Official business in Lyon

January 22, 2014

As Sims was nearing 2 months of age, we decided it was time to get down to business, nationality business that is!  Our understanding is that Sims will not be considered a French citizen unless he lives in France for several years (since neither parent is French)...so to keep him from being a boy without a country, we started filing out the necessary forms to apply for his U.S. citizenship -- passport, SSN & report of birth abroad.

Trying to capture a passport worthy pose...
no, we did not use this one : )
But this is kinda how we all felt doing the paperwork!

Since the application must be submitted in person at either the U.S. consulate in Lyon or the U.S. embassy in Paris, we decided to turn it into a family day trip.  Lyon, the 3rd largest city in France, is much closer to Albertville and ranks high on the list of "must sees."  Off we went...

Lyon, France

We made it to the city just in time (okay 5 minutes late) for our appointment.  The consulate office was a bit more obscure than we anticipated, but we found it.  An hour or so later our paperwork was submitted, and we left with two miniature American flags in hand (consulate's gift to kiddos) in search of a spot for lunch.

Lyon is well-known for food -- "gastronomie" -- so there was NO lack of restaurant choices.  After a yummy meal, we ventured out into the damp cold to see a few of the city's highlights...

Traversing the Saone river with Sims in tow
See the cathedral at the top of the hill (in skyline)?
Yea, we walked up there!!

Little better view of the cathedral -- middle of skyline

G, our acrobat

St. Jean Cathedral
in Vieux Lyon ("Old Lyon")

G befriended a Romanian man who was panhandling in the entry way.  He spoke a little English, and she, clueless to what he was doing, was intrigued by his little cup with coins.  He seemed to enjoy G's banter as well as her hug.  We are thankful for this friendly little girl God has given us...rarely meets a stranger!!

On our way up Fourvière Hill...
the adults got their work-outs!!
(Di with Sims & De with G)

But the view from the top (see 1st pic of Lyon) was well worth it -- as well as Notre-Dame Basilica...

Inside
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

 As you might imagine, we were all pretty worn-out by this point in our day.  We happily loaded onto a tram for a quick ride down the hill -- next time we'll consider riding UP and walking DOWN!!

Tram to Fourvière

Sims' enjoying the ride

Our big girl riding solo!

We will keep you posted on Sims' status...who could turn down citizenship to such a cutie?

Awaiting approval,

DDG&S