gabriella & jd (and alex! and vincent!)

Christmas Eve - more eating and naps, and the 5th day of Hanukkah.  A visit to the Mudd's in Rockville to see Kathleen, Maureen, John, Maisie and Mrs. Mudd. Christmas - Mace, Suzanne and Eddy came around to Kensington for a great meal of duck, "faux meat roll" (actually, Field Roast Hazelnut-Cranberry Field Roast ) and lots of veggie side dishes.  The weather was nice and sunny and Alex and Eddy had a great time together as always.  Vincent liked hanging with Cousin Mace.  Then it was back around to the Cahoon's to visit with the family and Kathleen. pictures more pictures

The Merci Train , also known as the French Gratitude Train or the Forty and Eight We've spent the week enjoying the mild weather (no snow this year), seeing lots of train exhibits, and meeting Toots and Poppie in Baltimore at the B&O Railroad Museum .  Then there was a fantastic lunch in Little Italy in Baltimore, some beers and English football in Fells Point, and Hanukkah presents. Alex loves his Hot Wheels Sky Jump set from Toots. On Friday we met Shana for lunch in DC and a quick hop to Union Station for the train exhibit. lots of naps Baltimore etc. more

That's one big aircraft.  Guess how many babies and cats and dogs you can fit on there?  A lot! We've spent the first few days of our trip to the US getting over jet lag in the basement at Emily Street, interspersed with visits from the Cahoon children for Continental Pizza and the really bad Smurfs movie, a trip to Wheaton Plaza for shoes for Alex, Brookside Gardens and the train exhibit, some sushi, Mexican, and pho. Oh, and a drive thru Starbucks. OMG. pictures more pictures a few more

Bela, First Communion 1937, age 9 Budapest, Hungary (click on picture to enlarge)

Town Hall of Levallois-Perret, France A few more pictures from France before we left for the US for the holidays.  Alex really enjoyed riding the autocars with his friends from school (Jade, Keloudja) and the gaufre (waffle) with powdered sugar and churros while there was vin chaud for the adults. Vincent had his 6 month check-up, all is well and he weighs 18 pounds. pictures

It must be December if it's gray and rainy in Paris.  Vincent is starting to roll over and reach and grab and put everything in his mouth.  We also visited "Le village du Père Noël" in our town where Alex enjoyed riding "les tracteurs". Sunday Funday at the Musee d'Arts et d'Histoire du Judaism pictures more pictures

Alex, 5 1/2 years old It's school picture time again, and Alex lost his second tooth yesterday! pictures   Vincent, Paris, JD in New York more pictures

Vincent loves Clifford Alex, Vincent, food, the park, Sunday Funday (making mezzuzahs) in St. Germain and snack (goûter).  The warmest November ever in France . pictures Sunday Funday more pictures

You don't get many perfect days in the Fall. When they happen in one of the world's most beautiful cities, you drop whatever you are doing and head outside. Today's adventure didn't result in anything more than lunch and a walk, but it was a great day. Fall pictures pictures from the week more weekend pictures

Back from vacation, back to Paris in November.  The temperature is still mild (high 50's/low 60's) but of course there's some rain. Vincent is getting stronger this week, trying to push to roll over and getting very defiant, pushing back with his back and legs. We also purchased a high chair for Vincent - a bit more than the Target special we had for Alex, but it's European and streamlined and was in a store only two blocks away.  Now Vincent just needs to get his groove on for food. pictures more pictures 

Positano, Italy We just returned from a fabulous 5 day vacation to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.  More pictures and stories coming...the views and food and wine were spectacular.  And as JD likes to say, "Italy is Italian for chaos". Day 1 Naples to Praiano, Italy Day 2 driving the winding road along the Amalfi Coast Day 3 Sorrento and Pompei Day 4 Capri and Positano Day 5 back to Naples and Paris More pictures The rest of the pictures Some highlights -Mount Vesuvius -Alex's first loose tooth -the view from our balcony -seeing Jupiter in the clear night sky -breakfast in bed (Alex) -spaghetti (Alex) -the wine, the pasta, the limoncello, and Francesco the waiter at our hotel -our fabulous hotel and the folks that ran it ( Hotel Margherita ) -the sumptuous gourmet meal we had the day it was raining in a restaurant on a cliff -the chaos that is Italy

Some pictures of Vincent Vincent is getting very strong and can hold his head up and really grab things with his hands and get them to his mouth.

Fall has definitely arrived with our first morning temperatures in the high 30's.  Ouch.  Days are still warm and sunny but probably not for long!  And now it's time for the Toussaint vacation (10/23 - 11/3).  JD was in Madrid for a quick work trip (no pictures). 10-16 clothes from Toots, weekend Sunday Funday, Sukkot Sunday Funday website                       what is Sukkot? 10-21 a walk in Paris, our town, the weekend, Vincent

We've been going to the park after school with some of the girls from Alex's school.   They have their snack ( goûter) and then run around and play.  Vincent's new skills this month include grabbing things, like the soccer ball Maureen gave him, and putting them in his mouth.  Then there was some cake and caramel for my birthday. JD had a work trip to Milan (no pictures) and Étretat (tons of pictures).  He said the food was fabulous.  park and cake Étretat an October day walking around Paris Rue Cler, Jardin du Luxembourg, the Marais

Shana left on Monday to head back to the States.  We've started Vincent on food - in France they start them around 4 months with purees and compotes, as opposed to with Alex it was at 6 months and with rice cereal.  Vincent didn't really like the haricots verts as you will see from the pictures. Then it was Yom Kippur.  We cooked lamb from a Kosher deli in our town and it was delicious. large camera pictures small camera

Reims cathedral Yesterday we took a day trip to Reims, 45 mins by TGV from Paris (over 300 km an hour).  We enjoyed walking around the city, seeing the cathedral where 25 Kings of France have been crowned, taking the Petit Train, drinking champagne, and touring the Pommery champagne cellars.  There was a strange art exhibit all through the cellars involving sound and light. pictures small camera pictures large camera - Friday night and Saturday Reims

Sunday Funday, Rosh Hashanah, making challah, enjoying the fabulous weather. It's been non-stop sunshine and warm (80 degrees) all week and it's supposed to continue.  We'll take it!  There was a teacher strike on Tuesday so no school.  We met JD for lunch in La Defense.  Yesterday, Shana arrived on end of her 3 week European tour to visit for a few days.  Tomorrow, Reims for some champagne and history. Sunday Funday small camera large camera a few more of Vincent

Chantilly Our second trip to Chantilly.  We decided to go for the day since the weather was going to be fabulous.  It's a quick 20 minute train ride (Vincent's first Metro, RER and train ride), then a walk through town where we had lunch in a courtyard before making our way to the chateau.  We took the Petit Train around the gardens.  Chantilly is popular for wedding photos and we saw four weddings headed to the chateau to take pictures. pictures - small camera pictures - big camera

tomatoes from all over the world This weekend in our town there was a food, furniture and plant show. I tried a crepe on a stick (crepe - sucette) filled with caramel. We saw an exhibition of tomatoes from all over the world, and some strange furniture for sale. pictures more pictures even more pictures

"Je dessine ma famille" Last night we had a meeting in Alex's classroom to understand everything he is going to be doing and learning this year. pictures

Monday was Alex's first day back to school.  He practically ran to school he was so excited to see his friends.    Alex is in Grande Section, the equivalent of kindergarten in the US.  He goes 8:30 am - 4 pm.  He is in Class 11 with 25 other children.  Some of this friends from last year are in other classes but they get to see each other at lunch and during play and when the classes mix.  Alex has two teachers (one on Monday, the other the rest of the week).  He said they were both very nice. The week started out chilly, was cloudy all week, now it's 88 degrees today!  JD had to go to London most of the week, but Alex was good and helped out and Vincent was good too.  We went to the park after school and enjoyed some walks.  I came upon a fancy wedding on Friday at the Mairie. pictures other camera pictures

We spent the last week of summer enjoying the nice weather and meeting JD for lunch at La Defense.  Saturday was hot (87 degrees) so we enjoyed time in the park and a good meal out in our town.  One of the supermarkets in our town was upgraded - check out those wide aisles! pictures

wine not pictured :-) This past Sunday was our first big market day since we've been away. Turkey brochettes (foreground) with salt, cracked pepper, oregano and lemon, a Greek salad with fresh tomatoes ("coeur de pigeon"), mini cucumbers and feta cheese, fresh figs, a baguette and some cheese (tomme de savoie aux herbes, an aged Saint Félicient, and a fresh, moist chevre rounded out the best lunch we've had in a while. more pictures More pictures of Vincent, and our weekend.  We walked around Paris which is great in August - deserted, but restaurants and shops are open. even more

We got out of Dodge just in time to miss the earthquake and Hurricane!  We arrived back in France on Monday and are adjusted to the time difference.  Lincoln missed us, and passed the time by sleeping in everyplace he could think of in the apartment, including Vincent's bed. rest of beach and US, back to France haircut, Wheaton Regional, cooking, Vincent and Grannie one last Cahoon visit and back to France

pictures Wednesday was our last day at the beach, and the nicest weather!  It was hot and sunny so the kids had one more day at the beach and the pool.

pictures other camera pictures Another fun day at the beach.  The kids had a great time digging holes and playing ball.  We hit the boardwalk at night for some rides and games and frozen custard.

We are at Rehoboth Beach, DE for a few days staying at the Horn Harrop house with Toots, Poppie, Ilana, Craig, Brian, and Lindsey.  Alicia also came down for a day.  The weather cleared on Monday and there was some good beach time.  Vincent is enjoying the chill atmosphere of the beach. arriving Sunday beach on Monday

Alex on Z and GG's boat pictures A great day of boating, Z and GG took us down the Potomac to National Harbor where we had lunch at Rosa Mexicano (pomegranate margaritas and tableside guac). more boat pictures more pictures Our friend Dennis stopped by to meet Vincent and play some soccer with Alex.

Vincent loves Aunt Shana Friday Met Z and GG on their boat at the Washington Marina where they had just docked.  Shana joined us after work for drinks, then dinner at Cantina Marina .  Alex enjoyed his orange soda and olive "martini".  Columbus and Bella the kitties were social as usual. Saturday We stayed at the Washington Hilton to have easy access to DC.  Met Carrie, Spencer, Barb and Aunt Flo for coffee 3 blocks from the hotel where they had a salon appointment with Jamie.  Took Alex to the Air and Space Museum where he saw the IMAX movie with the Space Shuttle.  Then we met Z, GG, Shana, Rachel and Jon (who flew in from Austin for the weekend) at Founding Farmers for a great meal.  Then we walked(!) all the way past the White House to the Capital to the US Botanical Garden.  Then it was time to head to the hotel, back out for a Greek dinner, and back to the hotel to sleep. Sunday Went to Lucky Bar to watch Manchester United vs City, then down to Barb's for th

More pictures of Vincent and Alex hanging out at Grannie's while JD was in Chicago for work.  Grannie's friend Claire stopped by to meet Vincent, and Alex took some more pictures with our camera. pictures

Spencer, Mitchell and Natalie meet Vincent We finally made it around the Beltway to spend the day with Carrie and the kids.  We had a great time at Chick-fil-a and the pool.  Vincent enjoyed meeting the kids, and Natalie loved holding Vincent. pictures

Eddy jumps in and swims! A day visiting with Mace and Suzanne and Eddy.  Vincent enjoyed the pool. pictures more pictures

We just purchased a new camera - check it out! pictures

Alex and his new "baskets" (sneakers) We spent the first week in the US getting over jet lag (mainly Alex).  pictures movie

Paris to Dulles on the A380! Alex was very excited. Vincent enjoyed the hanging bassinet on the airplane and slept most of the time. We arrived just in time for the heatwave. Alex is enjoying all the things to do at Grannie's house including the new pool. pictures more pictures movie

Vincent is starting to smile. pictures

Alex enjoys stacking the formula and bottles to make a "chateau".  Alex watched the last Space Shuttle take off, and has been helping us around the apartment and with the shopping. Vincent is still losing his hair, and continuing to gain weight (see his chins). Vincent weighs 8 lbs 14 oz and is 21 inches long! He's gained 2 lbs since birth and grown 2 inches. pictures

flowers from JD's Executive Management Committee at work School's out, and we've been doing a lot of relaxing.  Vincent continues to eat, sleep, and grow, and his hair is starting to fall out. pictures movie check this out -                                Alex, two weeks old                                          Vincent, one month old

We are supposed to weigh Vincent at the PMI (Centre de Protection Maternelle et Infantile) every week.  On June 28 he had gained a pound! Toots left on Sunday, just in time to miss the 2-day heatwave (97 degrees+).  Grannie left today, June 29, taking the A380 to Dulles .  Alex was very jealous, he wants to take the A380. We also had the end of school meeting in Alex's class yesterday.  Last day of school is July  1. pictures last Alex school meeting

Les Grand Mères et Vincent et l'Arc de Triomphe Toots arrived on Monday.  This week we took Vincent to get the photo for his passport, went to the park, and Vincent had his first venture into Paris, and first bus rides.  We walked up the Champs Elysees and had lunch at Ladurée.  On Friday, Vincent became a US citizen when we reported his birth and applied for his passport at the US Embassy. And thank goodness for our fabulous friends in the US (Carrie and family, Rose and Beth, Kathleen) who sent us the best gifts for Alex and Vincent, and of course, trash mags for the adults.  And thank you, Heather, for the requested salsa from Austin. Toots pictures. more pictures.

Alex went back to school on Friday, and Z and GG went on a tour of Paris (the Marais, Notre Dame, Montmartre) and then we had more wine and cheese.  Saturday was Alex's Fête de l'école and Vincent had his first big outing in Levallois.  pictures

the spread from King David Traiteur Cacher Today was Vincent's bris.  Some pictures from Z's camera, half taken by Alex, and a few from last night also. pictures more pictures

Vincent is enjoying being home, he is eating and sleeping like a champ.  Grannie arrived from the US, and we spent the day relaxing and eating.  On Wednesday, Z and GG arrived. June 13 Grannie arrives June 14 hanging out at home June 15 Z and GG arrive

More Vincent pictures from the hospital - hanging out with Alex, watching movies, getting a bath (there is a "training station" where a nurse teaches you how to bathe the baby and you bathe them everyday!), and a visit with the pediatrician.  And finally, some measurements, since they don't do height at birth here. height:  49 cm (19 inches) June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 coming home - and Lincoln checks him out Movies: nurse gets him dressed Alex meets Vincent Alex Vincent Dad and Vincent Dad, Alex and Vincent Fingers Alex pushes Vincent in bassinet

Born about two weeks early (and one week ahead of his expected c-section!). Links to all the pictures are below from the BlackBerry - day one from the iPod - day one from the camera - day one from the camera - day two

There was a "ferme" in our town one weekend, complete with a few animals that Alex and the other children enjoyed feeding hay. pictures movies: feeding the French goat counting