The siren call of the streets of Paris is strong.
I made a long list of things to see before we boarded our plane for Paris: the gigantic Monet waterlilies at the Musee de l’Orangerie, the decadently dark hot chocolate at Angelina’s, the hall of mirrors in the Palais de Versailles, and even the shapely bronze statues of the garden of the Rodin Museum.
The fully revealing statues provided great discussion topics.
I should have known that our list would go largely, joyfully and unconquered. Instead, history came alive as we strolled the bridges over the Seine, taking in statues, lovers, and willingly giving in to the seduction of Paris.
Seeing lovers hang locks together on the Pont des Beaux Arts seemed hopelessly romantic to Bella.
Walking along the banks of the Seine, we saw the greatest sign.
Jack beamed from ear to ear when I explained that this was definitely not a no fishing sign.
The children complained bitterly when I dragged them out of the sunshine into the churches we crossed, but surrounded by the soaring arches of the Eglise de St Sulpice, they were immediately awed and quiet.
The graceful arches of the Eglise de St Sulpice
Before walking into the Louvre to fight the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, we posed in front of the Pyramid. Going up was a lot easier than coming back down with my huge belly.
Night falls late in Paris during this time of year, well after nine, but everyone was still smiling.
Look at you and your beautiful family! I am sorry we missed each other but hope you are having fun in the Loire (I think that’s where you are). My list is remaining largely unconquered also, seem to be so distracted by everything. Ah well, Paris will always be here, right?
Mardi, next summer, I think we should return together to do that photo seminar. It looked amazing.
I shall live vicariously. Enjoy!
Ahhhh….Paris! I can’t wait to share it someday with my kids.
I love the picture of you and your daughter and baby-to-be in front of the Louvre’s pyramid!
I love the photos! Gorgeous. Looks like a terrific trip.
You guys make such an adorable family! Looking at all those photos makes me want to be there with you!
Love your photos! Wandering around is my FAVORITE thing to do in Paris — I’m still sad that we had rain practically every day while we were there (one day I insisted on a Rue Mouffetard visit anyway, and got soaked through)