Her 2nd hairdo

I guess the after-effects would count as hairdo #3?

Medieval Issigeac (Summer Update Part 10)

Our ruelle by night

 An association of villagers keen to preserve the medieval character of Issigeac has sprung up. Les Menestrels have produced a little book of its history (Roman in fact!) and now a series of events entitled Issigeac en flambeaux. 6 times / summer, locals and tourists gather for a fascinating slide show of the history (projected on to 16th century buildings!), followed by a teen group that does ancient-looking tricks (such as the diabolo), then some poetry and a fable enacted by our neighbours. The highlight for us is that the public lights are extinguished in order to facilitate a tour of the village by flaming torch.

approaching the house (on the corner) by torch light

The villagers' fable - money talks

Joanna with the stars of the show (neighbours Russ and Jean Louis)

 This year our stay overlapped with the annual "Medieval Day" - see previous years for full effect! It was the 2nd most highly anticipated day of the summer!

Silks in the church square

The boy who was knighted in that very spot 4 years ago

The girl who aims to be knighted in 2013

My love the Benedictine monk of many pleasures

 

The evening ended with fire dancing in the main square (professionals, not would be knights and monks)

A dip in the pond (Summer update - Part 9)

Every summer we head over to a tiny hamlet that has beautiful 'source d'eau' and crystal clear and cold pond under great shade. Adults read, kids splash and squeal, we all eat. And as a bonus, some lovely friends live in one of the neighbouring houses.

First week or so of village life (Summer Update Part 8)

 Mixture of new adventures and tried and true delights

Annual carousel ride

Isn't he getting a bit big?!

Next to the newly pruned rose bush that thrives despite us

In Perigueux at the world's largest Mime Festival (we thought it was a good way to ease Sophie into being in France)

checking out the programme of events

A miming marching band - those wacky Dutch!!

Finger footie c/o Zia Lynn and Leo who had saved them just for us from babybel cheese!

Stumbled across this restaurant. Every week, my love buys a roast chicken at our market

Amazingly, I don't have any photos of one of the most important aspects  of our stay. Seb had his own bike! And with it, the freedom of the village and all the independence that goes with it. With a friend, he was even allowed to cross the 'ring road' and cycle in the school yard/car park. He just had to swing by to check in with a parent every half an hour when our church bells toll. For the first 10 days, he would dart off to one of the cafe-bars (a whole minute's cycle), prop up his bike and through the window, watch the Olympics on their tv! After 3 or 4 days of this, he was confident enough to slip in and sit at a back table. Once we found out, we started frequenting the cafe for drinks!

Another day, another market (Summer Update Part 7)

 We have had such good fortune this summer - great camps, long holidays, glorious weather, visits with many friends including a chance to see Maria and LK twice, passing through Montreal 3 times in 3 months...

 My mother wanted to visit Jean Talon market. She hadn't been in years and years but Market Chronicles had put it back on her list of places to get too and soon! It was a lovely few hours all together there

We spoke to the producers and sellers

We got to sample lovely fresh produce

And then we dashed for the airport!

It's a long drive (Summer Update - 6)

 So we broke it up with a stop at the world's longest covered bridge

 and beside the road (I couldn't help myself and besides, so many important parenting moments happen at times like this)

The most anticipated day of Summer 2012 (Summer Update part 5)

Gorgeous

We had all been eagerly anticipating the visit by not one but TWO sets of family friends from Toronto, and Baxters' Corner out did itself yet again!!

Our surfer with his boogie board

Hitting the 'waves'

The captionless Ali who kindly dressed to match Lorraine's lilies

This man knows his food. Just ask him about Sorauren Farmers Market

The gang eating on the grass

The grub was goooood.

Dessert from the grandparents was even better!

And then the land-based games began

Siblings teamed up

Kids teamed up...

The other celebration (Summer update part 4)

Looking great for 90!

What's a girl to do?

While visiting your grandmother, your mum puts you in a dress from her childhood when you really want to play in the park... Good thing you have a Grandma who loves to see active, playful kids!