Michael's Last 2 Days of School : Farewell Picnic, Last Day of School

Several families from Michael's class threw us a farewell picnic on July 3rd. A rainy evening, we took cover on the terrace of a nearby community center, placing the blankets and food spread under the eaves. A social link revolving around Carolyn, these moms really went out of their way, giving Michael and Jack handpainted sweatshirts, A Bell for Ursule (traditional Swiss folktale), and
a class photo signed by all the children. We were overwhelmed.
There is an Ithaca-like, granola consciousness in Lausanne, layered with the formal traditions of Swiss French culture in manners and cuisine; the picnic offered garlic eggplant slices, hummus, but also pastry covered pate, cured meats, and champagne.
Michael's best friend, Joaz, who instinctively seemed to "know exactly how to eat an Oreo" (our contribution), giving-up too quickly when the cookie outsides wouldn't unhinge.

Jack found something to do.


Last Day at Montriond Ecole.

Madame Curiel was showered with gifts and wished us well, hoping we'd find a way to work on Michael's French. There happens to be a Swiss expat family near us in LA, whose French-speaking daughter, Celeste, was a good friend from preschool.

Joaz was the one who could balance an apple on his head at Michael's birthday party. An attempt at a group shot below.

Pierre really liked playing with Jack, always adjusting his sunglasses, playing hide-and-seek after school, etc.

We do think it was a stresser for Michael, the language barrier held back his social role, but he persisted and had fun anyway, and learned much, though we're not exactly sure what. So maybe he had a normal kindergarten experience after all! Filing departure papers at the city office that day, we were one step closer back to California. After lunch in the city, we took the train to the airport to meet Brad & Nancy Miller, who were making their first trip abroad.