BIG Adventure

As you may know, on Saturday Dave came home from his 12 day trip to the U.S. Unfortunately he came home with a massive cold/flu and has been completely useless since the day he stepped foot in France. While I feel very bad for him, I have four other whiny children to amuse during this two week vaction, so today he had to fend for himself (not too hard when you sleep all day, but then again, no one to bring your medicine to you in bed) while I took the children out for an adventure.

Of course I had no idea what to do with them because I wanted them to be entertained for a loooong time, and I didn't want to be cold. I hate being cold.

So what better thing to do than to drive over an hour to our nearest IKEA! I loaded the kids into the Trafic (just in case we needed to haul anything home) and hit the A8 to Toulon. We passed the signs for some towns along the way, including St. Tropez and Draguignan, but mostly it was just kind of empty. The kids were being remarkably well behaved, so I had high hopes for the day.

One thing I love about France is that the roads are very well marked, so if you know where you want to go and you know what direction to go, you will probably find it. I knew the IKEA was in Toulon, and that was all I needed to know!

We stayed at IKEA for 5 hours. FIVE.

Waited in line a really long time, then ate lunch at the cafeteria, including meatballs and donuts.
Played in the kids department where they have all the toys on display.
Picked out some new plastic cups, plates and bowls. Oh, and markers. 1 euro for a pack.
Wandered around.
Played some more in the kids department.
Picked out some rolls of paper, a step stool for the bathroom and a rolling pin.
Loaded an extra kitchen chair for my friend into the cart.
Bought all of our stuff, put it in the trafic and went back in.
Checked Sophie and Sam into the play area (ages 4-7 only).
Watched some Japanimation show in the room for 7-14 year olds with Abby and Carter.
Bought some Da'im, which is like Heath Bar candy.

After that we drove home and Sam and Carter slept in the car. Dave was actually awake when we got home and made us pancakes for dinner.

I would like to personally thank IKEA for saving my children from my bad mood today as it was significantly decreased upon entering their giant retail therapy outlet. I would also like to shake my finger at the residents of Mougins who turned down the request for an IKEA in Mougins. Shame on you. You must not need any cheap retail therapy or children who need to be entertained!