L'éléphant rock (The Elephant Rock)

The forest of Fontainebleau is famous for its vast boulder collections. Climbers come from all around the globe to climb these amazing rock formations. Saturday we took a little drive to the village of Larchant to visit l'éléphant rock. We have been here before but Saturday was really fun because we went with two different families and good friends from our neighborhood in SLC, the Reeds and the Ensigns. What fun to be in France with some of our best friends!

There are lots of lizards living in the cavities of these rocks and the kids were just dying to catch one. I felt like the "champion of the world" when I caught the lizard. I'm not really a fan of lizards, so my kids were really impressed. Everyone wanted a chance to hold him, but when he opened his little mouth and tried to snap the kids shrieked and let him free.


On top: Lilly, Sophie & Jeremy
In front: Tifiny, Logan, Dallas, Richard, Spencer Jesse, Olivia, Janet, Clara & Annie
Richard and Spencer enjoying a little sun.

Le gui (Mistletoe)

I know "le gui" is usually something you think about at Christmas time. However, on this sunny Valentines day I couldn't help but stop and photograph all of the mistletoe hiding in these trees. After all, this is a day of hugs and "kisses". I wished I could have climbed up the tree to grab a little snippet to hang in our doorway. It's not really needed in France though. Upon greeting a close friend and sometimes a perfect stranger you find yourself being "kissed" on each cheek with a typical French greeting. It has taken us a couple of months to know for certain that the clumps of green growing amongst the trees is actually mistletoe. At Christmas time you could find HUGE bunches of it for sale in the open air markets. Yet another perk of living alongside a great forest of trees.

Une promenade dans les bois (A walk in the woods)

After church we thought we would go for a little promenade dans les bois. The weather was clear and crisp. It was a terrific walk except for the fact that we got lost. We have been told never to venture into the forest without a map. We had an idea of where we were going (following the blue marker), but once you get into the forest an idea does not lead you to safety. There was another family ahead of us so we followed them only to find out they were lost and without a map as well. It all turned out fine. We made friends with a new family and we made it back to our car.



Hillary is our newly adopted family member. She is from Arizona, but for now she is teaching school in France. We love having her hang out with us. She is tons of fun and willing to go on crazy adventures!

Le serpent (The Snake)

One of Taylor's PhD students from the University of Utah, Jim Cannon came to visit Friday. He is here for an academic conference and to do some work with Taylor. Saturday afternoon we pulled him away from his research so we could show him the famous forest of Fontainebleau. He ended up showing us le serpent! Amidst all of the leaves, mud and mulch Jim spotted a little snake.



The moss seems to be greener and thicker now. There is a lot of forest maintenance that goes on in the winter. This month they have been thinning the forest and cutting down lots of trees.