un, deux, trois, quatre

The good thing about being in another country is that sometimes you get two bites at the cherry.

While we celebrated New Zealand Mother’s Day today I am heartened by the news that the French will not celebrate Fete des Meres here until 28 May. That gives Jamie and the children time to perfect their efforts.

A typical Mother’s Day in France includes flowers, chocolates and gifts as well as handmade gifts and handwritten poems. Not too dissimilar to what we would typically do at home. I will be providing pen and paper to the children though - a poem each outlining their admiration for my efforts sounds just perfect!

Not that today has really needed any improvement. While Jamie was a slave to the computer the five of us wandered down to the village for some quality time together. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get some nice mother/children photos. It is like herding cats. Completely frustrating. Perhaps it would have been easier with the creative director on hand.  Luckily Molly, George, Matilda and Hettie had the pool to while away the afternoon without direction and instruction. The weather certainly seems to have turned. Bliss.

And for something completely different. Malaucene has been host to a vintage farming vehicle expo during the weekend. It seems to have dragged all sorts out of the woodwork and provided us with much entertainment. As we have a dear friend who is a vintage tractor enthusiast (you know who you are) I thought I would include a few photos - just some of the few hundred vehicles on display - of the farmers returning home with their prized possessions at the end of the weekend. Only in France…

To all you wonderful mothers out there, happy Mother’s Day. I hope you celebrated with loved ones in style. xx