Springtime In Paris

Thanks to my incredibly generous parents and Grandparents, Rachel and I were able to take a trip of a lifetime to visit our sister Sarah in France... sans kids (Cue Angels singing).  Sarah and her family live in the Toulon, France.  It's the Southern part, which means warm, sunny, beachy, perfect weather.  And it was just what this girl needed as a welcome break to the chills of another Midwest May. 

Not to worry though.  The kids were also having the time of their lives spending every moment with my rock star quality grandparents,  who thought it nothing but breezy to have 3 Great Grand kids stay with them the whole time.  Yes, they are the best, and no, you can't borrow them.  And when they weren't being entertained by Mama De and Papa Gramps, I heard that my little Callie is now the top sought after real estate agent under the age of 5 in the Columbus area.  She apparently is well versed in home showings, client meetings, and training classes thanks to her buddy time with Grandma Jan.  Nothing like starting them young, and training them early!

Back in France, Rachel and I did everything from bike riding on Islands (yes, this pregnant belly did survive), to shopping French yard sales.  We saw old villages with lovely shops, ate tons of French pizza, croissants, and baguettes, and hung out on some fabulous beaches.  After that, we took a train to Paris for our last two days, and revamped our knowledge of important art and history.  Although where and what we saw will not be spelled out here, thanks to my non-existent French language skills.   But having a sister who now speaks beautiful French sure comes in handy when exploring, well, France.  I refused to walk into a store, order any food, or ask for a restroom without Sarah.  She was a saving grace when this girl needed a bathroom, and needed it now. 

Overall, it really was a magical trip.  I loved exploring, and spending quality time with my sisters.  France is beautiful and historically moving.  But coming back to the U.S. was also refreshing.  There's no telling how much you appreciate being able to read advertisements... until you can't read anything for a week straight.   Being able to communicate with even the bored U.S. customs officials was music to my ears after a long plane ride with mostly French speaking tourists.  And don't even get me started on the beauty of our American toilets.  It's an entire blog post worth of insight.  I will just say now that airport bathrooms were never more welcome. 

So many, many, thanks to my family who made it possible, and to Sarah and Phil who gave us one sweet week in their world.  I feel refreshed and ready to take on my normal routines again.  That is, however, if I can ever convince my kids that Mommy's house isn't Grandma's house.  Now that is more challenging than an 8 hour plane ride while pregnant.

(Pictures are out of order... but enjoy!)

Beach by Sarah's House, in Toulon

Phil came home the day before!  Family Pic on bike Island

Sisters..after a very bumpy bike ride

Waiting for our Train to Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral

For Kevin... Even Thomas Jefferson got a statue in Paris



Arc de Triomphe



True Tourists, on the double decker bus in Paris

Market near Sarah's House

Beautiful French Country Side



The Gardens of Rodin - One of Kev's favorite sculptures.  Doing the "Thinker Pose"

"The Thinker"

The Louvre

Island Bike Tour

Another French Village... for shopping

Who said you can't touch the top?

Eiffel Tower

Last night in Paris.. eating a genuine Crepe.  I didn't Love it, but I loved Paris