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.

life of a scout in all weathers

Mimi speaking, I went for a 3 day camping and was happy to have slept in the middle of the forest with all my colleagues and parents organizer. It was all fun and educational as we were taught of  values, leadership skills and compassion for others, to name a few. Every kids shared the assigned task given by the parents like tidying up after every meals, washing the dishes, throw the garbage to the bins and more others. My parents went to the place on the last day to contribute and play with us.  Help every scout to prepare our stuffs and get ready for the departure. Went home tired but happy !

While Mimi went back home, I Basti left for a one week camping too with all my colleagues. It was a 3 hours trip from where we live somewhere in Drome south of France. The camping was a success. The place  was just perfect. They all liked the costume Mom made. It was a very simple costume...( Casper your friendly ghost ) but very popular in the camp. I was the star of the night :D ! It was my first time long week camp out and it was very interesting as we are  taught to be responsible person. Taking care of our own stuffs, cleaning the camp, division of assigned task given by the leader and a lot more.

The leaders teaches a few pointers on where and how to set out our camp. It's not good just plonking your tents just like that or  anywhere. Check the place if there is running water down into your tent because it could be invaded by wasps, ants or mosquitoes. Camp-fires are typically  associated with the camping experience. Being able to start a good fire is not as easy as it seems as it takes many years of  practice and familiarity before you can light a fire using the minimum of materials. We are enable to do a various duties around the camp from lighting a fire to constructing a camp, taking care of equipment and use it effectively. It is essential that every scout be trained how to use and look after every equipments correctly and safely.

We cannot wait for another camp out !

techniques to discover

It's Sébastien speaking, since I passed the ski test and obtained the 3rd star, I decided to take snowboard lesson. I asked my parents that I am very interested to try snowboarding. Papa called the L'ESF (Ecole du Ski Français) and inquire. According to them snowboarding lesson starts at the age of 10. They have asked my father if I am an independent child and could follow instructions easily. He answered yes and that I am very sports-minded child. We have spent 1 week in the Alps and on the first day I started to take group lessons with other kids . The thing is, I was with kids of 10 yrs. old and up. I am independent but not as independent as of a 10 yrs. old child. I've found myself catching up with big kids and always on my knees honestly it was tough and quite tiring. The next day, my parents decided to take private lesson and so I have my own snowboard monitor all by myself from 5PM to 6PM for 4 days. I don't care if it's cold because I am very interested to learn snowboarding. After 4 days of hardwork I had my 1st level in snowboarding and got my medal. My Monitor named Kevin is proud of me as I have easily learned the techniques. He even talks about me with his colleagues, and I am happy because it's a compliment ! Here's the video of me just to share that I made it even if it was tough !

Brain teaser

I've been practicing to assemble puzzle during the weekdays after school or every Wednesday with Maman. Puzzle is not just fun but good for the brain. Sometimes it could be difficult but I like it because it helps my brain to have a mental activities that keeps the brain young and active .

Now, there you go the finish product. It took me time but I don't care as long as I was able to assemble them. I believe in the saying that practice makes perfect !

First step

I will tell you something...last year I didn't want to go skiing as I told my parents that I am too young to do sports. But then, this year I am ready to face the challenge. I have been so encourage when I see my Kuya ski by on the hills, hubs and up in the mountain even taking the Blue hills ski area. Of course with Papa's guidance because it very advance staion for a 6 year old kid . Got so impressed ! He has already his Flocon since last year. I was thinking why not try this year? And so here I am amongst the many Piou-Piou who are taking their first step to skiing. Otherwise, it would be useless not to use my new pair of skis that we bought for a good price.


I took 6 days courses in totality (2 consecutive weekends including Fridays) with ESF and I am happy to start at this age as I can see it would be difficult to start old like my Maman. Okay when I say old, not grey and wrinkled let me rephrase it...older than me, clear enough?

I started my ski lessons from 9 to 11:30 in the morning. Had lunch between 12:00 noon to 1:45 in the afternoon and get back to my ski lessons and finished at 4:30 in the afternoon. My first day was horrible as it was too windy, a violent one. Thinking that a gust of wind blow us off outside from the ski station. I was right! Suddenly the wind got me and I almost fell on the ground, it was a nightmare! Fortunately, was able to balance as I was just right beside the wooden bear. And so the monitors decided to stop the lesson and get back inside the room. My fingers were all very numb in both hands!


Though, this has happened this has not discouraged me from skiing! I am really glad to ski this time because it's a great advantage to learn together with some kids of my age. Learning together involves discipline. One thing I learned also is giving a helping hand in case someone fall to the ground. Never let someone down ! The next day was better. It was sunny and was nice to learn skiing when the weather condition is on your side.

The Results

My parents just received my bulletin scholaire (report card) and they congratulated me for having good results. My Mom told me concerning my teacher’s opinion. They commented that I made a great progress, that I listen a lot and get to follow instructions, very sensitive to others and that I can be a leader! My Papa and Maman are happy to have read the feedback. In my report card I was graded with 1 and 2. This time I have no 3 unlike my previous years, I did get few 3’s. We are noted from 1 (highest grade) to 5 (lowest grade).

At school, I really learn a many things. I start learning the alphabets and write them slowly but surely. I learn colouring and identify its colours & shapes, to classify different animals, recognize the 4 seasons, poesies, songs and its dances, to listen and be attentive to teacher’s directives and socialize more and more with my colleagues. Happy and proud with myself and I am sure my parents are.

Now, it’s me Mayumi talking. My Maman had a conversation with my teacher. According to my teacher, I am very discreet. My teacher told my Maman that I understand instructions which I participate in every activity. The only worry is that I talk very soft wherein they couldn’t hear me. Maman explained to my teacher that she’s surprise to hear that I am comporting discreetly at school whereas at home I am very naughty, loud and smart. Yes I confirm I am completely different at school because I observe a lot and because I am the youngest amongst us. Nonetheless, I still love going to school for the reason that learning is very important and will benefit a lot from it. I will tell you more about the progress I will make at school in my (our) future post. For now we’re out hiking ! Happy Sunday !

Bon Appetit

She likes to sing, she likes to dance, she likes poems. She's been imitating his brother since she started talking. She knows to sing a complete song of Une souris verte good thing she sings well not like her Mom! Now, this is a song she learned from the school before having their meal at the canteen. I was surprised when she sung this song because I was not expecting that she could memorize this far, not bad for a 2 and a half year old ! Hear her sing. The lyrics of the song is :

Cuillère, fourchette
A vos assiettes !
J'ai lavé mes mains
J'ai pris ma serviette
Il est midi- Bon Appetit !

practice makes perfect

Since we went skiing in the Alps our generous friend proposed us if we want to spend some weekends there again we may do so. He even gave us the flat keys. We have already chosen 2 consecutive weekends to at least unwind and get out from the normal circulation work, traffic, school, pollution and everything that is common. These videos were taken last week and this time I did not take lessons from ESF because I wanted to try the ski trail with my Papa. We went skiing practically together and I really enjoyed it because I felt like I am a professional skier. We even took the Aerial lift (remontées mécaniques) platter lift (tire fesse) rope tow (un cable en mouvement que l'on tient à la main chairlift télésiège). I had fun taking those lifts all by myself, of course my Papa was just behind me. I have seen a lot of people up there skiing very well, doing the slalom, jumping with their snowboards and that encourages me more. I would like to thank my Papa for teaching me good techniques especially for being patient with me all the time. If you will see I am in front of Papa who is wearing a red jacket. The video may seem blurb and I just hope that you will not have headaches after watching it :D ! I know how difficult to take a video with digital camera. How I wish we have the video camera.

As for Mom, she just went strolling with Mayumi, taking pictures and videos of us. I know my Mom would really like to ski but she couldn't because of her knee problem. Anyhow, she keeps repeating that she is contented to see the progress in me. Mayumi by the way, did enjoy sliding in the snow though we rented a slide (luge) for her but she was not very enthusiast of using it. We are in fact practicing my skills before we head off to Meribel this coming school break on February. I am really impatient about that. I am sure that would be another unforgettable experience for a growing kids like us who try to explore. Until next time friends. Have a nice day to all !

School and Us

I belong to the little section (petite section) . In my class children are older than me. Ages 3 years and up. Being clean (not on diapers) is a big factor or rather the first qualification to get accepted at school. So this year even I am not exactly 3 yrs. old but I had the chance to be included in the school year of 2007-2008 . Classes start from 9 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. It is not obligatory for me to stay the whole afternoon. I only stay in the morning from 9AM to 11:30 AM and I guess it is enough for me to learn at this early stage. I take lunch at home and have an afternoon nap. Somehow, going to school at this early age helps me to develop to have an autonomous behavior. Attending classes, I started to accomplish the following :

1. Being able to recognize words, colors, and numbers.
2. Hold and show interest in books, nursery rhymes and songs.
3. Socialize and learn the importance of team work and camaraderie.
4. Develop my social and emotional skills.

Now, it's my turn ! If you will see we are bigger therefore I belong to the middle section (moyenne sections). In our class, the sessions we have is understanding and implementing the guidelines to paste the cut out sysmbols or color them. Learn to draw forms, letters and symbols. Teacher's objective is if we are able to understand the meaning of the guidelines. Being able to recognize the symbol and differentiate them. To know and pronounce the letters of the alphabets. Identifying letters to their form and remember the nursery rhymes of the alphabet. Knowing to identify the characters from the story book. Acquiring and developing our vocabulary on the topic. Describing characters, places, using the appropriate terms. Learning to socialize and to participate in every sessions and a lot more. We even make a little show whenever there's a celebration like halloween. Teachers choreograph our steps and we wear necessary costumes depends on the theme of the party. You see, that proves that we do not only focus on books, papers and pens.....we also know how to make fun ! Ice breaker is always important, energizers for breaks during standardized sessions.

We have a lot more to tell you but we thought it would be boring. Anyhow, you've all been there, done that. If you have some tips that would be a great help for both of us on how we could improve at school.

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.

At School

I know that growing up means RESPONSIBILITY ! Now, I am facing another dimension in life wherein learning, development and socialization are the stages that I will undergo as a growing child. It is true that we learn first at home and that entering into a real school help us to have more formation.

My first day went okey. Since my Papa was on his RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail) he went with Maman going to our first day of school. I can tell you that my Kuya Basti was so happy to have seen his friends again. As for myself, I was a little bit anxious because I have seen a lot of children crying. I was thinking that there is something strange! Why do they cry? Was then affected by it. I did not cry but was nearly in tears ! Quietly keeping what I have inside! If only I have the magic to change everything I would. Like staying to be a baby then I would not endure such stage. But life should move on and I should grow up !

After a week of schooling I could say that it was not easy to be separated from my Maman. I was used to be with her 7 days a week 24 hours a day. I just miss her so much that when she picks us up from school for lunch I am really happy to see her ! During my first week at school I stayed the whole afternoon. Maman normally picks us up before 11:30AM and should be back before 1:30PM but I don't have the time to take a nap in between hours. Arriving at school the room for the little section (petite section) is already close because my colleagues are already taking their afternoon nap. It is not possible for me to enter the room so as to avoid disturbing them while sleeping. Then, I found myself playing with the big ones like the age of my Kuya Basti average and big sections etc. (moyenne & grande sections). After playtime, I am dead tired ! That's why Maman was advised by the teacher that I should only stay in the morning because I am still young and it happened twice that I slept on my chair while the class is going on ! Shame on me :( ! Can you imagine that I am the only little girl who plays with the big ones while my classmates are taking their siesta ! So in this case, I go to school every morning only and I stay with Maman at home after bringing back my Kuya Basti at school by 1:30 PM and stays the whole afternoon ! I am happy to have found my bed for a little nap ! By 4:15 I am accompanying my Maman at school in picking up my brother at 4:30 PM ! This is my new life ! Challenging yet exciting ! Until then friends..........

new discovery

I will turn 5 years old early next year and I really wish to have a real bicycle. I started thinking about it when we went at the park near my school. My Maman saw me looking at the 2 boys at my age who were biking very well. I continued observing them and suddenly my Maman asked me if I wanted to have the same bike like them. I said yes immediately with sparkling eyes. I told her that the bike we have at home are okey but just for small babies like my sister. I've added that it's time for me to really learn to bike with the real one.

My Maman started to talk about it with Papa and they've decided to buy me a real bicyle :) ! A week ago we went to Decathlon where we used to buy sports materials. They offer affordable prices, many choices and brandmarks to consider. I was excited to see how my bike would look like.

Since I am a beginner my parents were really practicable to have bought this bike. The price was okey and I was really glad to have it. Included in this bike are the 2 supporting small tires to regain my balance which are adjustable and relflectible light which is detachble that permits to bike during night. Vacation is not yet over and my Maman helps me to learn biking during weekdays at the park near us. I hope to learn how to bike soon without these supporting tires on it. I am not in a hurry but I am just so excited on this new discovery and challenge that I am experiencing as a growing boy. Then I could teach my little sister to bike when she reach my age. All I could do for the moment is to be patient, learn how to balance, apply different techiniques advised by my parents and most especially bike carefully !

I would appreciate to hear recommendations from you about biking. That would be a great help !

what do you think ?

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Now, my Mom starts talking to us in english. And I can tell you, je me debrouille pas mal ! Seriously, my Papa (feeling Pinoy po si Papa) prefers that Maman talk to us in Tagalog but I guess speaking English will be more practicable since it is an International language. Of course, I would really love to learn Tagalog too later on. But as a second language it would be a great advantage for us especially in school since not so many children speak the english language. To tell you more, every morning we watch DVD films in English so as to get used to it. Eventhough I don't understand the film yet hearing it will be a good pratice. Anyway, I am at the stage of parrot talking. I say what I hear :) ! My Maman speaks clearly and slowly so we can understand better and she sometimes explain it in French. All those basic english words like the alphabet, numbers, colors and singing english songs and many things are a new beginning for me. Indeed, it will be of great help in my everyday development as a toddler. I don't forget my Kuya Basti, he speaks better that me!