The Calm After the Storm

Wet diapers. Dirty diapers.  Saggy, baggy, hanging to the knees diapers.  Children are climbing over, in and under furniture.  Trying to climb overboard.  Screaming, crying, yelling, singing, talking, eating, eating, eating...OH MY!  12 people on Rabelo!  When my nephew arrived he asked if we were ready for this.  No problem said I!  I raised 2 boys!  Would I have them all again?  In a heartbeat!  Just let me get Rabelo back in order first, please.

We have had ideally glorious days!  Blue skies, puffy white clouds and perfect temperatures.  We couldn't have asked for better weather.  We've gone exploring by car while the kids rode bicycles around the town and countryside.  We've toured a cheese factory (and saw where the cheese Epoisse is made).  We visited a castle/chateau, went to a museum,  hiked up to Three Crosses where there were 360 degree views. We ate lovely lunches in little villages. This is what we dream of barging life to be.  We are loving Burgundy!

Walking around Dijon, I was drawn to what I thought might be a concert.  In a way it was.  We found these very unusual street musicians.  They were excellent.  I could have listened all day.

My nephew David with his wife Cecile and two boys Julien (2 1/2) and Remi (14 months) joined us for a few days.  Somehow we managed to accommodate 12 on board Rabelo.

Rabelo turned into a playground. They had to be watched constantly.  Remi decided to try climbing over the life line...over and over again.

Randy (the organizer) found a bike rental place so that the parents and kids could all go sight seeing around Burgundy by bicycle.  Tom and I took the car.  We found Chateau de la Rochepot which was originally built in the 1400's by two Dukes of Burgundy. 

It was beautiful and definitely worth the visit.  It was one of those absolutely picture perfect days.  The temperature was mid to high 70's.  We couldn't ask for a more ideal day.  And we would keep saying that about the next few days as well.

I can't resist:  Talia, Julien, Zoe and Remi

Dinner on Rabelo

It was like herding cats, but they are about to go off on their bicycle adventure.

Ahhhh Family :)

Dijon has a wonderful covered market.  It is best to get there early before it gets too crowded.

They're gone :(  Randy, Lexi, Talia, Zoe, David, Cecile, Julien, Remi, Wilco and Marscha.  The silence is deafening.  Rabelo is empty, silent, lonely...