European Adventure: Part II
Paris
On my husband’s 30th birthday we hopped aboard a train, much to our toddler’s delight, and were whisked off to Paris. We loved seeing all the charming little towns and villages nestled in groves of trees as we sped towards our next destination. We saw plenty of windmills – old and new construction, plenty of flower nurseries – no doubt hiding away next year’s plethora of tulips, and had an easy 3-hour trip. The closer we got to Paris, the more the clouds dissipated…we were heading for lovely weather and hoped it would stick with us for the duration.
Our hotel was just gorgeous, tucked just one block off of the Champs Elysees and very close to the Arc de Triomph. Our room adjoined my mom’s via a little entry hallway, and our room had a nice seating/dining area which made for the perfect communal space. Mom and I laid out our journals and paints almost immediately, and we all made ourselves right at home. Our days were sprinkled with marvelous adventures: A Siene riverboat cruise, Centre Pompidou, The Louvre (FINALLY!!), the Eiffel Tower, Chateau Chantilly, and a variety of cafes, restaurants and fou-fou boutiques. My mom even gave the hubby and I the opportunity for a few date nights!! IN PARIS! How lucky are we & how awesome is my mom!!
Though they may not remember it, my children (at 2 years and 9 months respectively) have seen the Notre Dame Cathedral, they have been in the Louvre and seen the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and a whole exhibit of Rembrandt’s work, and the toddler chased pigeons in the park while we enjoyed a cafe break and some fresh chocolate crepes! It was all very magical, the weather was impeccable and we made family memories to last our lifetime.
Evan and his big truck (and the Eiffel Tower, of course)
Evan upon our arrival at the Chateau Chantilly
One of the breathtaking (and HEEE_YUGE) rose windows at Notre Dame
My littlest little & I at the Louvre with the Venus de Milo
The sparkling display we could watch from the balcony of our rooms!
