From the Car

Europeans (at least the ones I've met) are not as acquainted to road trips as we are in America. This is probably due to the fact that plane and train tickets are cheaper here than in the States so their travel time is cut drastically. I don't mind a good road trip. I love driving and seeing new places along the way. Here are some of the sites we saw on our way from Geneva to Loire Valley and back.

Quasi Finito (Almost Finished)

Well folks, my time here is coming to a quick end. I have less than a week left in Europe. Hard to believe! This weekend I am off to Rome with the oldest daughter. Last time I was in Rome, I didn't get to see very much. I'm excited to get a bigger feel for the city!

Tonight was the last night we will all be together as a family so we decided to celebrate by going out to eat. When I first came to France, back in June, we went to a restaurant on the top of a mountain overlooking Geneva. So to finish off my time here, we went back to the same place. It was crazy to think about how different things were the last time we were there. It's been almost a year! So much has changed. I've become a part of this family and I am so grateful for everything they've done for me. I seriously could not have asked for a better au pair experience with them. Most au pairs I know (in fact, all but one) do not have it this good and for that, I'm extremely thankful.

Just five days stand between me and America. But first, Rome!

Tomorrow = Exam Day

I came to France last August to help the little girl learn English. At first, it was very casual. Just speaking every day and gradually learning things. However, in October, things changed.

In middle school, the students have to pick a language section. Usually you go to whichever language is your mother tongue. This family decided instead to have their daughter try to get into the English section. So since they decided this, we have been pushing her harder. I have been working with her almost every day to improve her grammar, speaking, and writing abilities. It has not always been easy. It most definitely has not always been fun (for either of us). But we are almost at the end!

Tomorrow is exam day and I'm getting a bit nervous! We have done everything we could to prepare her. Prayers would be much appreciated for her to do well on this test!

In other news, I will be back in America in 15 days!! Ahhh can't believe it's almost time to go back home. I have mixed feelings of course. I'm sad to leave Europe and all the travel opportunities I have here. But I'm also very excited to get home to my family and friends. I've missed them a lot more this time than I did last time. I can't wait to step off that plane on American soil!

And because posts are boring without pictures, here are some shots from the garden. Spring has arrived and I couldn't be happier.