Born in the USA

Behind again! We have had a quiet weekend. It’s been two weeks and I think it’s sinking in that we are here for awhile.
On Saturday, it was rainy, so the sun did not wake the kids. Dave and I got up and watched the thunder and lightning for awhile. We decided it would be a good museum day. By the time we got out, the rain had stopped, but it was still very cloudy. It felt like Seattle!
We went to the Pompidou Museum of Modern Art. We started with the “Dreamlands” exhibit. It was very cool. My favorite piece was Joseph Stella’s “View of Coney Island 1914. Dave and the kids loved the film of Walt Disney explaining his vision of Disneyworld. Epcot was to be quite amazing! We also saw a nutty film called “Falcon City of Wonders” about Dubai. It was a cool exhibit.
We then moved to a Freud exhibit, but it was a bit too risqué for our liking. Well, we clearly didn’t know the real meaning of “risqué”, but we quickly learned as we went downstairs to the contemporary art exhibit. We had to explain to the kids that while these things are vulgar, repulsive and offensive to us, some people see them as “art”. But, we did not make them stay. :)
The modern art level was much more tame and enjoyable for all. Two of my favorites were Sonia Delaunay’s “ Le Bal Bullier 193” and Jean Le Moal’s “Eclats”.
After the museum, we grabbed some snacks and sat out on the grounds and talked for awhile. Then, we walked home just ahead of the rain. Dave and I went to the store, then made dinner. After dinner, we watched a couple of episodes of “Lost” (the only english dvd in the apartment.) We then put the kids to bed, and headed out for a nice walk.
Sunday, July 4th, we went to church. We attended a ward here in Paris (the building is right next to the Pompidou Museum.) The ward was half locals and half tourists. So, we were able to hear the meetings in English, which was nice. We met some nice people, but most were passing through on a cruise, backpacking, study abroad, etc. It was still nice to go to church. (fyi: Elizabeth Smart is one of the missionaries serving in the ward).
Hayley and I walked home while the others took the metro. The sun was back, so it was a beautiful walk. We talked a lot about how the kids feel about being here. It has been hard at times for them. So, after lunch, Dave and I had a long talk about some of our options and how to make things better. We brought the kids together and discussed some things with them. I am hoping that everyone is feeling a little better and that things continue to go smoothly.
We decided to go to an “American” restaurant tonight to celebrate the 4th of July. Usually, I am a HUGE celebrater of holidays, but for some reason, did not get my act together for this one. (We will celebrate with the French on Bastille Day instead.) We went to the 6th district and the kids were able to get hamburgers, fries, and quesadillas.
Dave and I went on another nice walk after putting kids to bed (it started at 11:30 pm!) I love walking around here at night, though, or any time for that matter. It is just so beautiful and fun to be outside.

The family eating at PDG in Paris
BAD WOBOT!!!!!!