Bro and Sis in Hyeres

Dear Mom and Dad,

With love from the offspring.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I wanted to write you a letter showing you what your favorite son and daughter were up to in January immediately following our Epic Pulliam Family Vaca Christmas 2009 A Christmas To Remember. And so, here it is.

Mark and I had a great time together when he came to visit in January. We didn't even fight or argue. I guess you could say we've come a long way since high school. It's a shame you two had to fly back home to Seattle because Mark and I had some fabulous adventures without you. We even had some sunshine in the south, unlike when you both visited (unfortunately).

Here's Mark, having a lovely time on our adventure down to Tour Fondue. It's a quick bus-ride away from where I live, still in my city, but down on the peninsula sort-of-bit. In fact, all of the photos I've included are from that afternoon when we explored the walking trails along the coastline.

Here's a shot I took of one of the many little beaches we explored. Doesn't it look nice?

Here's Mark, demonstrating his super powers and flying through the air in order to save me from the evil seaweed monster.

And, of course, this is me, smiling because I am so thankful the evil seaweed monster didn't get me due to my big brother's heroic efforts.

And here's a photo showing you the beautiful water and the rusty peg where the ancient inhabitants would tie up their boats after their monthly Moon Harvest Celebration.

We took a slight detour to the planet Mars, where we found red clay dirt substances and no air to breathe. After we put the freshly-made flower pots and roofing tiles into our Planet Mars Mysterious Baking Oven, we decided it would be better to return to France where there is plenty of air, and continue our journey.

We discovered several more quaint little beach-cove-areas and thought about how delightful it will be for me to return in the springtime when the weather is even nicer.

And here we are, The Bro-and-Sis Dream Team, celebrating our victories of the afternoon together as siblings in the French Riviera.

I hope all is well at home. I assume Mark returned safely, and now you are both reaping the benefits of his superhero powers which he displayed while he was in Hyeres with me. I am feeling much better and am almost over that nasty cold I told you I was fighting last week and the week before. I'm looking forward to my upcoming trips(!) to Italy and Bordeaux with Nikki! We leave for Florence and Cinque Terre on Saturday!

And I also wanted to let you know that although January was a rough month for me, February is looking up so far. I've been back to the gym and going out for jogs - - today the weather was a bit warmer and VERY sunny! (Although a jacket was still definitely required.) Today, Nikki and I made homemade Peanut Butter Cups with chocolate and the Jif PB you guys brought over for me! They are fabulous.

And another quick update, I just wanted to let you know I've been having lots of fun with my friends (roommates and other assistants) recently. Last weekend, we went out and I met a group of (French) friends, and have since met up with them several times. They're actually MY age (woohoo!) and seem really cool, from what I can tell so far. ;) I'll keep you posted on other updates once I get back from vacation!

Lots of love,
Tina