The Wonder of Gouter

Hi, all:

The kids have started school.

I know, I know... most kids are in school.  But, the transition from three years of home-schooling in Minnesota to full time French public school in Lyon was something that had me nervous as well as excited.

The new walk to school.

Happy to report that 9 days in, things are smooth.

The girls' language skills are solid enough that they've assimilated into the daily routine of the school quite easily.  Also, they both have been accepted very warmly by their classmates. They have been answering lots and lots of questions about what it's like in the United States:)

Katherine and I have also been warmly approached by many parents who have offered lots of help with French administrative red-tape, each time with an understanding smile.  That's been great.

Streets are quiet during school hours

I felt like this cat when we dropped the kids off on the first day...

Leo is managing his first ever year of school like a champ.  The language barrier, for him, is a significant one.  Happily, his teacher is just what anyone would want in a Kindergarten teacher, and Leo is learning loads and loads each day.  His French will be better than mine by Christmas.

The school schedule here is great.  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 4:30pm; and Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30am.  This schedule allows for any extra-curricular activities to be attended to outside of school hours, which we love.  Music lessons, sports, etc., all take place away from school.

After school exploring

Working off our bread

                                           

Katherine already wants a car

We've been using the after-school time to explore the city, better aquaint ourselves with the neighborhood, and also to make daily trips to the seemingly endless array of Boulangeries. Seriously-how does one city make this much bread?  We're happy to do our part and keep them baking.

This lovely bread has olives baked inside:)

Raisin Pecan Breakfast Bread

One very important daily routine we've come to know: the importance of Gouter (pronounced 'Goo-tay).  Gouter is the daily, unconditional snack which all French children (and most adults, honestly) partake in, just as school lets out at 4:30pm. Honestly, it is an unmissable event, and is almost a sweet treat. It's like French 'tea-time,' and we've seen kids eating every thing from half a baguette with a chocolate bar stuck inside, to beautiful little cakes from a local patisserie.

A very nice chocolate croissant

Gouter Moustache

Gouter makes solid sense, as most families don't sit down to dinner until 7:30pm at the earliest. The sweet ritual is a great way to relax after school, and to charge up before homework time.

Doughnuts are terrified of Gouter

After their first day of school last week, Cora came home so tired and hungry that she wouldn't even take off her backpack for Gouter.  She ate the entire treat with her 'sac a dos' firmly attached.

Note the backpack...

I have no idea what these are, but I want one!!

Leo has occasionally taken to asking for 'second gouter.'  I agree...

Katherine's Gouter

Daphne is adjusting well...

Katherine and I have begun our French lessons as well.  This has been fun, as we're both in the same class so we can study together at home.  So now we get Gouter, too...