Gentle Mornings

One of the nicest things about our new home is how close it is to Margot's school, Ecole St-Francois D'Assise. It literally is two blocks away, which is 3 minutes at a regular-people walking pace or 6 minutes at a Margot-people walking pace.

Because of the way Glosette Girl and my schedules have worked out this semester, I walk Margot to school three days a week and Jen walks Margot the other two days.

I really like it when it's my turn to walk her to school.

Its getting chillier in the mornings

On my days, Margot and I hold hands and she tells me about whatever random thoughts pop into her mind. Sometimes she describes what's going on in her class. More often than not she'll tell me about what she'll do if she's the first one in class (she organizes her stuff in her desk - FIRST!), her latest favourite toy (currently "Big Eye" stuffed animals), or whether my French is improving ("it's not but you have other qualities"). Once in awhile she throws in a "You're the best Dada", which I won't deny is pretty sweet to hear. 

It may not be as fun when it's 20 below and I'm fighting with Margot to put on an uncool hat and mittens rather than her cool but impractical earmuffs and gloves, but I'll enjoy it as long as I can. It's such a calm start to the day and worlds away from the rest of my day's oftentimes hectic experience.

We cross a few roads, past a few gardens and enter the school through the back, which is a slight detour but allows us to spy on the kids getting dropped off by bus. Before I know it Margot gives me a hug and walks confidently past two no-nonsense hall monitors (door attendants?) in bright yellow vests.

The long way to school

 I can't help but smile and feel a little bemused by the whole experience.