Loire - Troglodytes!

We took a trip into the Loire Valley, a beautiful rural area of France known for its wine, mushrooms, pears, chateaus, beautiful land, and quaint towns. Naturally, stop one was a dip into the caveman life!

One particular area of the Loire is full of troglodyte caves.
Basically, caves where people lived. But these are no man vs wild caves, these are French caves! And in proper French style, they are quite nice, fancy, even homey. We slept one night in a cave hollowed into the limestone, though it was perhaps a notch above the originals. Complete with waterfall shower, 2 beds, a kitchenette, and rockin mood lights (3 lamps that changed color every 10 seconds or so), our room allowed caving it in style. Sawyer loved the wicker chair outside.




Also in the area was a troglodyte farm village, set up more or less as it would have been in its heyday. It was a pretty interesting place, which showed how the French commoners of the area used caves as homes, told the history of stew, and had animals for petting all around. Sawyer loved the goats, laughed at the feel of the donkey's ear on his face, stared down the ducks, and watched a horse with a hint of apprehension. By far his favorite activity of the day was feeding the chicken.


Up next, Chateau d'Ussé and Chinon.

3 Generations of Boys at the Park

This one was really funny. He wanted to go under this passage, but did not want to touch the ground with his hands. It was like watching the final round of toddler limbo. He kept walking up and ducking, then backing off and looking, then coming at it again. Much to our surprise, he did finally make it through without touching the ground.

3 Quick Hitters

Yep. We're a family of rockstars. Coming to a coffee shop or stadium near you.



Can you tell this kid is my son? Curious, inquisitive, and not really afraid of falling in the precariously close water, but absolutely will not dare to get his hands dirty. If you've ever eaten wings with me, you know what I'm talking about:




In other news, so glad my parents are here for a visit! We've been busy, and are having fun. I'll try and post some pictures and stories from our time together and travels soon.

Pre-Baby Name

JJ just asked Sawyer what we should call the baby. Constantly referring to him/her as baby brother baby sister is getting old. And we're certainly nowhere close to an actual name. So we need something for the interim. She told him that before he came into the world we called him Jack-Jack (much to her chagrin). She then said, "Sawyer, what should we call the baby?" He stood up from his seated position and announced with perfect timing, "Poopie."

I'll write about jealousy another time.

He then proceeded to squat and grunt. He took care of business toute de suite. Then he backed up to us and stuck his rear out so that we could check and see what he'd done.

Assuming we don't call the unborn baby "Poopie," any other suggestions?