reporting back from our 3rd family vacation!

We had a great 2-week vacation looking after 3 fun cats who live with their Dutch owners in a beautiful old farm in Riol, a village so small it's not even on a map. In the middle of the Southern French region of the Auvergne, it is a haven of peace and quiet, birds, sheep and cows. Emile found this extremely entertaining and the daily parade of animals passing by the house was definitely the highlight for him. (watch video). Julie, the little girl who lives here, was very happy with her young house guest and was quick to join him in the bath. Emile added a number of new farm and holiday related words to his repertoir: (sch)aap (sheep), boe (boo, as in what does the cow say), bal and aap (monkey). Also, tante Nicki will be excited to learn that he can now baby sign the complete book 'my first baby signs' which is super cute to watch. Video to follow!

Tante Eva and Opa joined us for a few days to enjoy first some wet weather - and then finally the sun!In the meantime, Emile perfected his crawling skills in hot pursuit of the cats, Joris in particular. Watch him go (video)... Now we are well into turbocrawling - nothing is safe from his clutch anymore (esp. Ziggy)!For most of the time the weather was great and we enjoyed a bit of a swing, or relaxing in the hammock... swimming in the pool...or going on monster hikes down - and up - steeeeeep French hills! Emile is comfy in his backpack but look at the exhaustion on mama's face after 30 minutes of a solid climb, with 10 kilos on her back! All in all, we can conclude - c'etait des vacances tres agreables!

Check out the wonderful Auberge de Chassignolles - open 4 days prior to our arrival! - where much tasty food, pies, cheeses, wine and company was enjoyed. Well worth a visit!