Dad's weekend with the kids...

(The kids in the metro - dad just knows how to let 'em get goofy without losing it. I'm so jealous of that skill!!)

As I scooted down to the South of France with Roxanne for the weekend (my photos below), Chris valiantly took the family reins for a long weekend.

Even among an extremely competent cohort of fellow-dads, I have to say that Chris is the most hands-on that I know. Though we fall into areas of special competency at times (she cooks, he books flights), he really can do, and does, it all. So when I leave the kids with dad, I know they are in excellent hands. Ok, let's be honest, they are in better hands than with me. His particular gift is in setting boundaries early and consistently, resulting in zero drama and conflict, where I try, but often give in too early and often, resulting in more boundary pushing with me. Not to mention I tend to get drawn into drama rather than neutralize it, as predicted by those who knew me as a child. Actually, I could write a book about Chris's parental excellence, but you get the gist.

Chris took the kids to a skateboarding show at the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais is one of the most incredible

buildings in Paris. It is used as an exhibition space, primarily, but apparently also for events such as this skate show. I love that the powers that be were willing to transform this beautiful glass-domed building into an indoor skate-park. Loki was in his element with his skateboard in tow (he saved his allowance all fall to buy it himself) and his mohawk (I bought him the hair gel). Though they left after a few hours, as Chris and I had decided that staying 'til 9:30 for the Tony Hawk show was too late(such mean parents!!), a good time was had by all.

They also visited the Obelisque at Concorde (see photo of Maya...), went to a festive outdoor holiday event ("Fete de Noel", more on that after we go back next week!), went out to dinner at our favorite neighborhood Japanese place, and generally had a grand old time. Sadly, come Monday, Loki was under the weather, so Chris also took him to the doctor and stayed home with him for the next 2 days while juggling drop-offs and pick-ups for Maya and Jonah, too. He really does do it all!

Meanwhile, in Eze, Bord-de-Mer, I was enjoying the peculiar calm that comes with leaving your children behind for a few days. Nothing like getting a small breather from them to realize just how all-encompassing parenting is. And while the reunion is always a joy, every time I get away for a day or two I remind myself that I should do so more often. It is energizing and healthy to regain the sense that I do have an identity outside of my role as mom and wife.

And to be in the south of France with a girlfriend, visiting museums, exploring mountain-top medieval villages, sipping Beaujolais Nouveau and eating fresh Mediterranean "loup-de-mer": c'est parfait! The pictures kind of speak for themselves....