It has been a while since my last post. Those ten days have been good and ...bad.

For starters, we still don't have our stuff yet, it has been a month since we moved here and we are still living on rented furniture, I am cooking with one pot and washing the 4 forks and spoons we have constantly because we will need them for the next meal. Good news is that we received word that we will be receiving our stuff Tuesday and Wednesday. Hubby and I are just praying that they shipped all the right stuff.

I had mentioned in my past post that the kids were off for two weeks due to french holidays so we took advantage and started to explore the places around us.

We first went to Versailles, which was absolutely beautiful plus a lot of great history. It is only 10 miles out of Paris, and a short Metro ride away. The gardens were simply stunning and the Chateau was also a site. The kids were real sports that day and walked their little hearts out.

We then ventured over to Notre Dame after church on Sunday and walked around the beautiful old church, there are some fun little vendors with some interesting stuff, the kids enjoyed looking at. I also found another outstanding American cupcake shop, Bertie's cupcakery, (you can tell where my priorities are)...I will definitely be back there.

The week went on and since Keith had off from work we decided to take a few days and go to Brussels, Belgium. It was only an hour and 15 minute train ride and I got a great deal on priceline.com for a hotel. It was awesome! It had everything we love, waffles, french fries, chocolate and BEER! Oh yeah and they are also know for their awesome mussels. We lucked out with our hotel which was right outside of the Grand Place, which was absolutely beautiful. It was the mostly beautiful square (pictures posted below). The kids especially like the Manneken Pis (famous little boy peeing statue). He was dressed up at first but then we passed him later that night and he was naked again. It is all Lance talked about. There is also the chocolate factory, the brewery, the mini europe and the atonium. We had a great time and came home with a great deal of chocolate and different types of beers. I can't wait to try them all.

Although all the places we went to in the last 10 days have been wonderful and living in Paris is amazing, there are still those days that I wonder what I am doing here. Living with nothing familiar, it makes me miss my house, my friends and the familiarity of everything at home. I have had days that I have broken down to Keith saying I want to go home. I also miss working. I have worked everyday for the last twenty some years and I miss having intelligent conversations everyday. Think of how hard it is when you can't have a conversation with anyone because of the language barrier (which I am working on). It will still be hard, even when I do learn the language. Yes I said you can get by with just knowing English, but it is so much better if you know french. What helps me on those difficult days are when I talk to my best friends, skype friends or even email friends. I have been told that it takes 6 to 7 months to get adjusted to Paris but don't these people know that I am from Jersey and everything is done at a faster pace. Keith also reminds me why we took this opportunity (besides his amazing job), but to experience things and go to places with our family. He brings me back from my funk, that is why I love him so much! What will also help is the groups I am looking to join and classes I am looking to take. I am just going to dive in. It is alot harder than I thought it would be but don't worry....

Life is still good in Paris.

Peyton getting ready for the high speed train ride to Brussels.

The boys next to the dressed up Mannekan pis.

little streets full of great restaurants in Brussels.