Spoiled

Devin's sisters all have a way of making my children feel loved and special - and occasionally even spoiled!  The beginning of May we were able to meet two of his sisters, Ronae and Mitzi, in Paris.  Not only were my children spoiled with hugs, kisses and candy but I was also spoiled with a second trip to Paris.  I could not have been more excited to visit again.

The flight there was uneventful - just the way we like it.  Clara and Jonas were so cute on the plane making a curtain with Clara's scarf and playing so nicely.  Candy always helps though.

Once we landed and made our way to the apartment, we met up with Mitzi and Ronae who had just flown in.

We wandered up along a nearby canal and happened to be there at the same time as a river cruise boat was coming, so we were able to see the locks being filled and lowered to allow the boat to pass.  It was pretty impressive.

We then took a train to Jardin des Plantes Gardens.  There was a hedge maze that had secret passages Clara enjoyed hiding in.

Jonas loved being carried around by Aunt Mitzi and Aunt Ronae.  The Smarties (American version) were also a big hit!  It was pretty amusing that both Mitzi and Ronae showed up with them for our kids since they were traveling from different locations.  They must have known it was the perfect choice for Jonas who is allergic to most candies but something Nell could manage too.  Between the two of them, there were plenty of Smarties to be had the entire weekend.

After running around enjoying the sunshine, we walked to the nearby Pantheon.  There were many tombs for famous French people, including Victor Hugo.

Happy Siblings!

We then wandered through Luxembourg Gardens.

Pouty in Paris?  Something must be wrong!

By now we were hungry so we chose to eat somewhere in the Latin Quarter since it was close by.  On the way we found this most unique water fountain which as you can see comes from underground and looks as though it is pushing up the sidewalk.  Nell would have walked right in if we had let her.

We found a place to eat and although it was not amazing, I did get to try Steak Tartare for the first time.  Nell enjoyed eating all the tomatoes and bread she could manage while on Aunt Ronae's lap.  That alone made it a wonderful meal, thanks Ro!

Thankfully we were nearby Grom so we followed dinner up with amazing gelato. Unfortunately there was egg in Jonas's sorbet so he became very sick and that made the evening much less enjoyable for everyone - especially him.  In case we were wondering, no, Jonas is not outgrowing his egg allergy!

Back at the apartment, Jonas enjoyed cuddle time with Aunt Ronae before going to bed.

The next morning we started at market Enfants Rouges.  First stop was the most delicious fruit stand.  I think I ate the best berries of my life and my children seemed to agree.

Jonas's pick?  Strawberries.

Nell's pick?  Blueberries.

Clara's pick?  Raspberries.

My pick? All of the above!

We then ate at a delicious Moroccan stand and it was surprisingly Jonas and Melinda friendly.  Yum.  Although it must be said that Nell's coat was not the same again this trip.  She devoured her food and left a nice yellow hue to a large area surrounding her head.

Notre Dame was next on the list.  The flowers were in full bloom and it was beautiful.  In fact, I think I have more pictures of the outside of this cathedral than anything else from the trip.

After this and a quick stop for some ice cream, we visited Saint Chapelle.  The stained glass windows were amazing and filled each wall.

With about an hour left to see the Louvre, we headed over quickly to hit the highlights.

I really like this painting, The Coronation of Napolean, especially the detailed lace on the dresses of the women. 

Clara was disappointed not to see the Sphinx but other than that we were all impressed and enjoyed our brief visit. That is, except Nell, who didn't seem overly impressed with the Mona Lisa.  One day we'll teach her to appreciate good art.

She was impressed with her stroller freedom and loved running around the place. 

A popular macaroon stop was next on the list, complete with an outdoor line but luckily we were there before it began raining.

We made it to a crepe restaurant (not so great) which SURPRISE - was once again near Grom.  We walked home via the Louvre at night and enjoyed it all lit up.  Without any allergic reactions this night, the bedtime routine seemed to go smoothly which was good since we planned on getting up early to visit Versaille.

One of the important tips I learned from my Paris trip with Jackie was to only go to Versailles with tickets in hand to avoid the long lines.  And to get there early.  Both of which we managed to do although inside was still very crowded.

Hall of Mirrors, Versaille

Navigating the rooms, trying to listen, push a stroller...glad I'd been before since I didn't get a ton out of the experience.

Once we had our fill of the crowds, we trained back into Paris and at Ronae's suggestion went to the top of the Arc D'Triomphe.  It was a really amazing view and from there we were able to walk part way down the Champs Elysees.

I particularly liked the rows of French flags flying.

By now we were ready for food so we grabbed lunch at a bakery and enjoyed it outside near some street performers.

After lunch we trained to the Rodin Museum.  The gardens were beautiful and filled with sculptures.  This was just the right venue after a crowded morning.  Everyone enjoyed being outside.

Devin had been wanting to see Napleon's tomb and it was very close to where we were so that was next on the list.  It was easy to spot and in a beautiful building.

Rue Cler was nearby which is a shopping street with a variety of cafes and restaurants.  We headed there and found Cafe Central which did not disappoint.  The food was really delicious and they were so kind to our children - even when Nell intentionally dropped everything she could reach.  It was embarrassing because they were so fast at picking things up that they would beat me to it each time.  I should have just been grateful for the help, but I felt too badly at how frequently it was occurring. 

After dinner, Clara's big request was finally met…sort of.  She has been wanting to visit the Eiffel Tower for months now - I don't know if she learned about it in her little French class at school, or what, but every day we were in Paris was like a little bit of torture for her because we could see the Eiffel Tower frequently but kept putting it off.  Now was the time, we were going to go and hopefully be at the top to see the sunset - or at least the lights of the city if it was dark.

Unfortunately, one of the elevators was broken so the line for the only functioning elevator was incredibly long.  We realized it would be hours in the cold before going up.  We also realized that strollers were not allowed and we could not leave them at the bottom.  The decision was made to come back first thing in the morning.  Clara handled the disappointment reasonably well - it didn't hurt that chocolate crepes and Eiffel Tower lollies were purchased!  Definitely softened the blow.  We were able to walk to the beautiful look out point and take some pictures before heading home for our last night.

We woke up early and dropped our luggage off at lockers at the train station before heading to the Eiffel Tower.  Wait.  First we made it to a recommended bakery that had the most delicious Brioche and other bakery items.  YUM!  It is such a good thing I don't live in Paris with my lack of self control.

Now it was time for the Eiffel Tower.  We would be flying out that afternoon and I think Clara was nervous we wouldn't really make it to the main attraction.  Once there, the line was still massive (big surprise) but the line for stairs only was much shorter.  The new plan was to have Devin carry Jonas up with everyone else and I would stay down with Nell since carrying the stroller and the children was out of the question and we couldn't leave the stroller at the base.  I made them promise to take good pictures and after setting a meeting time, Nell and I headed off. 

There was a specific museum I had wanted to visit, L'Orangerie so I walked that direction.  It was a bit of a walk but the weather was amazing and the scenery matched it.  I walked by the tree lined streets of the Champs Elysees which is past all the shops and it was so pretty.  I then got to Tuileries Gardens where the museum was located.  After standing in the line and lifting the stroller up the stairs by myself (no easy task) the employee informed me I could not bring the stroller in.  I was pretty annoyed but decided at that point to just do some shopping before heading back.  It was fun to wander around the shops with Nell who was perfectly behaved for me.

After a few stops it was time to get back to the Eiffel Tower crew.  It sounded like they had a fun time although due to wind conditions were unable to make it to the 3rd level and had to stay on the 2nd.  Still, from the pictures, it looks like they had a good time and beautiful views.

Apparently Devin decided to take matters into his own hands after learning they would not be allowed to the 3rd level!

Jonas looking so pleased to be there!  "Vive la Paris" is I'm sure what he is saying.

I know there are plenty of pictures already, but I just love this one of Jonas with his Aunt Ronae.

Since I wasn't back quite yet, they played on the bikes and Jonas managed to ride on his first carousel.  This was a major breakthrough!  He has always wanted to but once we get him close, he freaks out and has a screaming fit from being over-stimulated.  He managed to ride in a little blue airplane and I was so happy to hear about it.

Then Aunt Mitzi bought Clara a nutella crepe before meeting up.

Rue Cler was fairly close so we headed there with stops in a few shops on the way.  Without much time before catching our train to the airport we went back to Cafe Central.  Again, the food was delicious!  We had a wonderful time and although tighter on time than we wanted, we made it to the airport with plenty of time.

After an uneventful flight we landed and grabbed some fish and chips to properly welcome Mitzi and Ronae to the UK.  Jonas was eager to give the tour of our house and did a really good job - careful not to leave out any rooms.

The next morning Clara and Jonas had school (sorry teachers…Jonas was sure to be exhausted) so we took Ronae and Mitzi to Fountains Abbey and a quick drive through the Dales before getting them from school.

Probably the 10th picture I've taken of this room, I just love it.

Mitzi and Ronae under the arches at Fountains Abbey.

The view of the Abbey from Anne Bolyn's seat.

Nell enjoyed walking around in the grass and Ronae enjoyed climbing the ruins. Clearly, Nell thinks she's pretty tough!

I don't think I could ever get tired of visiting Fountains Abbey. A pretty enjoyable day!  Especially when we all played on the children's playground.  Regretfully, I did not get my camera out for this but picturing Devin on the little wooden snail still makes me smile.

Their last day was spent at York. Devin and I went with them in the morning, left to get children from school and back to eat dinner at an Indian restaurant together.

It was fun to watch Aunt Mitzi playing with all three kids before bed.  They love Aunt Mitzi and Aunt Ronae so much and it was really fun to have them come visit.  Hopefully we didn't wear them out too much!

As you can see, spoiled is the best word to describe this weekend.  Not just Clara, Jonas and Nell but Devin and I as well.  We loved our visit with Mitzi and Ronae, fell in love with the city of Paris and loved seeing our kids bond with family.