C'est la fête chez les petits !

Yesterday we celebrated the end of school year 2007-2008 "Fête de fin d'année". We went at exactly 6:30 PM and we were surprised to see a lot of cars parked outside the streets. Maman needed to look for a parking space far from the venue. Anyway, it’s not bad at all to walk 500 meters right and reconditioned our stamina for the presentation. Each class prepared a dance presentation and we have been practicing month ago. Last year our theme was Chinese but this time it’s an open theme. I am also excited for my little sister Mayumi because this will be her first time to go up on stage dancing. She is a timid child not by nature (only at school) and because she’s the youngest obviously she’s a bit intimidated by some of the older children . Nevertheless, she performed very well .

Mayumi is the one wearing white socks

As for me, well my Mom told me that I danced well. She even told me that I enjoyed being on stage and that I have washed away all the timidity in me . We happily danced to the tune of Saga Africa sung by Yannick Noah (French-African who won the Rolland Garros and later on turned out to be a popular singer in France).

Me in the middle

Together with my schoolmates

My Mom succeeded to take some pictures despite of camera problem. Unfortunately they are quite blur . Maman wanted to take a video of us dancing but it was impossible. I think the next plan should be to buy a new digital camera! The party was surprisingly jam-packed. Beautiful presentations are indeed spectacular. I wanted to stay more but we needed to go home because Papa has arrived already. By 8:30 we were on the way going home but the party could end until 12 midnight as the last time. There will be likely a disco after the presentation. I love to really dance but then Mayumi's felt her rumbling stomach and a bit tired of the journey hence it's really time to go, have dinner and get a good night sleep. Though we still have until Friday to completely end the year it was certainly a nice party .

Spiderman Video

Les paroles:

Spider Cochon, Spider Cochon, il peut marcher au plafond.
Est-ce qui peut faire une toile?
Bien sûr que non c'est un cochon.
Prend garde, Spider Cochon est là...

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.

Birthday Gift !

To go out of the usual habit we celebrated my sister's 3rd year birthday to Marineland for a Dolphin show. It is also an attraction park where there are animals and rides. We spent the whole day watching Dolphins, Killer Whales, Turtles, Seals and Sea Lions, Penguins, Birds of Prey and the most impressive is the big Shark's Aquarium. We had total fun, just admire the pictures. If ever you will visit France or Monaco, it's just a few hours away. This is a perfect getaway not only for couples with kids but also for everyone!

Chez les Ch'tis 2

Well the title came from the famous comedy French movie “Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis” (“Welcome to the Sticks”) ! A person from the North of France who does have a strange accent. Since relatives are from there, we also have the touch of Ch'tis :D !

Visiting relatives is also nice because it would mean traveling. We don't do it every year since we used to travel by car which is becoming tiring. Our parents thought why not take the train. And Hop, bright idea and time saving ! We were obliged to wake up early as 5:00 in the morning not to miss the train at 6:09 in the morning. The train station is 15 minutes away from our place. The earlier the better, no traffic only we were half asleep.

My brother who's keeping the luggage while Mom takes photo.

Our Mom bought coloring stuffs for us to be occupied while traveling. It's fun and a need to avoid idle moments in the train. I made colorings while my little sister was sleeping.

We visited Papy who has a personal playroom and we get to play with our big cousins.

Mayumi got to see her Marraine Caro (Godmother or Ninang)


We had the chance to visit Belgium too.

We went to visit the beach from the North Le Touquet but before visiting we went dining in a restaurant specializing in Mussels and fries ! A treat from our nice Tonton Stephane and Tata Françoise, thank you very much! We had fun :D!

Having fun on the grayish fine sand with thick clothes

But the people from the North are into sun bathing already, this make us say brrrrr!

An old abandoned little bunker made to protect antitank gun. Made by the Germans during World War 2 enable to engage any tanks or light ships from the effective distance of 500 meters.

View from afar

3 candles and growing !

Today is my BIG day. A wonderful day for a child like me.... a perfect day to be thankful. To my parents who have brought me into this beautiful world and their never ending love, support and understanding. To my Kuya Basti who is always very patient and kind with me (I know I am naughty). To all my grand parents who always think of me despite of the distances that separate us. To all my relatives and friends, my godparents....and to YOU UP THERE...THANK YOU !

Chez les Ch'tis

The sea, the sand, the sun, great company, good food more of this in a short while !

Off to North

We have two weeks vacation this spring and we intend to visit our grandparents and relatives in the North of France (Nord pas de Calais Region). Going there is a bit tiring and would take 10 to 12 hours drive (including stop). So this time we opted to take the TGV (train à grande vitesse) or high speed train. Though Maman has her driver's license already and she's indeed a big help to our Papa but 10 to 12 drive is a waste of time. Whereas taking the TGV would only take us 4 hours maximum and arriving in Lille families have the car to lend us. Pretty practical! It's also good for us to experience traveling without depending to our car. Knowing to adapt with different traveling means or transportation like buses, trains, ships and airplanes is a part of learning a growing kids. For us children it quite exciting to experience other means of transportation.Maman had already prepare our luggage ahead of time so as not to forget important things we need. We were also advised by the family that we should need to bring thicker jackets and clothes as the weather is warmer than Marseille. We will be away for exactly 9 days and we can't wait to tell you stories about our travel and the things we are going to discover there. Happy spring !

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 !

it's spring !

Finally, winter is over and spring is in the air. Now, we could be able to profit the sun, the beautiful flowers, go out on a weekend, strolling, hiking, playing and outdoor activities possible. Isn't just life wonderful !

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 !

happenings

Winter has been good and not so nice for us. Good thing comes first, we had our one week vacation in the Alps I got the Flocon. Yes it was really a hard job for me. I gave my best and worked hard for it. I took one week lessons from 9Am to 5PM in between was lunch break (12 NN to 1:30 PM). Mayumi is still young to take lessons for Piou-Piou. Our parents just put her to kindergarten where there were kids of her age so she can be able to socialize. Papa joined the ski competition as he's been into it since he was a kid. He was aiming for gold though he is good skier but he's not physically trained. So he got the vermeil, silver and bronze for the different ski categories. It was funny when Papa told us that he was the oldest who joined the competition. All of them are teenagers ages 14 to 18. He became popular to the group. He also made this ski jumping category and it was impressive according to Maman who took a video . Papa is top 9 over 45 (not so sure of the number) participants. While Maman tried snowboarding for the last 3 days and she was really happy having that ultimate sensation that she's been dreaming of. She was really surprise that her knees were not affected and she thinks it is a good sign. Next year she decides to take lessons and finally found her next passion.

Second, it made us all sick. A lot of epidemic were infecting us but what can we do about it. My Maman had to go to Pediatrician once a week or even twice a week to make sure that we are treated right away. This is to avoid surprises in the end and not to aggravate the illness. Second, we thought our Maman is a superwoman....we were wrong ! We have witnessed one of her worst moment. She wasn't able to get up from bed. She had a terrible headache and extreme body pain. Good thing that our Papa can bring us to school before going straight at the office. He just needs to call the office to inform he will come late for work. Maman took an effort to prepare the meals for the day and prepare everything we need for school. Papa sacrificed to come at the office later and help Maman during the night. Yes everything is a sacrifice! As for us, we are proud to say that we were very cooperative during those times. We were extra behave and I guess that helped Maman to gradually recover.

All's well that ends well ! We are impatient for the coming of Spring !

Happy Hearts Day !

A Valentine Is Nothing Like

A Valentine is nothing like
A chocolate or a rose.
For in a week these shall be gone,
But Valentines remain.
If love were always sweet to tongue
Or fragrant to the nose,
Each day would be like Valentine's,
And we would go insane.

A Valentine just hangs around
Waiting to be kissed
Long after special days have passed
And every days are here.

So one is wise to choose one well
And chocolates to resist.
For in the midst of mania
It's nice to have one near.

We love you Papa and Maman ! Happy Valentines's Day to all !

Poem from this site, thanks !

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.

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 !

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 !

Last week last year...

Before anything else we would like to greet you a very Happy New Year ! Cheers to us and to the year 2008 !Sorry, we know the greeting is a bit late because we were out of town having a great time in the Alps. Okay I know that you have already read the post of our Mom about how we spent the Christmas and New Year, yes it was quiet and white :D ! So we're here to tell you what was the highlight of the holidays for us...what else ? THE GIFTS....you can't blame us we are kids.

Now since I told to Santa that I would like to have Spiderman stuffs....I've got them. Thank you very much. I had a pair of gloves and a punching bag. Of course, I have received many gifts of Spiderman toys but I would not really identify them...bragging isn't my thing I am quite a discreet young boy. There are also non Spiderman stuffs and I really like them too. In fact, the most exciting part we love the most was when our Mom decorated the house with Christmas tree. It was exciting because we always love to see the lights on especially at night. Mom also put 2 socks decoration as you can see on our previous post. I have noticed that Mom puts the toys we collected and could be found in the kinder surprise chocolate. They serve them as a decorations too hanging on our Christmas tree ! My Mom always tell us that she isn't an artistic person but I think she made a bright idea, don't you think ?

Hey, I guess it's my turn to speak Kuya Basti ! In fact, I didn't really have much things to say because I was asleep already because of gastro...poor me. Anyhow, when I woke up the next morning voila mes cadeaux ! As for me I have asked Santa for Dora so I've also got them. There are other presents apart from Dora and I would like to say Million thanks to Santa, who is always generous. Oh about the Christmas tree, I am bit naughty when it comes to this ! Sometimes, I would take the decorations and play with them. My Mom always scold me or punish me because honestly I have broken some of them, yes I know it wasn't so nice of me...sorry ! But what can you do...kids will always be kids and don't tell me that when you were young you were an angel...come on !!!

The other highlight of the holiday season was when we went to the Alps to spend the New year there. If you will ask us if it was expensive we would say no...because it was a free stay for one week! COOL! Thanks to Papa's bestfriend, maybe he is Santa Clause! It was the nearest ski station in the South of France and we had fun fun and total fun. Our first time to spend the New Year in the Alps. It was a very memorable day for me because I had my second medal for my ski lessons meaning I have improved a lot after taking only one week training (for someone who is not used to snow) took the test and passed them. As for my sister, well she's too young to take lessons so she just went sliding, swimming and strolling. I think she also enjoyed the snow even Mom rented a ledge she didn't want to hop on it she was just pulling the ledge and that was it, she was contented !

Enjoy watching the videos of our racketeering day !

l'arbre de Noël

Last Sunday we went to the L'abre de Noël courtesy of our Papa's company...thank you for your effort in making this wonderful show! As usual we came one hour late because Mom had to chat with the family from the Philippines. She took time and we perfectly understand that. After chatting we left. On the way to Martigues we slept in the car to keep our energy for the last remaining hour of the spectacle. Arriving there, it was dark because the show started already. We went to look out for a place. Fortunately, we were not that close because Mayumi was afraid of the clowns and entertainers doing their magic. Blinking lights, loud laughs, clapping hands. She put her trembling hand on Papa's lap to let him know that she's not interested to watch the show. She turned her head and put on Papa's shoulder and tried to avoid watching the show. As for me, I was half asleep but because of the loud soundtrack I started to get fully awake. The show goes on and on, finally at the end of the show Santa came out and that was the only time Mayumi turned her head with a smile on her face. After the show, we went back stage and lined up to get the gifts we have chosen. Mayumi got her Dora trotinette and I got Spiderman toy, 2 books and 2 bags full of chocolates ! Sorry for the picture, that is the best shot Maman could have !

Santa is coming to town !

Now, these two Christmas socks are waiting for Santa's visit! I hope that Santa has our address....If not how can he give us his presents ? Honestly, they're waiting since one week ago :D! Oh we are not in a hurry but when we see the gifts under the Christmas tree it's kinda tempting. But don't worry we will be very patient and will be a good boy and girl. Anyway 4 days to go before Christmas and the waiting will be over ! Tssssrarannnnn !!! We can't wait for the surprises !!!!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoy this special season of giving and sharing !

I don't give up !

I don't know what I was thinking but all I wanted was to take off my socks by hook or by crook. I wanted my Mom to know that I can take care of my little self. This is how I started to be independent and not asking my Mom to do things for me. Anyhow, every child has its own style right ? So far this style is really effective ! Mind you, my Mom told me not to do it because she told me that socks aren't really clean but I insisted just to show her that I can also do things on my own.... I know I am a bit show off ! You cannot do anything about it, I am just a little girl who tries to help my Mom in my own little way.