Dear Family and Friends,
Over the last couple of weeks, many things have changed for la famille Onstott. The kids finished up school with a week of field trips and class parties. While they liked their teachers, they were all glad to finally have a break from the rigorous schedule and continual homework, particulary in French. They are now free to pursue their other passions, which include books, books, and more books for Nicolas, growing gills and webbed feet for Elyse, and attacking anything that moves with a light saber or whatever weapon happens to be handy for Nathaniel.
Our area of Provence has also changed. Summer wheat has matured and is now being harvested throughout the area and large fields of sunflowers are starting to flower. We are continually amazed at the variety of crops that are grown in the valleys surrounding Manosque and Pierrevert.
Warmer temperatures have also brought the annual arrival of the "cigales" or cicadas. These grasshopper-like insects are unique to Provence and create a very loud chirping sound by vibrating air through small membranes in their hollow bodies. In areas where there are a lot of trees, like our yard, the sound can be deafening. Fortunately for us, the cooler temperatures at night seem to pacify the critters and we are able to sleep.
Nathaniel recently celebrated his fifth birthday. Consistent with tradition, Nathaniel got to invite one friend to his birthday party and he chose Archie, his best friend from school.
The two boys have many things in common. They both speak English (Archie is from England), they both have blond hair in predominately dark-haired country, they both like to talk, and they both like cars.
On Saturday, the International School put on a production of Camille Saint Saens' Le Carnival des Animaux. For Nathaniel's part, his class dressed up as kangaroos and danced (well walked anyway).
Elyse played two parts in the production. First, she held a palm and blew bubbles during the fish song.
The boys in Nicolas' class jumped up and down in tune with the music to represent the keys of the piano.
For our weekly drive, we went back up to the lavender fields and explored some of the dirt roads used by the farmers. Joe got a little to close to the bee hives and did a quick 50-yard dash back to the car. Unfortunately, when he got in the car, he realized the bee had gotten stuck in his hair. The kids enjoyed watching him do a crazy jig to try and dislodge the offending bug (he's allergic).
We hope you are all well and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the end of the summer.
A toute a l'heur,
Joe, Julie, Nicolas, Elyse, and Nathaniel
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