every beat of our heart

We've been into sports since we're little. Our parents are both sportive beings so we are too. At present, I (Sébastien) focus on Athletics every morning of Wednesdays and Saturdays with a 2 hour training. Every Wednesdays and Fridays I practice Taekwondo with my sister, these are the sports I regularly do out of school activities.

While I (Mayumi), stopped to do multi-sports every Wednesdays because I wanted to do other things. Actually, I would like to do pottery but instead I choose to learn guitar and I am liking it. Now, I am happy because I have encouraged my big brother therefore, Kuya wanted to learn how to play the guitar too. After going to my Orthophoniste session every Tuesday, then we go directly for an hour of guitar lessons. 

Apart from that, during weekends we do hiking, skating, biking, wall and rock climbing and Acrobranche with the whole family or organized to do group activities with friends. It's always fun ! 

We like sports and because our parents want us to give a head start on lifelong fitness. And to especially stop the risk of being overweight, as more and more children and adults are growing at an extremely frightening rate. We want to avoid to just stay at home and play video games the whole day. We only do that during bad weather. 

We also learn to adapt ourselves to people and different situations. We do several sports and allow ourselves to try diverse bracket of activities. We always benefit from exploring more options before choosing the one(s) we really like. The more we try different sports and activities we will discover by ourselves what sports we would like to persevere in the future.

the sumo that is me

Hi it's me Chira, my first time here. I will tell you some of  developments I made these past few months. First, I am weaned already. It's necessary that I should stop to be breastfed I am 26 months already and should take my feeding bottle instead. I took my time and I am happy about it.  I start potty training and I am doing very well. But I won't go to school yet this year as they change the law that 3 year old kids are their priorities.  I can say some words and some phrases as my Maman talks to me in English and Papa talks to me in French and I don't have problems about it as I understand them both. By now, I am able to put on an article of clothing sometimes I make it right sometimes not. I could probably name about six body parts. When Maman ask me to arrange the mess I could and I'm able to do the tiding up but sometimes I could be stubborn I must admit. 

During the weekends we frequently do activities like hiking, climbing, biking, roller skating etc. I love it when we go out as I learn a lot from my big siblings. I am often introduced to many things like I learn how to interact with other children. Learn to wait and have my turn especially when we go to a public park. Learn to also defend when someone is bullying me. And all those things a toddler should learn. I will tell you more about me soon again.

Scoutisme

C'est la première année pour nous deux de s'inscrire au scoutisme et nous trouvons cela génial ! Nous avons pas mal d'activités sur le camp. Moi, Mimi je suis au farfadets, c'est le nom de notre équipe. Un service du mouvement en direction des jeunes enfants de 6 à 8 ans et de leurs parents. C'est apprendre de vivre avec les autres, expression personnelle, éveil à la Foi, sens du service et à s'ouvrir au monde et à vivre en communauté.

Mon équipe prêt à jouer !

Moi, Basti je suis au louveteaux, une branche cadette des Scouts et Guides de France pour les garçons de 8 à 12 ans. Nous organisons en petites équipes : avoir l'imagination, grands jeux, activités de plein air... rythment la vie d’équipe. Les enfants prennent confiance en eux en acceptant de petites responsabilités à la mesure de leur âge puis en réalisant des actions tournées vers les autres. 

organisation de louveteaux

contente de retrouver mon Papa

Tout le monde au boulot !

 L'endroit où nous sommes allés campé.

C'est vraiment magnifique car nous sommes dans la nature au milieu de nul part !

On apprendre beaucoup choses sur le camp. Joue, chante, campe, découvre la nature, fais preuve d’agilité, d’habileté et d’attention aux autres…bref vivre en communauté et d'être autonome !

happenings

Nine long months of no blogging, excuse us. Mama is busy and we are too. So at this time, we will give you an update of what's happening in our life.

Me, Basti went in a summer camp thanks to Papa's company thru CE. I did tennis training and other activities for 15 days in the Côtes D'Azur. I have learned a lot from that training, to be independent and learn to live in a community. While Me, Mimi went to the center of France for 15 days of horse/poney activities and other exciting stuffs to do. I've also learned to be on my own, to take care of my personal stuffs and learn to mingle with diverse personality.

During the weekends we are out for trekking, rock climbing or other interesting stuffs to do around Marseille. We have a very nice weather so better to take advantage of it as winter is just around the corner. It's so unfortunate to just stay at home and watching tv and playing games can be boring sometimes.


For the second time, the family went to Costa Brava as Papa's diving club used to organize diving journey yearly just for the weekend. It was fun as usual as people are so nice and we have eaten delicious food.

This summer we went to Corsica for 3 weeks. After a year of not going there because of personal reason. This time, me (Basti) went camping with Papa and 2 adolescents just in front of vacation house. Papa introduced me to camping for the first time. An unforgettable experience indeed. Camping out, a 2 hours trek was necessary before we could get on top of the mountain. Papa prepared pasta for everyone that night. Sleeping in a duvet was just extraordinary, I guess I was the only one who was able to have a good sleep. The rest, unfortunately not .

We had visits from my Papa's childhood's friends (Thierry and Valerie) not at the same moment. We also had Tita Makis together with her husband. We went twice to the rivers and beaches so they could discover the beauty of Corsica. We guys went canyoning while the girls stayed at the beach !

We have played all the time with other kids, talked with the locals, or just simply promenading around the area. It was always fun to spend our vacation in the island of beauty. So to the next episode, have a nice day to everyone.

Philippines Vacation Part I

Both of us were really excited to have this vacation. We always asked my Maman when are we leaving for vacation in the Philippines. I'm sure our Maman sometimes is fed up with all our questions . Anyway, that's how kids are right !

Before leaving our parents talked to our teachers that we will be absent for 3 weeks. My teacher prepared my assignments so I can catch up. And even if I will be on vacation I will work on something and will not be lost when I get back as I am in the preparatory section. As for Mayumi, she's still in the little section so there will be no complications. What she did was work with us while I do my homework during our vacation. At least she's learning too in advance.

Now, I will be talking about our trip to the Philippines. We arrived morning on November 3 and we were welcomed by Lolo Oscar and went directly to the house. My Lola, Tita , Tito and cousin were there and they were really happy to see us. What was perfect was that my other Tito who lives in another city (Cebu City) came also with his family on that day. Next day, we went to Club Manila East to have a family get together. Mind you this is our third time to go back to the Philippines and this was the only time that brothers and sisters are complete, isn't that great ! That day was really unforgettable because I saw our Maman indeed glad to have spent it with inexpressible happiness in her eyes. This Club Manila East is located in Taytay Rizal. CME Central is a 7 hectares business and leisure complex with seventy (70) air-conditioned and fully furnished villas that are available for overnight accommodations or for long stays. We liked very much this location as it is clean because picnicking is prohibited to keep the resort clean and organize. Upon paying the entrance you will have this blue bracelet water proof as a sign that you paid the entrance. You have a lot of choices to make from bungalows to air conditioned rooms. They are known with their pool waves where you can surf, big slides and kayaking. We were fortunate as there were few people because it's is not consider peak season when we went there. Be careful during summer it could be crowded.

We spent only 2 days in Manila because Papa couldn't support the pollution and the big city. The next day we went to Quezon Province there at least we have big space, the nature and no pollution. This time we could play without worrying about vehicles passing by as there are few of them. The house is located near the rice fields, around 600 meters from the river and 1 kilometer from the sea. There are only animals like carabaos and cows which are indeed amusing to see. We played with our neighbor Carlo and Ashley and they are really nice. Even if we didn't understand each other we manage to play without creating communication problem . We also enjoyed swimming at the river next to our place with them. We have eaten Filipino cracker, sky flakes...wow this one is really delicious! Our parents have eaten big pomelos and fresh vegetables from the garden of our relatives. Fresh fish that fishermen just caught from the sea. Life is really simple and beautiful !

To be continued ......

Accrobranche

This photos were taken last year when we went to Vizzavona Corse to try Accrobranche it is difficult to explain in English but it's a forest adventure course. It involves many different things, such as abseiling and going across ropes by the use of ropes used in rock climbing. (a bit like tightrope-walking). It is a secure activity wherein you climb on from lover to bigger trees and the trees are bounded by ropes, bridges in wood, which always have to get through barrels hanging in mid-air. It is some kind of obstacle course. One needs to be very careful because parcours with different level could be difficult.

This is me trying to get through the obstacle.

With Maman trying to teach and boosting my moral

One of the obstacles to cross with

Next time try this activity it is fun! What is great about this is we learn to be confident, the need to control our balance, could also know how to work as a team and vice versa!

La plage, la mer, the sea, the beach, ang dagat!

Two weeks ago, it was Saturday when we went to FOS sur Mer because we would like to go to the Plage de la Gracieuse. But before we went directly to our destination Maman would like to see Papa's new office and we were impressed it is big. After that office-visit, we went to see this.

We saw this big ship transporting tons of containers to be exported in their destination countries. It was impressive to see this giant thing. When strolling Mayumi was afraid to look at them because beside this big ship we looked like ants trying to find the way out.

This is the plage (beach) we are talking about. It was in fact, windy but we were excited to play so we didn't mind the weather at all. Though, we have the sun shining a bit it was still fresh. Honestly, we didn't have enough courage to swim! We bought this tent to protect us from the sun because we didn't have the parasol. It was Maman's bright idea !

Instead of swimming we just went playing with the fine sand. Digging was fun. Papa helped to to do this big hole and put some water inside thru the help of our beach stuff toys.

Now that's obvious....brrr! Bit cold but we had total fun. Kids will always be kids rain or shine ! Don't we ! Happy Wednesday to all.

snow scoot

My Mom and I aren't skiing but we just stroll around. Sliding in the snow. Looking and admiring people who were skiing, snowboarding, racketeering. Guess what ? We have discovered this another winter sport. It is called Snowscoot another interesting sports for those who love the snow and Alps. Oka, you see my Mom went across to this young guy who have nicely accepted to pose a picture with the Snowscoot. Out of curiosity my Mom asked if it's easier than snowboarding and he said NO ! Oh my, I guess my Mom plans to try this one. Anyway, good luck to her :D !

Okay Mom was not content so she asked the guy if I can pose (vogue) on with it. So here was I ! Not even smiling, Moms.....

Now here's another one. I was a bit akward you see Mom gets what she wants if we speak about photos. Thank goodness they were nice.

Weekend ballade

Some people might want to stay at home, stay on their comfy couch watching their favourite films or playing video games. While for us we love going out even though Mistral is very common in the South. Even winter season is not a hindrance for us to go out on a weekend. The temperature in Marseilles during winter is not very cold compared to the North of France and this is one reason we are taking advantage of this wonderful chance in exploring our environment even if it would mean thick layered shirts and jackets ! Recently we have discovered another beautiful place to visit. We are talking about Sormiou and we have learned about this place through my Papa's best friend. We went their for a small walk. This place is very nice, peaceful and perfect for a simple walk. There are also some people who are doing simple rock climbing. We did not hike but we just stayed there for about 1 and 1/2 hours playing with our parents and appreciating the real nature. And again, we had our little pick nick there since we have a rendez vous with Papa's best friend at 2 in the afternoon.

We did enjoy the day like this...a very simple family get away. We went to see our friend and we are off to Luminy and this time with friends. We were about 3 pairs of couple, 2 single friends and 4 children and 2 babies (twins). We have enjoyed the walk with friends. They have had their conversation between them while my Kuya Basti did not stop playing, running around and me looking at him inside my backpack a little bit sleepy ! Suddenly, there were 5 young men with their motorbikes who took the way where there were a lot of young and old alike promenading. As everyone knows that motor bike is forbidden. So one of our friend who works as a volunteer fireman called the police department to report what we just have witnessed. Sometimes people are bizaare we don't know if they are thinking or not. Men in motor bikes could be a danger because there were a lot of children running because they are confident of the nature. If only some people are smart enough to think of their actions....things will be different. For us children we look up to adults as a good example but when we see people like them it's quite frustrating. Anyway, the good thing about it was we made an action and like my Mom said that we cannot stay blind and mute when something like this happens !

Anyhow, that day was extra ordinary because we were able to do 2 walks : one with family and with friends. We even had our little snacks at Papa's best friends. After that long journey, they have prepared hot chocolate and tea accompanied with Gâteaux des Rois et Gallette de Roi !

simple trekking for kids

As a growing kids our parents introduced us to do sports at an early age. They prefer to go out during the weekend for us to avoid watching the television at home. We are still young and we think that we should take this chance to discover many things. Exploring the beauty of nature is really something extra ordinary for our age. It's true that you could find almost everything in Marseille except for snow. We have the mountains, the sea, the parks to visit and discover. We went hiking with friends at St Baume, we assure you it was easy! I admire my Kuya Basti he didn't even ask my Papa for help. Even he was a bit tired he continued walking and sometimes I asked Papa to get me out from my backpack so I could also walk and we could play together. When we reached the top we had our break for our little picnic. We have pizza, ham, cheese, fruits, apple cake and drinks. That was really cool.

This is the top view from the mountain. The view is just splendid. We asked one of the hiker to take this picture so everyone would be there :) ! Thanks to him.

Hiking is really something we love. Or doing just a simple walk at the park, do roller blading, biking or doing the trotinette. We spend most of our weekend doing outdoor activities. It's really interesting especially for us while growing up. We develop our personality, independency, and our abilities on certain aspects and later progress on what type of sports we like to do in the future. We have discovered a great pattern on the internet on how to be successful on sports of our choice.


The 4C's : Concentration, confidence, control and commitment (the 4C's) are generally considered the main mental qualities that are important for successful performance in most sports.

Concentration - ability to maintain focus
Confidence - believe in one's abilities
Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals

If you want to explore Marseille please check this site. Have a great weekend to all.