We fly away a week from tomorrow. The Countdown to France has begun!
I am back from Alt Summit. (Yes, it was totally amazing.) I can’t wait to tell you all about it, but my report will have to wait a bit, because it’s time to get packed up for France!
The whole adventure seems entirely pretend and all-too-real at the same time. I’m excited and enthusiastic, plus overwhelmed and terrified. Mostly, I’m just working through my to-do list as efficiently as possible. This morning, I’ve been scanning in essential documents (like passports and birth certificates). Later today, I’ll go through my clothes and sort them into piles for France, Goodwill and Storage.
Because life is particularly hectic at the moment, I’ve recruited some talented Guest Moms to join me for the next two weeks. They’ll be writing up all sorts of great posts, and I’ll (hopefully) be adding in my own posts about how-t0-move-to-France. Plus, there will be two fun Giveaways on Thursday. Watch for the first guest post shortly.
Let me also say, that I can’t thank you enough for your encouraging words, kind emails and thoughtful advice. I truly do not know what I would do without you!
P.S. — I am in love with these map pillows by My Bearded Pigeon. They scan in actual maps and then have them printed as textiles. Thanks for the link, Emma.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! That’s soon!
Wishing you a relatively calm week of getting things done. I’m so axcited for you and your family!
axcited AND excited! (Ooopps!)
bon voyage!
ooh ooh, I want to be a guest Mama too!
Try to enjoy the wild ride, lady. Make haste and get those kiddos to France!
I cannot wait to hear about Alt Summit! Thanks to you and a few other bloggers, I now have a goal to get there some year! I can only imagine how inspiring it is! I’ve been having fun looking at photos in flickr, you looked amazing! :)
I can’t believe that it’s only a week away, that is so exciting…best of luck as you pack up and fly the friendly skies. Safe travels to all of you:)
Luv, I seriously can’t believe it’s just a week til you head out. You were nothing but a vision of calm at Alt.
I loved seeing you, and your whole family, and that little muffin of a Baby June. I hope Ben Blair didn’t think it was too creepy when I came up to him and fawned over her. (I’m embarrassed to say that I think I failed to introduce myself.)
This is very exciting. I can only imagine what kind of experience this will be for your family. Best wishes.
Christine
It wouldn’t be a truly awesome adventure if you weren’t excited and terrified at the same time! Now you have me all ready to pack up and head overseas!
Only a week? Really?!? How did it get here so fast? Wishing you the most expedient of packing and the simplest of traveling. I, for one, cannot wait to experience France vicariously through you.
Super exciting!
Oh, this makes me giddy because I’m remembering the stress and excitement from when I moved to France in 2009. If only you needed a personal assistant to move there with you… :)
I can’t wait to see your updates on the places you visit and how you like your location once you’ve had a chance to settle in. Bon courage!
glad to hear you’re enlisting the help of guest moms — i’ve been worrying about you lately with all that’s on your plate! blessings on a peaceful and productive last week in the states!
Bookmarking the pillows. They are rich in color and just beautiful.
“Courage , ma belle!” It’s a French-ism I love, loosely translates to “hang in there, my dear!”
Many happy, organized, calming, jittery thoughts going your way for your coming adventure.
Bises,
D
I am anxiously awaiting your arrival and postings from France! I will be watching to see what amazing adventures you and your family have! Of course all while being a bit jealous. Happy and Safe travels!
So excited to hear about Normandy adventures. I can’t imagine all sorts of things that you have to do. Good thing the French are minimalists — you can take an entirely black wardrobe and not have to worry about looking out of place!
Hope you have an incredible time in France! I just bought one of these NYC quilts for a friend’s new baby and thought of you when I saw the Paris quilt (I swear I am not with the company :) ) I think you need one for Baby June!
https://hapticlab.com/index.php?/maps/store/
wow, gabrielle ! I don’t know how you do it all with 6 kids..I’d be running around like a headless chicken ! Good luck and I look forward to hearing all about your move.
These pillows are fabulous!
okay those pillows are awesome. and so colorful. great find, good luck this week!!!
Crazy how quick it all goes, next week….. wow! Good luck and lots of help with the packing!
Hi, I discovered your blog today and saw that’s you’re going to France. I live in Normandy with my 3 children and my husband in Granville, a small sea side town. I will follow your great aventure ^^ Bye
oh i forgot, you’re welcome at our home if you want to meet some friends.We are 1 hour away from Caen. xo and good luck. Don’t hesitate to leave me an eamil if you need anything
What a fabulous family adventure. You never cease to amaze me with the wonderful and creative things you do with your family… this move to France is particularly wonderful. What lucky kids! All the best for a safe and fun trip over. If you are in London get in touch :)
Hello!
I’ve just discovered your blog thanks to some friends and just read that you’re moving to France! I will be following your adventures there too!! Good luck on the move and settling in.
P.S. Sorry just wanted to add that if you have questions about anything France/French related, feel free to send me an email. I live in Paris so anytime you’re in the city, don’t hesitate!! :)
Good luck! It will be a great adventure. Oh, and I love those pillows too!
Wishing you a “bon voyage” (with the least amount of stress possible) along with the energy to get through this last week of prep!
How exciting, I’m really interested in hearing about all your experiences while you are over there!
Bon voyage! bon courage pour les bagages!
All the best for your preparations, Gabrielle!
Good luck with the big move, can’t wait to hear about it!
Love those pillows!! The colors on a map go with any decor. Good luck on your move! Look forward to catching up here on how everything goes…
Those map pillows are genius! Can’t wait to take in France through you and your family. Good luck on the move.
i am so excited for you…and, living vicariously through the blog world through you. you are living my dream. we stayed there for a month with our daughter when she was 19 months old. i have dreamt of going back…you are making it real. thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. bon voyage.
wow…love the pillows! -nice blog you have :)