This French-inspired outfit might be completely off-season for many parts of the country but here in California, this look can be pulled off year-round. If it's a particularly brisk day, just throw on a jacket and some nylon socks.
I choose this look because I have a big announcement to make....
Doug and I have decided to move to France in August for a year abroad with our 3 young children. It's been a life-long dream of ours and we have been preparing for this by sending our eldest to a French-immersion elementary school. My step-daughter will be off at her first year in college and has applied to a couple of schools on the east coast so the timing seemed right. The twins will be just under 3 so they should pick up on the new language quite quickly. On the other hand, the language will be quite a challenge for me. I start my beginning French course on Monday. Wish me luck! I'm hoping the locals in our small village will be more accepting of my American accent than the Parisians (or my daughter) have been. ;)
We have chosen to live in a 19th-century restored farmhouse in the Dordogne region of France. The Dordogne is known for its mountains, rivers, lakes and medieval villages. The farmhouse has chickens, a vegetable garden and pool and is surrounded by sunflower fields. It should make for an idyllic year.
As expected, we are VERY excited for this adventure! However, we have much preparation in the coming months. In addition to all of the paperwork, we are looking for renters for our home in Berkeley, CA. If you know of anyone who may be interested drop me a line. We would like to leave the house furnished, it would be great for children, pets are negotiable and it's walking distance to the CAL campus so a visiting professor might find it ideal.
If you have spent any time in France, especially with children, and have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them in the comments. Merci!
This is a big undertaking but I know it will be so rewarding for your whole family. As much as I am going to miss you while you are gone I am so excited for you too and I look forward to some great posts from France.
Posted by: Mimielaine | January 04, 2013 at 08:57 AM
Lisa, so excited for you and your family. So brave, can't imagine getting my brain and mouth to do French. Speaking as a parent that went off to England for 4 years with young and old (Mary) children, this will be the best adventure ever! We Shaffners have such fond memories of our time in England and all the trips from there. I know you will love it.
Posted by: grace shaffner | January 04, 2013 at 02:01 PM
Lisa!! I'm so excited for you all! It is going to be an incredible experience and I can't wait to see all the photos! xo
Posted by: Erin Oveis Brant | January 11, 2013 at 09:35 AM