afternoons at the lake, plus a visit to the local castle. The pictures don’t really show how clear the lake is but it is beautiful and warm. The water play area is a great place for the kids to play. It is amazing to think that at the start of our holiday Leo wouldn’t go near the water and would cling on so tightly with fear. Now he is swimming out to the pontoon by himself (with water wings) and jumping off with such a huge smile. We stayed in the water most afternoons until the sun went down behind the mountains; it gets cold pretty quick once this happens.

La Croix du Nivolet

La Croix du Nivolet , a set on Flickr.

From where our house is in the Alp’s we can see a giant cross across the valley on another mountain. We have done several hiking tracks that are quite rocky and long so Allan and Taylor went on this hike while I stayed home with the little kids. Once again Allan and Taylor saw some fantastic views and enjoyed the walk, which apparently wasn’t as hard as other hiking trips we have done. They were home for lunch and ready for a swim in the lake!

Annecy France

Annecy France, a set on Flickr.

Annecy France is the cutest, little town with heaps of character. Settled in the French Alps not far from the Swiss border, it was a lovely place to visit with a river running through the old town buildings out into the lake. It was difficult to get photo’s because we were there on a very busy summers day and the town was absolutely packed with tourists. Once again another stunning place to visit, we just pinch ourselves it doesn’t seem real that we are getting to see all of these amazing places.