Meet Nathanel.

This is Nathanel (Nah-tah-nell). He's a 7 year old ball of energy that never stops. His shiny loafers sound like taps shoes with their hard soles on the wood floor, he spits whenever exasperated, he hasn't quite gotten the hang of knocking, he likes to grab onto your arm and hold on real tight throughout the whole story. He likes hanging upside down and playing the piano, he doesn't like his vegetables but has to eat them anyway. His French is better than mine, and likes to explain things numerous times, even if I understood the first time. We silently bond every morning through the passing of Nesquik chocolate powder - he likes to sneak some onto his bread when his parents aren't around. I let him have the leftover batter when I bake, and we have a game of catch with whatever small objects are in the kitchen before dinner every night. He's crazy and loud, and a new experience for me everyday.

Thank you for taking these pictures, Melanie!

Did you know that he was my first friend here in France? This kid.. (;