Clermont Ferrand. Ready or not...

We were thankful just to be finished flying when we got to Clermont. I remember telling Rick that I didn't care if I hated it here. I was NOT going home until they told us it was time to move back. I'm still of that mind by the way. Sorry Greenville/US people, either our kids have to get a lot older or you all can come see us.

 

We had a nice family (who I had not preciously met) meet us at the airport. They were so sweet to bring us some starter groceries and even let us borrow some euros (we'd totally forgotten we'd need cash and that our credit cards might not work here). And the best part - they still want to hang out with us! Let's just say we were a little rough looking when we got here. Thank you Hamiltons!! We appreciate all you did for us!!

 

On the road following our French realtor!

At Michelin global headquarters getting our keys and info for our temp housing. Lily is clearly over it all. And Charlie well he was too. The kids did love the fact that our sunroof was so big!

 

Paris.

We landed in Paris on a Wednesday (I think). It was freezing cold and about 10am. Rick and I were exhausted. Lily cried pretty much the entire flight so she ended up sleeping on me the majority of the time in the air. Ruthie and Charlie were out cold when we landed and we all know waking up a 4 and 2 year old isn't ideal.

We let everyone else get off the plane first and then we started loading everything up - a carseat, a carry one weighting at least 40lbs, an umbrella stroller, 4 over carry on backs, 2 adult backpacks, 5 winter coats and 3 kids. Lily started crying. I looked back at her and she'd throw up ALL OVER her clothes. Of course, we being the wise seasoned mother that I am failed to pack an additional outfit for her. Thankfully I did pack her pajamas. Although we had to get off the airplane so she sat in the throw up clothes for the better part of 45 minutes screaming as we made our way to our next gate.

Thankfully we didn't have that long of a layover in Paris. Our Clermont-Ferrand plane was on time and we got to our new home in one piece. Kind of.

This is Lily in Paris. Um. Yeah.

A bit out of order. Charlie and Ruthie having a quick snack in ATL before boarding the Air France flight.

Here goes nothing!

Trying to stay awake in Paris. I caved and took a 15 minute nap.

France. Ready or not.

The Saturday before the Tuesday that we flew Charlie didn't look so good. We can always tell he's getting sick because his energy level dips a bit and he looks super tired. I knew it was his ears. We decided to run the kids to the CVS Minute Clinic. Sure enough, a double ear infection. I had the doctor check Ruthie's ears as well. Hers had fluid that did in appear to be infected. I asked for antibiotics x 2. 

By Tuesday both kids were fine we had finally finished weighing suitcases, unpacking and repacking. We decided to head to Chickfila for one last diet lemonade and chargrilled chicken sandwich for awhile. Both were equally delicious.

At the airport we unloaded 6 suitcases all filled to the brim, 3 carseats, a pack in play, 2 strollers and 5 carry on bags. It looked like the circus had come to town. 

In my carry on I had packed baby food for Lily. Before buying/packing it I read the TSA website and made sure I wasn't going to have to throw it away as soon as we got there. The website sight said baby food, formula, breast milk = a ok. The TSA workers at the airport didn't get the same memo. I had to have a pat down. I wasn't happy. After this slight hiccup we boarded the plane and headed to ATL.

All of our planes were on time. Miracles do happen and before we knew it we were on our Air France flight. Next stop Paris!!
 

Charlie overseeing the entire weighing/labeling/checking in process. All of our luggage made it to France! Miracles do happen.

Lily and me on the first flight. You can tell because we're smiling...

Flying - not so impressive to Charlie and Ruthie. Charlie insisted the window shade be down the entire flight. To each his own...

Making a return!

Long time no post! Sorry. Charleston ended up being much busier than anticipated and then we blinked and found ourselves in Clermont.

To recap: after leaving temp housing in Greenville we headed to Charleston to live with Rick's parents for 3 weeks. We had a great time in Charleston and are so thankful for Rick's parents. It was so nice of them to let us invade there home for such a long stretch of time. During the 3 week time period we went to ATL for our French consulate visit and made a final trip to Greenville for our nephew's baptism and a Christmas celebration.

The kids had a great time riding in Papa's truck going to jobs with him. Vaso and Papa took them out to diner one night and then to a large Christmas light display. Santa miraculously found us in Charleston and delivered travel friendly gifts.

Other than my fluke food poisoning incident and Rick's never ending sinus infection/cold fun was had by all.

Thanks Vaso and Papa!! Pictures to come...

Temp housing fun!

Today is our last day of temporary housing in Greenville. We're headed to Charleston for 3 weeks and then head to France on Jan 8th. We are really going to miss everyone in the US. This isn't good bye this is see you later!!!

I am apparently James Bond's mother (CPS - that is WATER by the way).

Lily emptied her suitcase on a daily basis. I'm not kidding.

 



 

We found a nice hill to run up and down.

 

Lily found all kind of things other than toys to play with.

 

We worked on our fine motor skills.

 

St. Nicholas even found us!

Come to France and see us.

POP

Thursday was Charlie's last day of K4 at POP. He had a great semester and really enjoyed his time there. I will really miss POP and his sweet teachers.

Next stop French school!

Besides the hair growth - it is amazing to see how much he has changed in just a few months!

 

First day of K4.

Last day of K4 at POP. 

Thanksgiving - opps

I thought I had posted about Thanksgiving but my records show otherwise! So here you go...

We spent Thanksgiving at Lake Lure, NC this year with all the cousins, aunts, uncles and of course Vaso and Papa. We had a great time hiking, eating, fishing, eating, kayaking, eating, roasting marshmallows (does that count as eating?), eating, and well eating. We will remember this Thanksgiving for years to come. Thank you Vaso and Papa!!

Our view!

Did I mention the food?

 

 

 Family bonding.

 

 

 We even celebrated Lily's 1st bday (a little early) since everyone was already together! Please ignore the broken in half cake "glued" together with cake icing...