Col de la Madeleine

We needed a break from all the busy-ness here in Nyon, so we booked a hotel in Albertville, France and Rob set off on his bike from Nyon to Albertville while I drove with the kids. (Albertville is a 2 1/2 hour drive, so you can imagine the length of the bike ride.) We swam in the pool (which is really all the kids want to do on vacation -- forget the sightseeing) while Rob completed his massive ride. The next day, Rob rode up one of his favorites -- Col de la Madeleine. He claims that this is why Mariah is named Mariah Madeleine -- he loves this ride that much. Mariah likes to think that the pass was named after her!

Daddy and Mariah Madeleine at the top of Col de la Madeleine

Daddy with his adoring fans.

Daddy and his two girls.

After Rob made it to Albertville, we bought icecream and ran around the local park.

Tyler was in heaven -- eating icecream or what he calls "popsicle" and riding in a "vroom-vroom" at the same time.

Tour de France

This year, we didn't have to travel to see the Tour de France. It came practically through our backyard. Well, about 30 minutes away in place called Lamoura, France. Our good friends, the Plourdes, came and stayed with us for a marathon Tour de France weekend. Rob and Ryan biked up Saturday morning to scope out a spot. Then Melanie and I piled the kids in one car and headed off. We took a back route to avoid the crowds, then hiked through the woods so that we could watch the riders on the last part of the final climb to the finish line. The kids loved the parade of freebie paraphanalia, which always comes before the riders. They got a pile of free candies, snacks, hats and other random stuff. Unfortunately, my camera battery ran out so I'm missing good pics. But Chelsi got some great pics of all of us, including a perfect shot of Lance Armstrong, which I will upload later.

The next day, Anna had to say goodbye to her best friend Ella, who is moving back to the US next week. They spent the last year seeing each other almost everyday, so the transition is going to be a little rough. Fortunately, they will be living about 10 minutes from Rob's parents, so we will definitely get to see them the next time we visit Grandma and Grandpa!

Mariah, Ella and Anna doing what they love in front of our new house.

Lake Como: Biking around the Lake

Rob and Ryan decided to cycle around most of the lake. Here is Rob gearing up.

They stopped at a church dedicated to cyclists along the way. Yes, all you crazy cyclists out there -- cycling in Italy must be considered a form of worship! Apparently the inside was filled with old cycling stuff.

Don't you love the monument!

Rob somehow thinks he can sniff his underarm while he raises his hand in victory.

Family fun on wheels

So, our double bike chariot is just not enough for three kids. We have to find alternative solutions. Today, we all went out on wheels -- just different kinds. I pushed Tyler in his "stroller" wheels with my rollerblade wheels. Mariah stuck with her scooter wheels and Anna Claire and Daddy rode on bike wheels. This is in a beautiful valley area by Lachen. Sometimes it's nice to actually find flatlands in Switzerland.