Paris, Day 2

On Day 2 we explored the Louvre in the morning then walked up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to the  Arc de Triomphe. It was a day full of people and more people. I don't think I have been anywhere that there were that many people in one area. It was a little stressful being with kids and making sure they didn't get lost in the crowds. It was quite a sight to see.

Every morning Jason would walk to the bakery and get croissants, juice and a coffee. There is nothing like a fresh croissant in Paris!

 We intended to get to the Louve before it opened to avoid the lines, but didn't exactly get going as early as we would of liked. When we arrived the line was SO long! So as we were making our way to the back of the line a women who worked at the Louve stopped me and said since we had a stroller that we were able to bypass the whole line and go straight through security. Wow! I am not kidding if we would of waited in line we would of been there for at least two hours! Thank goodness we decided to bring the stroller (other than having to carry Miss Priss around the city).

The kiddos playing "ring around the rosy" while Jason and Liz went to buy tickets.

 We signed up for an english tour of the Louvre. Our tour guide was excellent! She was so informative and made it interesting for the kids. At no time did the kids say they were bored...they loved it!

 Artemis

Here our tour guide explained to us the evolution of how the statues posed to look as if they were in motion.

 Check out that line! And that is just one of them!

 Winged Victory of Samothrace

Also called the "Nike of Samothrace"
(How Nike got its name.)

 Mona Lisa
This is the closest that I could get to it because of all the people. And this shot is me having to hold my camera up and hope to get a clear shot. Again...SO many people!
Love to say that I got to see it in person.

Jason's favorite picture

The Wedding at Cana

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss

Loved the story behind this!

Had to get a family shot in front of the famous glass pyramid.

I was in a little of a grumpy mood...so Liz decided that we needed some play time at the playground. She knew just what I needed!

Enjoying a yummy cup of van chaud with great friends!

Obelisk not far from the Louvre.

This is where Queen Marie-Antoinette and 1100 other people were beheaded in less than 2 and a half years. 

After a walk up the Champ Élysées we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe.  

Those little dots on the top of the Arc are people!

Day 2 was a fun and busy day. We were on the go and the kids did great!

Moulin Rouge!

Our second night in Paris Jason and I went to Moulin Rouge.

Thanks to Ramstein Yard Sales we scored some tickets for half price. Liz and Shawn kept the kids...it was perfect!

 There were no cameras allowed in the showroom, so this is the only one I could get inside.

                                          

 After seeing the movie, I appreciate the show and whole deal even more. I recommend it if you go to Paris!

Paris, Day 1

Our trip after Christmas was to the majestic city of Paris with the Green family. We took the ICE train early in the morning and arrived in Paris in 2 1/2 hours. After we made a couple stops in Saarbrucken and Forbach we cruised at around 310 km/h the rest of the way. The little farm villages were nothing but a blur as we rode through them. The kids thought it was so much fun that we were going so fast.

Once we arrived at the Gare d'Est station we bought metro tickets and made our way to the hotel. The metro was so crowded that as we were getting on the doors shut on us and we got separated from Liz and Shawn. After a little panic we met up with them at the next station. That was just the beginning of the crowds we encountered in the city of Light.

Getting dressed and ready to explore the city.

 It was a bit of a foggy day, but we decided to go to the eiffel tower anyway. On the opposite side of the Seine River was a huge Christmas market. We walked around and got some van chaud (gluwein).

I realized I didn't take too many pictures the first day. But I will make up for it the next three days. So I apologize now for the many photos to come. After the first day we had already fallen in love with the city!

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Jackson and Grace dressed and ready for the Christmas Eve service. 

 I forgot to get a picture of the kids with their milk, cookies, carrots and water for Santa and the reindeer. Here is the note and goodies the next morning.

We have a rule that the kids are not allowed to come downstairs until they hear the Christmas music so we can turn the lights on the tree and see their sweet faces the first time they see the presents under the tree. They were anxiously waiting to hear the music! 

 Emma with one of her many toys. This one lasted about 45 minutes before the stuffing and squeaker were out.

The kids and their gifts:

It was the first Christmas in a few years where it was just the 4 of us. We truly enjoyed watching the joy on the kids face the whole morning. We would of wanted nothing more than to be with family in the States during this special time...maybe in the years to come. We took plenty of video and will be sure to send the grandparents a DVD of all the action.

Micah the Elf

Our friend Micah the elf came to visit us again this year. This has become a great tradition for the kids that they love. Here are just a few highlights of the places he was at when the kids found him in the morning. (Thank you to Pinterest for some of the ideas!)

In the manger holding baby Jesus.

 Eating cookies

 Building a castle for Jackson.

 Drinking syrup through a straw.

 Eating marshmallows out of the bag.

 Fishing in the toilet.

 Toilet papering the kids Christmas tree.

 On the last night he painted the kids nose red while they were sleeping. There was a note (not pictured) that said it was Rudolph's idea. They thought that was so funny!

We enjoyed our time with our little friend, Micah. Now I'm sure he's off to a beach vacation (aka Kenny and Amanda's in Okinawa). I'm sure the kids will be getting pictures in the mail soon. 

I love this tradition with the kids and will carry it on as long as we can. 

Until next year, Micah!