When we had one kid, it was easy to keep the blog up-to-date with all the latest developments. With two, it’s a little tougher! Still, the kids continue to grow up and right now is a point of transition for both of them.

Alexandre is days away from taking his first steps. He’s walking everywhere with the help of some support, but can’t quite bring himself to take those first solo steps. Put him behind something he can push, though, and he’ll do laps around the house.

Juliette has suddenly started talking. It could be the fact that she’s in school around French-speakers all day long, or it could just be the moment when everything comes together, but in the past two weeks she’s gone from speaking just a few words to telling us everything. In French, naturally. OK for Aude and I, but not super for Grandpa!

As autumn sets in, we enjoyed one of the last days of the season on the terrace…

Alex and Mom pose for a photo

Hey, Alex!

Chomping down on a fork!

Juliette has discovered the camera. And loves to play to it…

Out for a stroll on the terrace.

Snack time

Ready for the pros!

Where’s the goal?!?

After a wonderful two-week visit, it’s time to say goodbye to Grandpa until Christmas. The kids are sad to see him go; although I suspect Grandpa’s emotions are more mixed. He’s sad to say goodbye to the kids, but happy for a full day of peace-and-quiet. 🙂 We’re anxiously awaiting his return!

Grandpa and Papa

Grandpa and Juliette

Grandpa and Aude

Grandpa and Alexandre

Dad has wanted to have a mechoui for as long as he can remember, but never really had the space to do it. So what better excuse than his huge garden to invite all of his friends to tuck into a feast of roasted lamb and suckling pig?

We had a huge crowd and a wonderful time, and thankfully the weather held out. The meal was delicious and all the kids seemed to have a wonderful time.

Emile, master of the trike

Olivia with her heart…

Bao was our biggest knight.

Think Juliette is a little excited about her balloon flower?!?

Balloon flower

“Quit clowning around!” said Dad. “Quit making such stupid jokes,” said Mom. (In Dad’s defense, she wore size 85 shoes)

15kg of suckling pig

18kg of lamb

Nom nom nom

Maxime the knight?

Hey, good lookin’

Maxime and Pauline explore the forest

Time for the main attraction — the carving of the lamb

Sword fight

Tuck in!

Having a good time

Aude and Juliette tuck into dinner

Pauline is as beautiful as an angel

Olivia is the prettiest princess!

Juliette gets painted. Lots of patience required!

“I asked for a tiger,” said Emile. “This looks like a dalmatian.” Not 100% convinced.

Grandpa and the neighbor, Christoph. Grandpa speaks no French. Christoph speaks no English. Thank goodness for wine.

Someone alert the emergency services. There are a lot of candles on that cake!

Dad and Alex

Dad and Grandpa, having a great time!

Leo has a *major* case of candle envy.

Forty? I’d never believe it.

This year, Alex is going to share his main birthday celebration with Dad. It will be a great chance for everyone to catch up with their friends, and Grandpa will be here too, to join in the fun. But September 3rd is Alex’s day, and it stands to reason that he’ll celebrate it in style. We had a little party with the family, Grandpa and Regine. And even a cake for one.

Turns out Alex wasn’t much interested in the cake. He tried to eat the candle, though.

A birthday cake for one

“One year old? This calls for a little reflection…”

Alex has a candle!

“Oh! One!”

The presents are bigger than Alex.

And a wonderful surprise from Regine

Grandpa remembered to bring something for Juliette, too

Rings

“Panda?”

It’s a very big day for Juliette — she starts school today! The morning went very well, with a very excited little girl practically bounding out of bed. It was all smiles on the schoolhouse steps, with the mayor turning out to welcome Juliette on her first day.

She got settled in straight away, found her place, and started to explore all the new toys… Let’s hope the day finishes as well as it started!

Someone is very excited about her first day at school!

Juliette on the steps of the schoolhouse

Straight to the kitchen!

Juliette’s exploring the classroom

Settling in

Making friends?