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| Paris, France, April 6, 2012 |
It's official. We are coming home for good on July 2nd and will not be returning to France. So, this last family trip we took to Paris over the kids' Spring break was certainly bittersweet. Despite getting rained on the last few days, we had a wonderful time, and the kids loved seeing the museums, famous landmarks, and spring blossoms in Paris.
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| Maisy at Luxembourg Gardens, April 8, 2012 |
The very first thing we did after checking into the hotel was go to the Louvre. My kids couldn't wait, since we had talked about 13 of the famous pieces they would see on the 5-hour train ride to Paris. I used the same idea I had in Barcelona at the Picasso museum and made them a handout with pictures they had to label once we found the famous pieces of art. Despite the fact that Paris was the most crowded I have ever seen it (we went over Easter weekend), the kids elbowed their way in to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, The Raft of the Medusa, and many others. Jocelyn especially loved to hear the "story" about every piece of art. The Louvre is enormous as everyone knows, and focusing on only 13 things to see was the perfect amount for the age of my kids. Even so, here's what they looked like by the end:
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This was not posed, I swear. Their little faces were so hot and sweaty too!
The Louvre Museum, April 6, 2012 |
Here are some pictures when they had a little more energy:
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| Showing their guide sheets I made for them in front of Venus de Milo |
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| Getting this shot of Jocelyn in front of the Mona Lisa wasn't easy! |
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| Maisy outside the Louvre, April 6, 2012 |
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Jason and the girls with "Winged Victory of Samothrace" behind them.
I love this statue; it's gorgeous. |
There's obviously too many pictures of our three days in the city to show on this blog, but here are just a few:
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| Jeni and Jason in front of Arc de Triomph, April 6, 2012 |
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| Me and the girls--along the Seine River by Notre Dame |
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| Notre Dame Cathedral, April 7, 2012 |
And, of course, the Eiffel Tower was a hit. The girls have begged us for almost 2 years to take them here, and we finally did! Here's a sample of the dozens of pictures we took:
After a few days in Paris, we packed up and took the girls on another train ride to a different hotel--this time close to DISNEYLAND!! This was probabably the highlight of the trip for the girls, since Maisy doesn't ever remember going to Disney in California, and the twins were only 5 years old the last time we went. We had such a fun time together, even though it rained half of the first day and the ENTIRE second day. We thought the rain would mean less people, but no--Disneyland Paris is just as busy as the original Disneyland, but honestly, it was still just as fun. We loved it...except the Indiana Jones ride. The kids couldn't ride it anyway, but it was such a disappointment in my opinion. All it is in Paris is an average rollercoaster, and in California, it's always been my all-time favorite ride.
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| Bright and shiny the first day at the park, April 9, 2012 |
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I sort of stopped taking pictures the second day at the park. This is pretty much
what every picture would have looked like. But we still had fun! |
So, the next family adventure that involves travel and hotel will certainly be as we head back to the US. We are looking forward to the new adventures that await, and we can't wait to see all of you at home!!! À bientôt! See you soon...
8 comments:
So exciting that you are coming back. Will you be back in Cedar Hills?
This trip looks like it was so much fun. I got a good laugh of the kids in the louve laying down on the bench. That's exactly how I felt at that point. My feet hurt so bad. So glad that they finally got to experience Paris. S
I am so excited you are finally coming home. I know it's got to be bittersweet. What a fun experience but now it's time to come home and be around family. We have missed you.
Lisa
Virginia,
I hope you see this comment; I'm not sure if I have your email to contact you directly. You asked a tough question. We would like to come back to Cedar Hills, but our renters have a contract through next July. We would hate to boot them out, though we know we could break the contract if we gave enough notice. I think we will just end up living with my sister close to Lakeridge for a while (in Orem), since I am taking my old job back, then see what happens. Sorry to give you such a vague answer, but our plans are really up in the air right now!
Wow! Exciting and sad at the same time. I'm mostly sad because it means I don't have anyone to stay with if I ever go to the south of France!
OH MY GOODNESS! Those pictures are adorable of the girls. I know they will treasure them forever. What memories! That one of Maisy in mid-air in front of the Eiffel Tower you need to enter into a photo contest. It is so unique and absolutely hilarious! Such a beautiful family you have. We can't wait to have you come stay with us. Nora asks me almost daily when her cousins are coming to live and play with her. Love ya!
Your trip looks like it was so much fun! I'm so excited that you are coming back to Lakeridge...seems like perfect timing. It makes me feel better knowing that you will be coming back in to pick up where you left off. Besides, the science department needs a little female influence...
Your pictures all looked great. I'm glad you had a fun trip. Katrina will drool over your Louvre extravaganza for awhile now.
Do they capitalize on Belle in Disneyland-Paris or call her a sell-out for speaking English for the entire movie?
What great memories you will have! I see the fountain outside the Louvre, that was my favorite part, my daughter Gretchen and I soaked our feet after our journey through the museum! It is certainly the biggest museum I have ever been in! Love the pictures of girls they are getting so big!
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