Santi meets Pepe

We travelled to northern France to visit Pepe, Nico's grandfather, and to introduce him to Santiago. Santi was all into exploring Pepe's house, while Mateo played soccer with Papounet. To top off the visit, we all enjoyed a yummy lunch before hitting the road once again and heading for Paris.

Summer in France, Part 2

Going for a walk in the forest. Mateo was proud that he was allowed to run with Dago and hold her leash.

Off he goes!!! Less than 50m later, Mateo falls and scrapes his knees on the pavement. No more running with Dago.

Damien bonding with Santi

"Les Amoureux"

Riding Jim with Papounet

Nathalie, Damien's girlfriend.

We visited a typical medieval castle to introduce Mati into the world of knights and kings.

There was a performance show where staff members explained the different components of a knight's outfit and the basics of sword fighting. When they asked for volunteers, Mateo quickly got up and raised his hand really high. Upon seeing Mati, one of the guys said that he was too small, but Mati inflated his chest and flexed his arm muscles to show him that in fact he wasn't as small as he thought. But that still didn't get him to dress up as a knight. He was a little disappointed, but at least he got, at the end, to practice sword fighting.

The Dordogne River - view from the top of the castle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANTI!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday to the sweetest little baby!!! I can't believe my Santi is already one - where has this year gone??? It was certainly tough at first, but I'm glad the road has turned for the better.

These days, Santi is a master crawler. He no longer drags himself on his belly - soldier style -but is on all fours. He is strong in his legs and is totally capable of keeping himself up without assistance for about 20 seconds. Only thing is that he needs not know that he's all alone, otherwise, he sits himself down very carefully. He's taking baby steps here and there but is nowhere near to take off soon, despite getting more and more frustrated over seeing his brother run and climb.

He's all smiles and does well with strangers, just as long as he doesn't see mommy or daddy. Mateo is still his favorite person - totally looks up to him - but theirs is an intense relationship!!

He has been an incredibly good eater in this trip. He has tried a lot of new foods, like berries (a favorite), ice cream, CHOCOLATE CAKE, cheeses, etc.

We had a little party for his birthday with balloons, cake, bubbles and presents. We finished it off in the pool which is becoming one of Santi's favorite hangouts!

Party central

A sweet picture with his father

Daddy bringing the cake ...

Mateo checking out the cake ...

Santi not sure what to make of the candles!

Mati colored the #1 sign. Mamounette and her friend, Marie-Helene, prepared this egg-free chocolate cake. It was delicious! THANK YOU!!!

"Mmmmmmmmmm" was all Santi could say while eating his cake!

Tender moments with Daddy

Santi is a "thrill-seeker": he jumps from the edge of the pool into the water and doesn't mind if he submerges.

New feat: crawling up stairs.

Summer in France, Part I

First set of pictures from our vacations in France. In summary: the boys are having a great time!! We are in southern France, enjoying a spectacular summer, full of laughs, good food and sunshine (yeah!!!). We visit the horses, go blackberry, plum, and pear picking (a favorite with all three boys!), shop at the market, swim in the pool, go fishing, and sleep!

I'm sure both of them will miss the freedom and the activities they've had here when we leave soon ... good thing is that there will always be next year!

First attempt at riding the bicycle Papounet bought Mati ... it didn't result in much! :(

Visiting the horses

Santi got very excited to see the horses, but ...

... he quickly got scared, especially after Jim tried to bite his little hand!

Daddy checking for any damaged goods ... everything okay.

Another one who was scared!

Mati is just a bubble of love and affection! He's in love with Dago, always wants to play with her, caress her, but is also very firm in trying to "discipline" her: "Dago, get out of here now or you'll have time out.!"

"Vrooooooooom ...."

Little one is also very excited to be around Dago.

Watering Mamounette's flowers ... another of Mati's favorite activities!

Pure joy!!!! Driving Papounet's Mustang!!!!

"Peek-a-boo!"

Papounet preparing the fishing rod ...

A patient Mateo waiting and waiting for a fish to bite the bait ...

... he waited about 5 minutes, and then decided that fishing wasn't really all that exciting!

However, playing with "Leon" in the pool ...

or with Tata Nabou, was FUN!!!

The Bossut men in action! Mateo has been initiated in the family tradition of "baby foot".

Outing with Papounet: driving the Mustang to pick up strawberries.

Blackberry degustation! LOOOOOOVE them: "MA, MA!!!!" (More, more!!)

Mateo disguised as Buzz Lightyear. Flying the friendly skies with Vincent.

The city slicker picking berries ... "One for me and one for my brawder (Mati's pronounciation for brother)."