Visiting friends in Arles

After our delay in Paris we made it to our destination of Arles to visit friends from Charleston. Shannon and Philippe were our neighbors and we have kept in touch over the years. They left Charleston after us to move to France so we haven't seen them since we left in 2006. 

But after about two seconds of being together it was clear that time had changed nothing. It was as though we chatted everyday. We bonded as newlyweds and new parents (Juliette, seen below, is only 3 weeks younger than Dawson) and over our transitions to move out of the US. We each had two more kids, both within months of each other. I wish we could have spent many more days together. Each second was lovely.

We made our way over to the Mediterranean Sea to get some beach time, even if it was a bit cold. 

                                             The gang enjoying a picnic dinner on the beach.

I was actually trying to get a picture of all six kids together. This made me laugh because it was the best I could get. :) If they only understood that one day they will want to see pictures of themselves. :)

                                         Father's Day 2013 as we visited the Coliseum in Arles.

                                               View of Arles from the top of the coliseum.

 We visited one of the many Roman churches throughout the city. It was interesting to see but we seemed to have more fun with the windows. :) All the boys lined up in the them.

                      Kenan and Juliette posing as the statue outside the church. The lion eating the man.

                                      

Continuing on the monster theme that Brett has enjoyed the last few days, we were monsters in the windows.

So thankful for the great visit with the Shannon and Phillipe. They were wonderful hosts. We can't let it be 7 years between visits again!