Our last days in France

We're writing from Virginia, alive and well, after having just made the journey from France, and crossing 6 time zones.  We left France after saying many goodbyes.  Six months is just enough time to start really enjoying a place and feeling comfortable. We'd love to have more time to get to know this fascinating country, but we're so grateful for the time we had. 

Here's a quick update via photos:

Saying goodbye to some friends that lived in the family building apartments at the school.  All together there were 18 kids in the 8 apartments.... and never a dull moment.  Luke will miss his buddies, but will quickly find new ones in DRC as he never stops talking and telling people what's on his mind.  He'll just have to start doing this in French and Swahili.

Leisbeth was a dear friend and watched Luke in nursery.  She'll be going to work with street kids in Madagascar this summer before heading back home to Holland to resume work there.

We had a wonderful goodbye with Anna's language partner Severine and her family.  After meeting them, Albertville felt about 10 x warmer.  They are lovely.

Marie graciously met with me every week. We usually strolled around town, each trying out each other's native language.  She works at the local Farmer's Market, and often gifted us with free fruits and veggies!

Packing up and cleaning our apartment... Luke kept the questions coming about where we were going, when we'd be in Africa, when he'd get to see lions, etc.  Hard to explain these things....

We made one last hurrah to our beloved Alps.  This hike was to two exquisite alpine lakes.  Its hard to imagine much more beautiful scenery.  It was peak wildflower season. Luke actually hiked a good bit of the way, which was quiet a gift to Patrick. To top it off, both of the kids fell asleep in backpacks on our descent, giving our first quiet hike in a LONG time, we cherished it :)

Luke took up 'fishing' at one of the lakes (with a stick but without any fishing line or hook)d.  He's been excited about getting back to the USA to go fishing with Baba.  Miriam could play in the grass for hours.  She examines every stone, tries them out for taste and loves scratching in the dirt the best.  That's our girl!

Another massive glacier on another stunning mountain in a national park many french have never even been to or heard of ?!  France blew us away with its beauty and grandeur.

Luke made his debut hiking across a snow field on the side of a mountain.  

We'll miss the people, tastes and sights of France, BUT we're eager to spend some good time with family and friends July 1-15 and then eager to start our new adventure in DRC come mid-July.....