In Lucca with the family while husband does a photo shoot. Yes this is a fabulous opportunity to stay in an amazingly luxurious villa. The grounds are incredible. There are two “small” guest houses on the property as well as one ginormous mansion, two swimming pools, acres of manicured lawns. Clearly there is a “staff” though except for one discrete gardner I haven’t seen anyone.
Husband is hired to photograph the retreat that is taking place here and the girls and I are along for the ride. Partly because why not come stay at a lovely villa (that I am not required to clean). Also I knew other kids would be here so it wouldn’t be my usual stint of entertaining kids in a formal, non-kid friendly place. And partly because we’ve already left our Paris apartment and our villa is rented out so in reality, we are homeless this week. So the upside is the gorgeous location and accomodations. The downside is taking care of two kids, one of whom tends to go hysterical in new situations (as well as when she is tired, hungry, irritable, bored or just plain in a bad mood). But generally, having an almost six year old fly into an unpredicted instant rage/hysteria/meltdown as if someone had just poked a red hot pole up her butt, is pretty debilitating, especially when I have the almost three year old hanging on me as well.
So after two days, we were running low on food and it was time I schlepped the kids off the grounds in search of food. No small feat with a manual drive car where the gear shift sticks. I’m used to driving in Italy, on tiny roads, but Im not terrific at navigating and what I really dread is dragging two kids around when one is having a meltdown and screaming “carry me”. I was told that “town” is two minutes away, and there must be a local general store. At least enough to buy basica supplies.
So after a viewing of “The Aristocats” (I was thrilled to find children’s dvds, as I think I will shoot myself if I have to watch “Max and Ruby” or “Barbie Mermaid” one more time) I gathered the kids and piled into the car (no easy feat with La Petite now thinking every time we get in the car it’s a game of “No I wont get into my car seat”.
We drive down the narrow gravel road to the electric gate. Apparently Bebe had gotten used to pushing to button to open the gate with husband. Two of the other guests are standing waiting to get out. Maybe they don’t know where the button is? Bebe climbs over me, losing both boots in the process, pushes the button and nothing happens. She climbs back in, again losing both shoes, guests staring at me as usual. I get out, push button. Nothing. Push longer. Nothing.
I'm thinking ok I'm not an idiot. The button says OPEN. It must open….the guests give up and walk back up the drive. I push again. Nothing. Bebe starts to panic. I tell her to calm down. I'm singing some stupid song to calm them. i realize I should give up this expedition but also think shit. How am I going to get the car back up the narrow drive? I can't back it up and manage that hair pin turn backwards.
Then I remember that the washer and dryer had turned off when we left the house. I hadn’t stopped to investigate in my mission to get the kids out the door and into the car. Maybe a fuse blew. Oy. Perhaps the same fuse fuels the gate. Ok so I have to check the fuse box. No way will my girls be willing to hang out in the car while I hike back up the road andIi really don't want to carry them up. Because I KNOW they won't walk (source of daily meltdowns thus far – walking to and from the pool. I am so on the verge of being one of those parents who gives the “when I was little I had to walk ten miles to school. Barefoot. In the snow. Which in fact couldn’t be further from the truth since my mom drove us to school and really I lived about 5 blocks. I know. Pathetic. SLIGHTLY overprotective mom).
I glance back at the road and realize our little drive splits in two. I can back up into the second drive and somehow manage an impossible hairpin turn in our SUV and drive forwards up the road to check the fuse box.
I manage to do this and get us back up to the house. I check the fuse box and flip the only switch that is off. The washing machine turns on. Ah ha! I must have fixed it.!!Hey girls! Mama solved the mystery! Lets go! I make it a game "we solved the mystery of the gate button! lets go!"
This time I let them both ride in the passenger seat down the private drive. Isabelle is used to doing this at home and frankly I cant deal with another kid meltdown right now.
OK push the OPEN button for the gate. Nothing happens. I push again. Nothing. Are you kidding me????
Maybe it would work from the other side? There is a key pad on the other side and I know Clay got in using the code. The gate is about ten feet high with wire mesh both sides s there isno room to slip through. I'm used to slipping through the gate at mu mother’s house in California which is mostly meant to deter deer from getting in and eating her garden. This gate is sealed tight. Clearly the owners are worried about burglars.. La Petite could not even fit through. Damn it.
Now I am intent on getting us out. Mostly because I have 5.5 hours to kill before and this was going to be one of our "activities". I hook a foot into the mesh gate and pull myself up. Bebe, the ever good girl panics "No Mama! You're not supposed to!" I'm assuring her "I'm ok I'm ok" while I'm also thinking “shit I’m a lot heavier than I used to be and haven't done anything like this in awhile”.
I'm pretty sure that the gate will open from this side so I press the code and…. nothing. I press again. NOTHING! Dammit are you KIDDING ME?
Meanwhile I'm e-mailing husband on my phone. He is off photographing an all day bus trip to tour a local pasta factory and wheat field. Not his idea of a fabulous time. Of course I’m not able to use the phone with either French nor Italian cards. I must be out of minutes. So I’m frantically emailing husband while climbing over the gate and reassuring the girls that all is ok.
He writes back "It’s the blue buttons"
“I know its the blue button! I've pushed it twice and driven back and forth to the house”.
“Well its the blue button I don't know what to tell you.”
Jeez i KNOW I'm not an idiot even though I seem to play one in real life…
Now I have to somehow heave myself BACK over the fence, back the car up and drive BACK up to the house. where we find one of the guests . I know he drove out of the gate yesterday so I ask him in faulty Italian. He says push the button. Oy. I've done that twice.
He is so nice, he walks down the drive to open the gate. Pile the girls BACK into the car - both in the front seat just to minimized the time and distress of forcing them into carseats. He pushes the button and voila it opens. OF COURSE I feel like a frustrated idiot. As well as the fact that I was screaming this morning at the kids because La Petite was whining for me to carry her, refusing to walk. I had to trek the football field plus distance up to the pool to take Bebe swimming, carrying La Petite and carrying the bag of swimsuits, towels, toys and bottle (she is like an alcoholic with that milk bottle) as well as drag the giant inflatable dolphin that we have acquired as a pet.
It’s like making a trip to the beach just to go to the damn pool. Meanwhile there is a little pool JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR TO OUR GUESTHOUSE but it’s not heated.
Once out of the gate, I drove UP the hill instead of down, until I realized that we were NOT getting to the town supposedly two minutes away. Maneuvering narrow hilly roads, while trying to email husb, torn between total frustration and knowing I shouldn't email him because he is on a job.
Finally I find a spot to turn around and head down to "town" which is only two minutes from the house after all. We pull into the obvious parking lot. Our mission is to find food since we have nothing except pasta for the kiddos. Husband was excited that there is a "market" today. Well, i can tell in about thirty seconds the "market" is mostly cheap purses and crappy clothes. It's not exactly "local produce" market. I also immediately note the broken down playground - which the girls are excited to find, until we realize the swings have been taken down and the slide is broken. I convince them to push onward to find a cafe. We find one cafe which serves coffee and packaged ice creams. No way am I buying them packaged ice cream cones in land of gelato!!! I spy a sign across the street - an empty cafe that isn't obviously open. Turns out it IS open and serves gelato. And nothing else. so I can throw the idea of "lunch" out the window. I get them both a gelato – La Petite takes one lick and discards it. Bebe eats hers. I notice the scoops are about half the size of those in Piemonte and Liguria. And the town has an unfriendly feeling. I see a swastika spray painted near the parking lot and graffiti on the wall. the shop owners aren't exactly mean, but they're not friendly. Feeling victorious that we at least made it to town and tying not to feel dispirited for not having scored any food, I reward the girls by letting them choose a “prize” at the local newsstand.
We walk in, the place is so smoky I can barely breathe. Each girl chooses a Barbie doll (the only toys available and have probably been here for several years) and we skaddadle. Tomorrow maybe La Petite and I will head back down for food. Assuming we can get out of the gate.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Montgenevre
Am in a little bit of heaven, skiing in Montgenevre.
Our departure from Paris for Vacances Scolaires (school break ) was delayed two days because hubbie had to work. So instead of me taking the train solo (sans enfants – a blissful five hours of alone time to read and write), we all squashed into the car and drove to Italy. We’ve talked our fabulous babysitter (really a professional saxophone player but for some reason agrees to babysit for us) into coming on this trip (true, escaping Paris to a villa in Italian countryside has it’s appeal. But it does require spending the vacation with the Petites).
I had been DREADING this since all previous car trips (over past six years) as well as train and air trips to Italy have been HELL. Had warned sitter it might be squashed and screamy and then today - perfect! NO traffic. Rainy so not easy driving for Clay but Bebe spent ENTIRE DRIVE glued to the new Barbie movie we bought last night (that was $10 well spent!) I think she watched it four times during the drive. Petite wasn't as easy but did a great job reading books (making up stories out loud to herself ) asking for "half a croissant mama" and sucking on her bottle - which resulted in no less than four URGENT stops for her to pee (but bythe time we stopped of course she didn't have to go and then wet her pants later but cest la vie).
We pretty much had to drag Bebe out of the car at the rest stop bc she was glued to Barbie (second viewing).. They did amazingy! (except for Petite holding it and then peeing on the restaurant floor , soaking her boots and then having to go barefoot till back in the car. oh well. the boots were on sale for 10 euro and we've gotten a ton of use out of them. They are white snow boots that look like 60s Go Go boots ESPECIALY paired with the purple polyester Dora nightgown Petite insists on wearing every day. She looks like a60s Hipster. I did buy two more of the nightgowns so yes, we can wear a clean one every day…she's like one of those weird fashion freaks who only wears ONE style every day and has a closet full of ten of the same dresses…)
ANYWAY the drive went insanely easy. Towards the last twenty minutes Petite was asking "where are we going?" like "Remind me again what the plan is?"
We arrived at this ski town with amazing mountains but is virtually shut down for the season. Seriously we are the only guests at the hotel which is fab bc we don't have to worry about the noise the girls make (i.e. our downstairs neighbors in Paris freaking out bc Petite, who weighs all of two pounds, runs to the toilet at 7am). We have a huge quad room and got sitter has a single which is also huge AND she has a view of the slopes (damn!) Bebe was freaked out at first - being in new place, where are we? and Petite was calling out "i thought we were going to ITALY / this is not ITALY!" meaning this is not our villa and scoffing at our new digs until we saw the bedroom - which basically looks like a quad dorm room but the girls were thrilled and each staked out their own beds. Bebe promptly setting up her dolls, suitcase and arranging her belongings and feeling VERY independent bc she could walk the ten feet down the hall alone to "visit" the sitter’s room. She packed up a bag and told us she was off to "visit" the sitter. Petite hopped onto her bed, crawled under the covers and said goodnight. TOO cute.
Then hubbie and I went out for a walk ALONE while the girls set up camp in the sitter’s room feeling very "grown up" that they were "visiting" her.
Looks like a cute ski town but is totally closing up for the season . we must be the last guests and we were a bit desperate to find somewhere to feed the kiddos tonight since turns out everything is shut down. but one place was still open and served up a mountain of fries and spaghetti for their girls (a balanced diet is not in the cards right now). Petite strolled into the restaurant, took off her coat and announced "this place smells like vagina!”. Twice. We couldn't help but bust out laughing. WHERE she got that from I have no idea but of course laughing only caused her to repeat it. Luckily we were the only guests and luckily even still we aren't in English speaking country. Later she added "And it smells like PENIS." Again not sure WHERE she got this from but I had to choke back my wine before spitting it all over the table.
She is a natural comedian and if I don’t keep tabs on her I think she might strip off her purple polyester nightgown and danceon the table in her go go boots bc clearly she will do anything for a laugh.
Hubbie’s huge gift to me -- a key to my very own room. Since the nlace is emty he talked the owner into giving us an extra room (so yes, we have three rooms and you would think one of them would be for the kids but instead, we take turns sleeping with the kids and sleeping in our own room which feels like pure luxury). I was so excited to get some sleep that I turned down any offer of company (who would watch the kids? ) grabbed the key and headed straight for my own bed in my own room with a locked door.
Seriously, my little one starts waking up about one hour after I turn in. From then on it’s musical beds depending on who has peed where and when , what bed is dry and whether I can convince the little one to stay asleep without lying horizontally across me. She is darling, a joyful little sprite, a true ethereal spirit but she wants to sleep "on mama" and Mama is a light sleeper who needs more than two hours consecutive sleep. I’ve even given in to trying to take a nap when I’ve had some babysitting but hearing the little ones yelping right outside my door as well as knowing they might barge in any moment does NOT make for a restful sleep.
This is the first time I’ve been in bed in a quiet room of my own with no chance of hearing someone crying out for "i want MY MAMA!!!" in year
Our departure from Paris for Vacances Scolaires (school break ) was delayed two days because hubbie had to work. So instead of me taking the train solo (sans enfants – a blissful five hours of alone time to read and write), we all squashed into the car and drove to Italy. We’ve talked our fabulous babysitter (really a professional saxophone player but for some reason agrees to babysit for us) into coming on this trip (true, escaping Paris to a villa in Italian countryside has it’s appeal. But it does require spending the vacation with the Petites).
I had been DREADING this since all previous car trips (over past six years) as well as train and air trips to Italy have been HELL. Had warned sitter it might be squashed and screamy and then today - perfect! NO traffic. Rainy so not easy driving for Clay but Bebe spent ENTIRE DRIVE glued to the new Barbie movie we bought last night (that was $10 well spent!) I think she watched it four times during the drive. Petite wasn't as easy but did a great job reading books (making up stories out loud to herself ) asking for "half a croissant mama" and sucking on her bottle - which resulted in no less than four URGENT stops for her to pee (but bythe time we stopped of course she didn't have to go and then wet her pants later but cest la vie).
We pretty much had to drag Bebe out of the car at the rest stop bc she was glued to Barbie (second viewing).. They did amazingy! (except for Petite holding it and then peeing on the restaurant floor , soaking her boots and then having to go barefoot till back in the car. oh well. the boots were on sale for 10 euro and we've gotten a ton of use out of them. They are white snow boots that look like 60s Go Go boots ESPECIALY paired with the purple polyester Dora nightgown Petite insists on wearing every day. She looks like a60s Hipster. I did buy two more of the nightgowns so yes, we can wear a clean one every day…she's like one of those weird fashion freaks who only wears ONE style every day and has a closet full of ten of the same dresses…)
ANYWAY the drive went insanely easy. Towards the last twenty minutes Petite was asking "where are we going?" like "Remind me again what the plan is?"
We arrived at this ski town with amazing mountains but is virtually shut down for the season. Seriously we are the only guests at the hotel which is fab bc we don't have to worry about the noise the girls make (i.e. our downstairs neighbors in Paris freaking out bc Petite, who weighs all of two pounds, runs to the toilet at 7am). We have a huge quad room and got sitter has a single which is also huge AND she has a view of the slopes (damn!) Bebe was freaked out at first - being in new place, where are we? and Petite was calling out "i thought we were going to ITALY / this is not ITALY!" meaning this is not our villa and scoffing at our new digs until we saw the bedroom - which basically looks like a quad dorm room but the girls were thrilled and each staked out their own beds. Bebe promptly setting up her dolls, suitcase and arranging her belongings and feeling VERY independent bc she could walk the ten feet down the hall alone to "visit" the sitter’s room. She packed up a bag and told us she was off to "visit" the sitter. Petite hopped onto her bed, crawled under the covers and said goodnight. TOO cute.
Then hubbie and I went out for a walk ALONE while the girls set up camp in the sitter’s room feeling very "grown up" that they were "visiting" her.
Looks like a cute ski town but is totally closing up for the season . we must be the last guests and we were a bit desperate to find somewhere to feed the kiddos tonight since turns out everything is shut down. but one place was still open and served up a mountain of fries and spaghetti for their girls (a balanced diet is not in the cards right now). Petite strolled into the restaurant, took off her coat and announced "this place smells like vagina!”. Twice. We couldn't help but bust out laughing. WHERE she got that from I have no idea but of course laughing only caused her to repeat it. Luckily we were the only guests and luckily even still we aren't in English speaking country. Later she added "And it smells like PENIS." Again not sure WHERE she got this from but I had to choke back my wine before spitting it all over the table.
She is a natural comedian and if I don’t keep tabs on her I think she might strip off her purple polyester nightgown and danceon the table in her go go boots bc clearly she will do anything for a laugh.
Hubbie’s huge gift to me -- a key to my very own room. Since the nlace is emty he talked the owner into giving us an extra room (so yes, we have three rooms and you would think one of them would be for the kids but instead, we take turns sleeping with the kids and sleeping in our own room which feels like pure luxury). I was so excited to get some sleep that I turned down any offer of company (who would watch the kids? ) grabbed the key and headed straight for my own bed in my own room with a locked door.
Seriously, my little one starts waking up about one hour after I turn in. From then on it’s musical beds depending on who has peed where and when , what bed is dry and whether I can convince the little one to stay asleep without lying horizontally across me. She is darling, a joyful little sprite, a true ethereal spirit but she wants to sleep "on mama" and Mama is a light sleeper who needs more than two hours consecutive sleep. I’ve even given in to trying to take a nap when I’ve had some babysitting but hearing the little ones yelping right outside my door as well as knowing they might barge in any moment does NOT make for a restful sleep.
This is the first time I’ve been in bed in a quiet room of my own with no chance of hearing someone crying out for "i want MY MAMA!!!" in year
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Doggie Diner
It is finally sunny out! Husband has the kids and I'm sitting in an outdoor cafe. There are two Jack Russells at the table next to me. Which is SO normal here, right? Not only that but the waiter comes up to hand them the bill (the owners, not the dogs) and the dogs lunge at him (luckily they are on leashes), barking and attempt to bite him. The waiter jumps back and then laughs and comments on how surprised he is that the dogs are yapping at him because he has owned Jack Russells and has such a good "rapport" with them generally. NO ONE seems miffed by the fact that the dogs have taken over that corner of the cafe. Or that they almost bit the waiter. It's a matter of course. I thought the waiter was going to apologize for upsetting the dogs!
What makes this so much more unbelievable to me is that when I take my kids to a cafe (which I do NOT since Bebe has been past baby stage), my kids are scowled at, and, if one of them dares drop a spoon on the floor I'm sure we are about to be kicked out.
That's the French. Bring your dogs, leave your kids at home.
What makes this so much more unbelievable to me is that when I take my kids to a cafe (which I do NOT since Bebe has been past baby stage), my kids are scowled at, and, if one of them dares drop a spoon on the floor I'm sure we are about to be kicked out.
That's the French. Bring your dogs, leave your kids at home.
Mean Minnie
This weekend we took the kids to Disneyland Paris. Husband has fond memories of going with his dad and he has been dying to take Bebe since she was 2. I’ve been able to delay this ordeal (because really our girls don't even know the Disney stuff or care. Except for princesses and frankly they'd be happy to just go somewhere and see princess crap).
Knowing it’s a pricey adventure, months ago, I signed up for every website notification service available, waiting to spot a promotional deal on tickets.
Another family asked us to go last weekend and, even though I couldn’t find any promotions online, (or ticket prices), I figured maybe we’d score the child free with purchase of adult ticket – we’ve seen ads plastered all over the metros all winter.
Even though Disney is only about 30 minutes from our apartment, our kids were whining “are we there yet?” the entire ride. We finally arrive, for out fifteen euros to park miles away. We exit the car and embark on the journey towards the park entrance. THREE moving sidewalks to get to the end of the parking lot! Another mile till we hit security. Bebe starts to freak out “Are we going to the airport?” which is her idea of hell. At the same time, she is already entranced by the Princess vending machines outside the parking lot! We could've stopped there, called it a day and saved about $300. Oy. Through security and then we are only at the entrance to "the village". Another mile, the girls asking where are we going and more importantly WHY are we going, since they still have no idea what “Disneyland” is (I'm wondering the same thing) and we finally find the line to buy tickets. I do not understand how so many people can AFFORD to go to Disneyland. As I said, the website was impossible to navigate and all of the promos I had seen led me to believe it would be about 24 euros each. Tickets are 59 euros each! (Thank god Miss Pudding is free) but at that point we aren’t not going to go in!
SO we cough up a small fortune and enter. All goes ok, Bebe nods at the Disney "castle" (but I have to say, the kid has grown up seeing so many chateau sprinkled all over, visiting chateau gardens on the weekend as a playground spot that unless Cinderella walks out and greets us , herself, it is just another "castle" (and this time fake) to her. Mostly our girls are excited to meet up with their friends. We could have saved chunk of change and had a playdate in a parking lot an they would have been happy.
All goes surprisingly well, no meltdowns until lunch. Our friends (who were regular visitors courtesy of a huge company discount on tickets) suggest we eat at the Cowboy Grill - one of the Disney eateries where the characters join you for lunch. Hey, we are all the way here and the whole point is for the kids to see the characters - though, frankly, my kids don't know much about Mickey and the crowd. Again, we plunk down a small fortune for lunch (a pre fixe menu you pay a huge premium for the privilege of dining with Mickey and his cronies).
Fortunately, the place is relatively empty so I am sure our group of five girls will get plenty of face time with the Disney gang. Amped up and excited all five girls dash over to where they see Mickey and Minnie mouse hanging out. Two minutes later they come back, upset and fighting back tears. "Minnie Mouse was mean to us! She told us to go away!"
"Yeah, mom we went up to her and she went like this!" Bebe put her hand up making a “stop” gesture.
Minnie Mouse gave our kids The Hand? What's next - the finger? Are you kidding me?
The girls rally and head off, en masse, to say hello to Daffy Duck, the two littlest ones following in the wake of the older girls.
They come running back. "Daffy Duck is mean too!" He shook his finger at us and pointed for us to go away!"
Give me a break! I understand these characters may not want to be swarmed with kids but honestly the place is practically empty. The whole point of this "restaurant" is to hang out with the characters! It's Disneyland for goodness sake. Only in France would Minnie Mouse be a bitch.
The girls sat at our table, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their adored Minnie Mouse, who was taking her time circulating the room. She visits every table except ours. I can’t believe I’m having to hold kids back and keep them calmly entertained at Disneyland. The other mom I was with, a tough Swiss lady, is about to go tell off Minnie Mouse when she finally comes over to our table.
Minnie makes a half assed attempt at deigning us with her presence. Luckily , the Disney Country Band starts up and a bunch more characters come out and start rocking out to Happy Birthday at the table next to us.
Even in Disneyland, the Parisian snideness seeps in. Luckiily, this was a one and only Paris Disney trip for us.
In the car, on the way home, Bebe pipes up, "Daddy, when you were little was Minnie Mouse mean?" So this is my kid's memory of Disneyland.
Knowing it’s a pricey adventure, months ago, I signed up for every website notification service available, waiting to spot a promotional deal on tickets.
Another family asked us to go last weekend and, even though I couldn’t find any promotions online, (or ticket prices), I figured maybe we’d score the child free with purchase of adult ticket – we’ve seen ads plastered all over the metros all winter.
Even though Disney is only about 30 minutes from our apartment, our kids were whining “are we there yet?” the entire ride. We finally arrive, for out fifteen euros to park miles away. We exit the car and embark on the journey towards the park entrance. THREE moving sidewalks to get to the end of the parking lot! Another mile till we hit security. Bebe starts to freak out “Are we going to the airport?” which is her idea of hell. At the same time, she is already entranced by the Princess vending machines outside the parking lot! We could've stopped there, called it a day and saved about $300. Oy. Through security and then we are only at the entrance to "the village". Another mile, the girls asking where are we going and more importantly WHY are we going, since they still have no idea what “Disneyland” is (I'm wondering the same thing) and we finally find the line to buy tickets. I do not understand how so many people can AFFORD to go to Disneyland. As I said, the website was impossible to navigate and all of the promos I had seen led me to believe it would be about 24 euros each. Tickets are 59 euros each! (Thank god Miss Pudding is free) but at that point we aren’t not going to go in!
SO we cough up a small fortune and enter. All goes ok, Bebe nods at the Disney "castle" (but I have to say, the kid has grown up seeing so many chateau sprinkled all over, visiting chateau gardens on the weekend as a playground spot that unless Cinderella walks out and greets us , herself, it is just another "castle" (and this time fake) to her. Mostly our girls are excited to meet up with their friends. We could have saved chunk of change and had a playdate in a parking lot an they would have been happy.
All goes surprisingly well, no meltdowns until lunch. Our friends (who were regular visitors courtesy of a huge company discount on tickets) suggest we eat at the Cowboy Grill - one of the Disney eateries where the characters join you for lunch. Hey, we are all the way here and the whole point is for the kids to see the characters - though, frankly, my kids don't know much about Mickey and the crowd. Again, we plunk down a small fortune for lunch (a pre fixe menu you pay a huge premium for the privilege of dining with Mickey and his cronies).
Fortunately, the place is relatively empty so I am sure our group of five girls will get plenty of face time with the Disney gang. Amped up and excited all five girls dash over to where they see Mickey and Minnie mouse hanging out. Two minutes later they come back, upset and fighting back tears. "Minnie Mouse was mean to us! She told us to go away!"
"Yeah, mom we went up to her and she went like this!" Bebe put her hand up making a “stop” gesture.
Minnie Mouse gave our kids The Hand? What's next - the finger? Are you kidding me?
The girls rally and head off, en masse, to say hello to Daffy Duck, the two littlest ones following in the wake of the older girls.
They come running back. "Daffy Duck is mean too!" He shook his finger at us and pointed for us to go away!"
Give me a break! I understand these characters may not want to be swarmed with kids but honestly the place is practically empty. The whole point of this "restaurant" is to hang out with the characters! It's Disneyland for goodness sake. Only in France would Minnie Mouse be a bitch.
The girls sat at our table, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their adored Minnie Mouse, who was taking her time circulating the room. She visits every table except ours. I can’t believe I’m having to hold kids back and keep them calmly entertained at Disneyland. The other mom I was with, a tough Swiss lady, is about to go tell off Minnie Mouse when she finally comes over to our table.
Minnie makes a half assed attempt at deigning us with her presence. Luckily , the Disney Country Band starts up and a bunch more characters come out and start rocking out to Happy Birthday at the table next to us.
Even in Disneyland, the Parisian snideness seeps in. Luckiily, this was a one and only Paris Disney trip for us.
In the car, on the way home, Bebe pipes up, "Daddy, when you were little was Minnie Mouse mean?" So this is my kid's memory of Disneyland.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Carnavale
We are back in Bonvicino! Arrived yesterday after a hellish journey (more on that later). Today, blue skies and lots of snow. Lunch with good friends (pasta hand made by grandma, eggs from the chickens outside, home grown salad and home made vino!) The girls ate as if they had been starved for months. Then off to Carnavale in Dogliani - costumes and confetti, biscotti for the children. Juggler and balloon lady (of course they are friends of friends).
Monday, 14 November 2011
Metro to School
us city and Petite did great again this am but still the task of getting out our apartment door, down 4 flights of stairs, across 3 major intersections, down 4 more flights to very busy metro during commute time, with Petite fussing with her shoes or socks or something that's bothering her, getting her on to crowded metro (at least this one goes above ground for part of the time!) For 6 stops. Then she has to go to the toilet at stop 4 so we get off at stop 5. She's fussing with her socks.
She decided to wear a coat and earmuffs even though it’s probably going to be 70 degrees (and I worry because I think the school insists they wear whatever outerwear they bring to school. Unlike in San Francisco where everyone is used to layers - dressing for winter in the morning and by afternoon, stripping down to tshirt and shorts).
So she's wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants with a dress over it and her new chic black boots, topped with a padded red coat grandma got her for fall. And earmuffs! Everyone else is enjoying the final days of Indian summer, sporting linen slacks and short sleeves.
And now, three stops away from our destination, squeezed between a scowling business man and an elderly Parisian lady, Petite announces that she needs the toilet. Luckily, I know that there is a Starbucks across the street from the next metro stop.
We get off one stop early, again fussing with the socks and boots all the way down the metro stairs. Across 2 major intersections and into Starbucks to use the toilet (thank god its there).
I don't know if Petite is more easily distracted than other kids or not but she's either constantly asking me intricate quesions (like "why does that motorcycle have a seat that's high and another have a seta that's low? Why does that mans coat buckle in the back?") Or commenting on the scenery.
As she’s sitting on the Starbucks toilet, I’m balancing her pile of winter outerwear in one arm while my other arm helps to steady her. She’s commenting nonstop like Seinfeld doing a routine,
"Look at that funny sink! Why are the handles shaped like that? Look at that garbage. How did they get that in here? Why do they have tiny garbage cans next to the toilet? That coat hook is broken! Look! Why is there a picture of a coffee bean on the wall?”
Meanwhile I'm anxious about getting her to school on time since they do NOT tolerate lateness. Having never been late I'm not sure exactly what the penalty would be but I imagine something inbetween a harsh reprimand for me, god just not letting her in! Another mom told me she is late on a daily basis since she has to get 3 kids to 2 different campuses. But she struck me as one of those moms who either started off tough skinned or got that way as a result of mothering three children close in age.
Finished with toileting at Starbucks we begin the 6 block walk to school, Petite complaining that she's too tired to walk and admonishing me for not bringing the stroller. Good grief.
I interpret this as her anxiety about going to school. Luckily when we get there, she runs right in to her class
She decided to wear a coat and earmuffs even though it’s probably going to be 70 degrees (and I worry because I think the school insists they wear whatever outerwear they bring to school. Unlike in San Francisco where everyone is used to layers - dressing for winter in the morning and by afternoon, stripping down to tshirt and shorts).
So she's wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants with a dress over it and her new chic black boots, topped with a padded red coat grandma got her for fall. And earmuffs! Everyone else is enjoying the final days of Indian summer, sporting linen slacks and short sleeves.
And now, three stops away from our destination, squeezed between a scowling business man and an elderly Parisian lady, Petite announces that she needs the toilet. Luckily, I know that there is a Starbucks across the street from the next metro stop.
We get off one stop early, again fussing with the socks and boots all the way down the metro stairs. Across 2 major intersections and into Starbucks to use the toilet (thank god its there).
I don't know if Petite is more easily distracted than other kids or not but she's either constantly asking me intricate quesions (like "why does that motorcycle have a seat that's high and another have a seta that's low? Why does that mans coat buckle in the back?") Or commenting on the scenery.
As she’s sitting on the Starbucks toilet, I’m balancing her pile of winter outerwear in one arm while my other arm helps to steady her. She’s commenting nonstop like Seinfeld doing a routine,
"Look at that funny sink! Why are the handles shaped like that? Look at that garbage. How did they get that in here? Why do they have tiny garbage cans next to the toilet? That coat hook is broken! Look! Why is there a picture of a coffee bean on the wall?”
Meanwhile I'm anxious about getting her to school on time since they do NOT tolerate lateness. Having never been late I'm not sure exactly what the penalty would be but I imagine something inbetween a harsh reprimand for me, god just not letting her in! Another mom told me she is late on a daily basis since she has to get 3 kids to 2 different campuses. But she struck me as one of those moms who either started off tough skinned or got that way as a result of mothering three children close in age.
Finished with toileting at Starbucks we begin the 6 block walk to school, Petite complaining that she's too tired to walk and admonishing me for not bringing the stroller. Good grief.
I interpret this as her anxiety about going to school. Luckily when we get there, she runs right in to her class
Saturday, 13 November 2010
No Sex in the City
Night out with hubbie
Ok so we tried to have a "date night"
I mean, its been 4 years - 5 if you count being preg and how much that sucked - without regular babysitting or much non kid time together
We have plenty of time together with kids
Too much. How awful is it to say that? Too much family time? I'm a horrible mom and wife
Husb clearly loooves family time
How bout "no sex in the city". Did I ever have a sex drive? I think I did at some point
When I was 16 and a horny teenager in the back of the car
Yeegads - in those days we wouldve given a limb just to have some hours alone!
Now I have every night and an apt (well - granted we aren't alone since the 16 mth old and 4 yo both seem to migrate into our bed during the night) and sex is not only the furthest thing from my mind but I actually avoid it!
My fantasy is a whole bed in a room to myself for a night! Not some climbing on me and crawling on me
I already have 2 munchkins who do that
So how do other women get their sex drive back (guess it helps if you've got one to begin with)
Surely feeling fat and wearing maternity pants 16 mths after daughter #2 was born doesn't help
I used to workout every day! Jeez. I haven't seen a gym in 2 years.
Date starts out "great". We sit down at our old cafe - the one we went to in our old hood, before kids. It's heated (very un French) even though it's not cold outside (despite the fact that its mid November). I take off my sweater and my husb says "looks like we need to take you shirt shopping"
Thus follows 15 mins of "discussion" bordering on furious argument, with each of us suggestting we just end the date and go home. Apparently he meant to be funny (I have yet to understand how that comment would possibly provoke a laugh on my part). Of course I felt embarrassed and shlumpy. I already feel fat and unfashionable. That comment didn't help
Nor did the next 10 mins of me feeling like I had to make HIM feel better since he was wounded because I took his comment offensively
Hello? What is wrong here? Does anyone else experience this?
Ok so we tried to have a "date night"
I mean, its been 4 years - 5 if you count being preg and how much that sucked - without regular babysitting or much non kid time together
We have plenty of time together with kids
Too much. How awful is it to say that? Too much family time? I'm a horrible mom and wife
Husb clearly loooves family time
How bout "no sex in the city". Did I ever have a sex drive? I think I did at some point
When I was 16 and a horny teenager in the back of the car
Yeegads - in those days we wouldve given a limb just to have some hours alone!
Now I have every night and an apt (well - granted we aren't alone since the 16 mth old and 4 yo both seem to migrate into our bed during the night) and sex is not only the furthest thing from my mind but I actually avoid it!
My fantasy is a whole bed in a room to myself for a night! Not some climbing on me and crawling on me
I already have 2 munchkins who do that
So how do other women get their sex drive back (guess it helps if you've got one to begin with)
Surely feeling fat and wearing maternity pants 16 mths after daughter #2 was born doesn't help
I used to workout every day! Jeez. I haven't seen a gym in 2 years.
Date starts out "great". We sit down at our old cafe - the one we went to in our old hood, before kids. It's heated (very un French) even though it's not cold outside (despite the fact that its mid November). I take off my sweater and my husb says "looks like we need to take you shirt shopping"
Thus follows 15 mins of "discussion" bordering on furious argument, with each of us suggestting we just end the date and go home. Apparently he meant to be funny (I have yet to understand how that comment would possibly provoke a laugh on my part). Of course I felt embarrassed and shlumpy. I already feel fat and unfashionable. That comment didn't help
Nor did the next 10 mins of me feeling like I had to make HIM feel better since he was wounded because I took his comment offensively
Hello? What is wrong here? Does anyone else experience this?
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