August Recap

After France, we had a few days before Pete was back to work. We received great news from friends who had moved away just before the pandemic that they were moving back to Europe. And while Austria isn't exactly next door, it is a whole lot closer than Indonesia! They drove up to Amsterdam from Austria and spent the weekend with us before the kids were back to school. Such a happy reunion! Then the kids started school and I went immediately from their first day of school photo shoot to the airport to head to Denver for Gia's wedding! Another great solo trip spent with good friends in a beautiful part of the world. After returning home, it was immediately time for a sad goodbye as Maeve's good buddy Luisa was moving to America. They are outside of NYC so I'm hopeful we'll be able to see each other before too long! 

Donut making!

Craft time!

Maeve learned to ride her bike without the training wheels!

I went to the Concertgebouw to see the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra. It was an emotional evening, but such a beautiful display of their cultural heritage.

Back to school science department BBQ

Reunited with Brett and Sandi! A beautiful night in the city while their former nanny babysat all of the kids.

Old friends and new

A very warm day at Ouderkerkerplas with the crew

With Zoey and Blake. Kids grow a lot in 2 years!! 

1st and 3rd grade here they come! 

At Luisa's going away yard sale (where they gave away a lot of their toys to their friends).

This beautiful, kind, and generous friend, Sylvie, will really be missed! 

The kid crew

Happy Birthday, Alicia! 

End of our French Riviera Vacay

On the last day of our beach week, we visited one final hill town, Gassin, much to Maeve's chagrin. Girl was not feeling any more "exploring"! Both kids were really into the art gallery we popped into though. We powered through, hit up a final winery, spent the afternoon at the beach, and finished with some final rides at Azur Park.

Views out over our accommodation on the left and the local wineries

From Norway to St. Tropez, the little 2005 car that could! 

We went to the harborside boulangerie for our last breakfast after checkout. Then we drove to Sarah's place to wait out some Saturday traffic. 

Maeve made two new best friends!

Back on the road! We drove to just north of Lyon, stayed the night (back to airconditioning!) and then drove the final long day home. 

Plage de L'Escalet and Sainte-Maxime

We had a lazy morning after our late night at Azur Park and then drove to Plage de L'Escalet, a rocky cove beach. Jude tried his luck snorkeling (there were only schools of small fish). 

Maeve and I got our Yatzee on 

Then it was time to find some wine! There were many choices.

The first stop was at a collective of a number of area wines housed in a sleek, modern building. We downloaded Pokemon Go to my phone to keep the kids entertained. They were asking to go to more vineyards! Twist our arms. 

The second stop was to this roadside stand that gave tastings, Domaine la Rouillere. Super efficient! And delicious. We bought a reserve in a bottle that is like a work of art. The rose is long gone, but we will be keeping that bottle! 

The next stop, Chateau Barbeyrolles, was a lovely spot. Pete realized he had dropped his wallet in the parking lot of the previous stop, so he retrieved it while the kids found Pokemons. We were seated and served roses and reds, while the kids were given coloring supplies. 

Home for some swimming before driving to Saint Maxime to meet Sarah and crew for dinner. The town was having their night market, which we checked out long enough for Maeve to become upset that we wouldn't let her get braids put in her hair. 

Another pastel town

Dancing to the sound check for the evening's waterfront concert

A fun dinner together at Entrepotes 83. The kids were very civilized with their activities!