Damien's First Encounter With Wildlife

While in Lyon, the weather turned freakishly warm one Saturday afternoon. So, with the temperature high enough for Momma to agree to take little D out, the Craigs went out for a stroll to the amazing park in Lyon. This park has a lake and a little zoo. So we took our little critter for his first encounter with wildlife. Little D got to see Giraffes, flamingos, Lemers, a pelican, and ducks. It was a fun family outing.

The beautiful entrance to the park.

Little D fell asleep on the walk over as he usually does.

D seems more interested in the wild papa than the giraffes.

Getting a little vitamin D (and a lot heavier)

Look it's papa's friends the pink flamingos (papa has been known to impersonate pink flamingos on occassion).

Damien Does Lyon, France

After about 5 days in Brezin, we headed back to Lyon for our final week in France. Unfortunately, Papa, Momma and Uncle G cought a stomach bug of sorts. Luckilly, little D didn't get this wave of illness. So, more recovery and more lounging. Towards the end of the trip, however, Momma and Papa took advantage of having an eager Grandma around more than happy to watch little D to have a couple of date nights and other free moments to enjoy the great city of Lyon. Momma and Papa went for nice long walks along the river, shopped at the amazing outdoor farmers market, enjoyed some drinks at some fun bars, went out for delicious dinners twice and took a ride on the farris wheel! Little D stayed in the warm comfort of Colette's adorable apartment for the most part cause Momma was paranoid about him getting sick again, but he did manage to get one night out on the town for a little stroll and a big adventure at an amazing local park (see next post!). Thank you so much Grandma Colette for everything!!!!

Getting a bottle in the FREEZING train station in Paris awaiting the train to Lyon

Back in Lyon, more snuggle time in bed.

In the green burrito wrap.

Baby power! Damien's notorious victory stance after being released from his burrito wrap (i.e. swaddle blanket).

Playing with his toys on Grandma's comfy couch.


Another hard day at the office.

Special smiles for Grandma.

Hanging out with Grandma and jungle friends.

Watching the Oregon Duck game with Momma and Papa, such a sad outcome =(

Snuggle time with Grandma.

Just one of the boys - hanging with papa and uncle G


More snuggle time with Grandma.

Showing off one of his new French outfits (thank you Gael).

Damien out on the town, sporting his little rain poncho that he received as a gift from his French aunt Frederique (thanks!).

So sad to say goodbye to cousin Benu.

Damien Rings in the New Year in Brezin, France

After the Christmas celebrations and after the big health scare, little D took another short train ride out to the French countryside to Brezin to stay at Maurice's house (Grandma Colette's Boyfriend's house). There we rang in the new year at Maurice's son's house and had quite the feast of small plates - salmon, oysters, escargot, foie gras, tomato/avocado/toasted pine nut and cheese mini triffles, and of course dessert! It was delicious and Mommy and Papa over ate per usual. To ring in the new year we watched an interesting and entertaining French circus act/show on TV while toasting with champagne. The next morning, we had our last big family meal with yet another Maurice special meal. This time Mathias' cousin Gael and her two young daughters came to visit. Whew - that means we saw everyone in Mathias' big extended family except for one uncle. Most of the rest of the time was spent resting and trying to get over our colds, with a few cold walks (for Momma and Papa) in the village.

Getting a bottle on the train ride to Brezin.

All bundled up in Brezin, it was cold and snowy.

Staying close to Momma on New Year's Eve

Damine enjoys his meal as we pause with ours (sitting with our gracious host Valerie)

Can you see the delicious foie gras?

Ringing in the new year with smiles.

Enjoying yet another visit with more small cousins.

Getting over our colds = lots of rest. D prefers to nap with his parents!

See, another nap, this time with Momma.

Eating his hands while working on some tummy time.

Damien's Second Christmas in Lyon

One Christmas was not enough for little Damien. He got two Christmas celebrations. After Christmas in Paris, little D took the high speed train from Paris to Lyon in First Class (after waiting over an hour for the late train in the FREEZING train station). The day after his arrival in Lyon, little D was greeted by more cousins! This time Papa's cousins Benu and Maude and their respective children (Collen, Timothee, Lola and Zoe). The little cousins were excited to meet little D and he was quite intrigued as well. After the initial meet and greet, the little cousins began chanting presents, presents (in French of course) and so presents were exchanged. Afterwards, the marvelous Chef Maurice prepared us another gormet meal of chicken with crawfish, potato gratin, fried potatoes (for the lactose intollerant Momma) and chicken/roasted chestnut puree. After the big meal, the entire clan huddled around the TV to watch a hilarious French comedy that was gifted to Momma and Papa.

Grandma Colette introducing Damien to Mathias' little cousins.

My big American cousin is soo funny.

Cousin Maud with little D. She's expecting her third child (and barely shows it - little French babies!).

Zoe with little D.

Damien has now discovered how to put his hands in his mouth. He now spends a good deal of the day gnawing on his hands and trying to stick his whole hand in his mouth.

The Christmas loot!

Distributing presents.

Grandma Colette and Chef Maurice with the fabulous Christmas lunch.

Cuddling with cousins.

Damien's First Christmas

Damien celebrated his very first Christmas in Paris, France with his French family - oh la la. Damien started off the day leisurely doing his eat, poop, play, sleep cycle at Lal's apartment. Around mid-day he got suited up in his trusty bear suit again (after which he pooped just to show everyone who was boss) and hitched a ride on Papa down to his great uncle Jean-Christian's place to meet up with the rest of the family. The pit stop at Jean-Christian's included a little refuel for Damien and Momma and Papa (who couldn't wait for the ever sliding lunch time). In case anyone forgot who was running the show, Damien pooped again as soon as we put his bear suit on to leave! That little guy.

After the pit stop, Damien tested the French public transportation system by taking the metro to a regional train that led to the nice suburbs of Paris. There Damien was welcomed into the home of his great Aunt Anne and met many of his second cousins. After yet another large multi-course meal we "did" Christmas around the tree opening presents while singing Christmas songs in English!! Damien was a present magnet and scored lots of nice presents from handmade dolls and clothing, to French lullabye book and CD. After posing for some family photos, it was time to brave the freezing cold and take the train and metro back to Lal's apartment where the entire Craig crew passed out from the day's activities.

Damien in his Christmas outfit.

Damien, the adorable little bear.

Momma and her baby bear.

Stopping for a little snack.

Checking out the streets of Paris

Taking the metro.

Taking the regional train.

Uncle G and cousins Lauren and Eudoxie.

Christmas Lunch with the family.

Taking a siesta on Papa.

Chillin after another big meal.

Playing with cousin Lauren

Colette and her boys!