PARIS!

When we first told the kids that we would be moving to Germany, there was, as expected, a bit of disappointment and angst.  Ryan, was worried about leaving his school and friends.  We quickly tried to think of all the selling-points we could offer to a 6-year-old.  Luckily, we hit upon two things that quickly turned the situation around, and the kids were on-board with an overseas move: LEGOLAND, and the Eiffel Tower.  We made it to LEGOLAND within the first few weeks of arriving, since it is only about 20 minutes away.  Our trip to Paris needed a bit more planning, and we also decided that we wanted to wait until my Mom came to visit, so she could go with us, too.  I liked that idea that since my Mom took me to Paris the first time when I was 18, I could take my Mom to Paris the second time.

Day 1  Palace of Versailles

We are getting pretty savvy about getting around on the Metro in different cities, and we took the train out to Versailles.  We weren't sure if the kids would be interested in the visit, but my Mom said she had always wanted to go to Versailles, so that made it a priority for me.  It was a cold, rainy day, and apparently we weren't the only ones who thought touring the palace was a good idea for a rainy day.  We had to wait in a long line to get in! 

Hall of Mirrors

Ryan, who is 7, seemed to enjoy looking around, and we did our best to pique his interest.  Meredith, who is 4, was not so content, and took a significant amount of cajoling, and our repeated attempts to interest her by saying 'This is where princesses really lived!' didn't help to keep her interested.  It was extremely crowded, and after about an hour we all lost interest and headed to a creperie for coffee, hot chocolate, and crepes. 

Dancing in the ballroom



Ryan enjoyed the audio tour

 

Day 2 The Eiffel Tower

 

Today was the day that Ryan had been excited about for the last six months.  We were advised by friends that we should buy our tickets in advance online, which we tried to do, but failed.  Apparently, they have to be bought further in advance than the night before.  Again we found a VERY long line, but we were determined, and luckily, we had all 'packed our patience'.  It was a special adventure to share as a family, and we promised Ryan that we would bring him back in the Spring and attempt to go all the way to the top. 

 

Seine River

 

Happiest boy in Paris!

 

Sacre-Coeur



 

Les Invalides

 

Riding the carousel near the Eiffel

Gotta have crepes at the Eiffel Tower!

After our Eiffel Tower visit, we let Ryan and Meredith go on some of the nearby children's rides, and stopped at a crepe stand for a snack.  We then let the kids pick out souvenirs, and walked to the Arc de Triomphe, and down a bit of the Champs Elysees.

 

             

 

 Ryan loved the Louis Vuitton store front, which featured golden dinosaur skeletons.  He decided that it must be a girl T-Rex, because it was carrying a purse!  I don't think that it is quite fair than an extinct reptile gets to have a Louis Vuitton purse, but I don't!!

Happiest Grandma in Paris!

 We had a wonderful time in Paris, and it was so special to have my Mom there with us to share the adventure.  Even a cold, rainy day in Paris (waiting on long lines with whining kids) is STILL PARIS!  We had some really delicious meals, one at an Italian restaurant, and one at a French restaurant.  The loved the small French bistro, and having the small courses served over a longer period of time held the kids interest.  They both decided that they like goat cheese, and Ryan discovered that crème brulee is now his favorite dessert.

I can't wait to go back!