Go for Spain!

Andrew and the boys faithfully watched the Euro cup this past month. I'm not much of a sports fan, but it was fun watching the boys pick a team during each game and root for it. During each game they would shout "Go for Germany!" or whatever team they were rooting for. We were in Barcelona when Spain played Italy during the finals, and although I went to bed during the game, I was woken up by fireworks, honking and cheers. I didn't need to ask Andrew who won.

As I mentioned in my last post, we went straight from Nice to Barcelona, which was wonderful. We found the art and architecture in this city inspiring and the general vibe exciting. Plus, after living in Switzerland for 2 years, I can't even tell you how giddy I was seeing stores open past 6 pm. Really, it was thrilling. Each of our kids were sick in Barcelona, but it really wasn't a big deal since we had an apartment at a great location. Andrew and I just took turns going out and in some ways it was more relaxing since it forced us to slow down.

Barcelona Old Town and Las Ramblas

Parc Guell
Luke and I took a little date to this large park which overlooks the city. Lots of movie scenes are shot here, so you may recognize the terrace area which was designed by architect Anotoni Gaudi. Luke and I loved the mosaics!


The Harbor Front and Columbus Monument
The shot of my kids cracks me up because it is impossible to get a shot of them all together.


The Block of Discord
I studied Gaudi's work in college, and seeing it in person was even better than I expected! I left Barcelona a true fan of his work.



Sagrada Familia
We stayed a couple of blocks away from this church, so we were able to see a lot of it. It was of course designed by Gaudi and was started in 1882. It still isn't completed and is expected to be finished in 2028. The inside was a little too much for me, but Art Vandelay, I mean Andrew, L-O-V-E-D that place.



This was the last of our "big" trips during our time here in Europe, and I'm happy that we finished on a high note!

Nice and the French Riviera

It's possible that France could be my favorite European country... if it weren't filled with French people. Don't get me wrong, we have met some wonderful Frenchmen, but as a whole, I've never met such crabby people! My favorite incident from this past trip was when we were at a bakery ordering pastries. The shop worker rang us up, and when Andrew asked if we could add one more pastry to our order she threw a mini hissy fit. Holy cow, you would have thought he was telling her we didn't want anything at all. The huffing and puffing and shoving of the extra pastry into the bag was comical. What do you say to that? I'm sorry?!

But, my opinions of the French can be saved for another day. I do love their country, and that is that.

We spent 3 full days in the French Riviera last week, and thanks to the wonder that is Easy Jet, travel hardly cost of anything at all. In fact, our plane tickets were so cheap (30 chf per flight) that we decided to fly to Barcelona from Nice. The best part is that the flights were only 1 hour each. The downside to our trip was that is was planned for the end of June. It was HOT and our hotel did not have air conditioning. Somehow we survived.

We split up our time between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Afton was sick one day, so Andrew and the boys also went to Monaco.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Nice

On day 3 we went back to Villefranche and rented a boat. I'm not gonna lie, as we boated along the coast I felt a little like Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie. Maybe a more ghetto version...but still.

Monaco

And lastly, the Marc Chagall Museum. Be still my heart, I love me some Chagall.

Goodbye ISB

I attribute a large part of our happiness here to the International School. It has been such a nurturing environment for my boys and they have really thrived there. They have made wonderful friends, and I made some very dear friends as well. In fact, lots of times my kids had to drag me away from the playground after school because I wouldn't stop talking to them.

Luke had the perfect teachers for him this year. They were extremely caring and really took the time to attend to the individual needs of each child. On the other hand their class motto was "c'est la vie"- which translates to be "that's life". I think that is hilarious for a bunch of kindergarteners. Luke's favorite aspect of kindergarten was "Waldkinder"- which is where the class would go out into the forest about once a week. He also loved hanging out with Sammy and his friends on the playground.

Sam is my child who L-O-V-E-S school. He literally would wake up every morning and say, 'Yea! School today!" It left Andrew and I scratching our heads, but we hope this enthusiasm continues. He had a lovely teacher this year, and I really can't tell you what he loved best because he loved it all. Music, computer, German, PE, math- you name it.

I'm actually really sad to be leaving the ISB, but I'm so glad that the boys will be going back to a fabulous school in The States. Like most things concerning our move back, it is all a little bittersweet.

Sammy at this music concert. I was dreading hearing a bunch of 2nd graders play the violin, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.



And lastly here is a link to Sam's German play. Becca, I know you are the only one who will watch this- Sam comes on at 1:13 and is the one in red.

http://youtu.be/krvnz-UrM3U