Les Voyages de Liam

We returned on Sunday from an awesome week visiting Aunt Erin, Uncle Thomas, Sarah, Pierre, and little cousin-to-be (!) in France. Despite the l-o-n-g flights and the major time change, Liam was happy as could be to be with his cousins and to explore his new surroundings. Thank goodness for Aunt Erin and Uncle Thomas, who have done this trip countless times with kids and helped us to know what to expect as Liam adjusted (one day for every hour of time change! He finally figured it out by Friday, and we left on Sunday!). But it was worth every bit of it to be with our family and enjoy some very special time together.

Some of our favorite moments from the trip:

Liam decidedly not sleeping on the flight to Frankfurt. He finally gave in about 4 hours later.


Arrival at Chez Hantz, and it took Liam about 4 seconds to find their sandbox on the terrace. Score!



On Sunday, we celebrated both Uncle Thomas and Aunt Erin's birthdays in Ohlungen. Lots of space for the kids to run around (and a pool! and another sandbox!) while we ate loads of tarte flambee.



Liam doing some sight-seeing in downtown Strasbourg.



The gang in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral. In the evening, we got to check out the light show projected onto the cathedral-- it was awesome!



Despite Pierre's teeth-mark-tattoos compliments of our sweet but ferocious little boy, he was kind enough to share his glace with Liam downtown. (Seriously, if anyone has any good tips for dealing with biters, send them my way!!)



Walking through La Petite France. We took this same picture over 2 years ago-- but with Pierre in the stroller instead!



We stopped for a drink (thanks Mom and Dad!) and some playtime:



Liam helping out by mopping up the terrace. Some things never change!



We spent a fun day at the Ecomusee d'Alsace where we explored a village of authentic Alsatian rural homes from the 19th century. It was really like going back in time! Liam and Sarah chasing a stork in the parking area:



Storks are a popular symbol of Alsace (they're everywhere!), and here you can see them in their nests on the roof:



Liam LOVED the little ride at the Ecomusee!



Pierre, on the other hand, could do without it:

Who knew it would take going across the ocean to find the RED (and right) kind of tractor! Just for you, Grandma!


Liam and Pierre watching a blacksmith at work with Uncle Thomas:

It was a really hot day, so the kids were thrilled to find this little stream of water to play in:



Back in Schiltigheim, the boys head out for a bike ride. (PS- we are on the hunt for a seat to put on Daddy's bike here at home for Liam. He had a blast!)



Cooling off at the lake nearby:



Yahoo for more sand!



Liam enjoyed his first popsicle with his cousins and Teo, the little boy who lives upstairs:



Sarah, Pierre, and Liam invented this little game, which basically involved Liam standing still, and Sarah and Pierre running in from another room yelling "LEEAM!". Lots of giggles ensued! Check out this little video-- and pay attention to the end, when Pierre finally gets some revenge on Chompy McBiter.




We had a couple of rainy days, so we took the kids to a cool indoor play park so they could work out all their energy:

Thomas's parents had us over for dinner before we left, and the little guys had some fun playing in the curtains:

Dancing in the kitchen to Micha's championship soccer song:

Family bath time!

Liam finally sleeping (albeit briefly) on our return flight. He was about 5 minutes away from outgrowing that bassinette!

Erin, Thomas, Sarah, and Pierre-- we love you guys and can't thank you enough for taking care of us last week! Miss you lots and can't wait to see you next year!