One of the main motivations for coming to France for the year was to have a family adventure at a juncture in our lives when our kids are old enough to enjoy galavanting around Europe and young enough to not question the crazy adventure that mom and dad dreamed up. As I have discussed before, being able to accompany Lily on her numerous field trips has been one of the highlights of our stay. It has allowed me to hang out with Lily on numerous occasions and of course the field trips supply ample opportunities for me to laugh at myself. The feedback regarding the Lècher, Lacher story leads me to believe that many of you have been enjoying Lily and my outings as well. The other day I was chatting to Lily's teacher and told her that my friends were enjoying hearing of my little error in pronunciation. She smiled, turned away, then broke out in a laugh and said that her friends had enjoyed the story as well.
Besides giving me material for the blog, the outings have also provided me with a moniker that I quite enjoy. Papa Lily! It warms me when I arrive at school and Lily's classmates acknowledge me with a quick "Bonjour Papa Lily". I feel like I am part of the class. I volunteered for another couple of sorties in the past week that were great fun. On Friday, Lily's cultural education continued with a trip to the Avignon Opera to see the Avignon Ballet Company perform. It was spectacular! The Opera house is an amazing building right off of the main square in downtown Avignon. Lily was in the second row and sat with her hands on the seat in front of her for the entire show enthralled by the dancing and the music.
On Monday we returned to the scene of the crime. I got to practice my new found vocabulary and the students were fantastic at letting go of the rope this time. I was quite proud of myself. I think I have the most fun at gymnastics as I get to bring out my teacher voice from storage. Here is a photo of Lily in action:
Wow, how wonderful to be going to all those field trips. Being able to walk to many places must make it so much easier to plan and cheaper. It makes the 2 or 3 trips a year we take the students seem so lacking in experience. The girls will come back with such wonderful stories and life experiences. You are giving them, and yourselves, a lifelong dream come true. The more I read your blogs, the more I hope to return one day. Keep on bloging,I love reading about your adventures of daily life and also love the pics.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Papa Lily – I love it!. It really shows that you're considered to be a part of Lily's circle of classmates when they give you a name. We’re so happy about how well you have all adjusted to life in Avignon. It’s clear from the photos, the blog and our phone conversations that everyone has really settled in well after the first few stressful weeks adjusting to a new home and school. Vous êtes tous devenus des vrais avignonnais!
ReplyDeleteOur love to all,
Lorne
So glad that Lily has adjusted so well. Really holding hands is a huge step for her, I remember all to well. Papa Lily, sounds like you are really enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like spending time with your children! So glad you have taken this opportunity, they will never forget.
ReplyDeleteWe counting down the days to Lily's bonne fete!! I guess it will be your turn to host. Good Luck with that!
Love to all!
Carin