Paris - Day 1

The Thursday before Thanksgiving we put the kids in the arms of Grandma Mary and bid them a tearful goodbye. While we have gone away for many a weekend or a day here and there - even a long trip a few years ago, this was to be our longest time away from our kids and our first extended vacation away from little Emmett. It was difficult to say goodbye, to say the very least.

Once in the air, our tears turned to excitement as we thought about what was to come in the days ahead. Quite honestly, I had no idea what to expect! We arrived Friday morning Paris time to a beautiful, sunny day. We hopped off the plane, onto a bus, and then the Metro, finally arriving at my dad and Penny's apartment around noon. Exhausted, we decided to take a short nap but awoke in time to take in some of the daylight.

Living room in my dad & Penny's apartment

View out the window of their apartment!

After we were refreshed again, Penny took us to explore the area around their home, and we walked up to the Eiffel Tower. We were amazed at how big it actually was! While I expected it to be big, I had no idea it would be quite THIS big!

We then met my dad for an "apertif" at a cozy little cafe where we could see the Eiffel across the street. As part of it's anniversary celebration, there is a light show on the tower itself at certain times during the night. We thought it was gorgeous...my dad, the traditionalist, calls it the "Halloween Eiffel"! On this first evening we discovered the wine is cheaper than water, significantly cheaper than soda. We also found that no matter the temperature, in Paris they always sit outside. So...when in Paris, do as the Parisians do. Outside we sat, enjoying wine and looking at the busy city surrounding us.


In honor of our first night there, Penny made us a delicious French dinner (yum!) and we relaxed in their cozy apartment. It was a perfect start to a very fun trip. More to come on the days that followed...