June 2012

So summer is in full-swing here in Rota and we have been having a nice time relaxing, swimming at the neighborhood pool, playing with friends, and enjoying the nice weather.  The kids are appreciative of the opportunity that they have to sleep in and relax during the day considering that we were on "the go" much of the school year.  Here are a few pictures of some summer moments at the house (as a side note, these pictures were taken on different days but MJ is in the same outfit):

 Our messy baby

 couch naps

 ...some of Tatum's artwork...

Someone has teeth...

...and her name is Madeline!  Miss MJ marked her 5-month birthday with the appearance of 2 new bottom teeth.  Time is flying and she is just getting so big.

Notre Aventure Française: Deuxième Partie - Disneyland Paris

After a fun-filled 5 days in Paris, Versailles, and Chartres, our party of 10 headed to Disneyland Paris located in Marne-la-Vallée, about 30 minutes east of Paris.  On Thursday morning we packed up our bags, grabbed some lunch, and headed to the train for the short ride to the parks.  While not quite the experience that one is offered in Walt Disney World, the kids had a wonderful time nonetheless and it was a fun last couple of days in France.  We did not get a chance to snap as many photos in Disneyland because it rained a good portion of the time we were there and while it was not raining we were on a ride or waiting in line for a ride!

 On "Aladdin's Magic Carpet" ride

Watch out for our scary pirates!

At "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show"

Notre Aventure Française: Première Partie

It is hard to believe that our much anticipated trip to Paris and Disneyland Paris has already come and gone.  We booked the tickets when Madeline was just 4 days old.  Overall we had a wonderful 8 days in France.  We enjoyed 3 full days in the "city of love," Paris, a day in Versailles, and a day in Chartres, followed by 2 1/2 days at Disneyland Paris with our wonderful friends, the Arthur's.  Between our two families we had 4 adults and 6 children - all under the age of 5!  It was a week filled with taking in the sights, eating some yummy pastries and delicious food, playing in local parks, watching the boats in the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries, and riding on the non-stroller-friendly metro/train systems of France.  Below are a few of our pictures from the first part of the trip, Paris, Versailles, and Chartres:

 Catching some zzz's from an early morning flight

Trampolines in the Jardin de Tuileries - so fun!

Many a naps occurred like this

The Chartres Cathedral

The Palace of Versailles

Owen enjoying the palace splendor

A true glimpse of our nutty family of 5

The famous "locks of love" bridge