France

Tomorrow I'm going to France for the day with my daughter. The last time Kieron went was January 2009. It was slightly rough so we were all dosed up as I've had many ferry trips with seasick kids. Jade, Kieron and I (Callum was at school) sat in one of the bars with hot chocolate for them and coffee for me.
 Kieron and Jade were in hysterics at the antics of a couple sitting near us and kept suggesting that they "get a room". Although I struggled at first to keep a straight face, Kieron's kissy kissy noises and howls of glee defeated me and I decided that the only way to control Kieron was to spend money on him in the on board sweetshop. After all, what better way to quieten a hyper child than with sugar.However, Kieron being Kieron, he decided on a baguette...with his own money.
Jade's Godparents live in Calais, so we generally paid a visit to them. On this occasion, we were shocked to see Denise, the Godmother had aged. A shrunken, wizened old lady, reminiscent of the crone in Hansel and Gretel greeted us. Kieron was fearful and stayed beside me all the time. Jade and I were sad to see how this lovely, gentle lady had changed since our last visit.
Kieron was polite and subdued, completely unlike himself and clearly pleased to leave.
We went to Cite Europe and dragged Kieron round the shops, although he cheered up when food was mentioned. Off to the food hall and discussions on what to have started...."what's in this?", "would I like that?"
 "I'll have pizza, I think". Before choosing yet another baguette.We struggled to find a seat, so sat at a 2 seater, with Kieron starting off on my lap, deciding he was far too old to stay there, so squatting on the floor. A nice lady at the next table moved her bags and gave up a chair for him with a smile and received a "merci" from Kieron, who was practicing his French most of the day.
Back to the shops and the bargaining began....."can I have this?", "can I have that?".....arghhhhh. Shopping with a 9 year old who knows how to bat those thick dark lashes and smile like a trainee Casanova. Irresistible.