The City of Love

We left today for Paris!  Since we’re not taking our computers, I knew you’d hate to miss out on my daily posts.  So, I took the liberty of scheduling posts for you so you can follow our trip.  AS for us, I’m not sure how we’ll survive without computers…we might have to talk to each other or read (gasp).  I’ll let you know how it goes.

Trip and Accommodations

Today, we are driving 4 hours to Glasgow, from where we will fly out for Paris on Ryanair.  Josh found us a fab deal- we are flying really cheap and are psyched to take advantage of our location in the UK.  Anyway, we will arrive in Paris this evening and are staying in a 1-bedroom flat (click for actual pictures of the specific apartment).  We’re paying more for a flat than a single hotel room, but this way the kids can sleep in the bedroom, we can use the pull-out in the living area, and we have a place to hang out and to make breakfast and dinner.  We chose a smaller flat that has a good location so we can walk a lot of places.

I will say that the Pea Pod we bought for Luke is killer.  Seriously, y’all, it is such a better option than a pack n play.  It is 3 pounds, fits in my carry-on, pops out to be full-sized, and is a TENT!  Luke ADORES it!  We did a trial-run to make sure we didn’t need to rent a “travel cot” and the kid fell in love.  I pulled him out of it one night (who knows why?) and he got so upset, pointing at it, saying “Tent!”, dying to get back in.  It’s a keeper for sure.

What to Do in Paris with a preschooler & a toddler

I found this “Travel for Kids: Paris, France” that excites me.  So many fun options!  The batobus sounds like a must-do.  I also am bringing Madeline with us, as well as a small version of little Madeline.  Since this has been a fave for several years, it will be a fun reference point with Rebekah.  So, (remember I am writing this before we actually go) I plan on doing a mini-lesson on Paris and all the things  we will see, so she will have more fun and make those connections.  I’d love for her to practice a few phrases, too.  Since Americans can come across as idiots (let’s be honest), I hope to use my precious children as in’s where we go- I mean, who wouldn’t melt at Rebekah saying “Bon Jour!”  Anywa, all this seems a little home-schooley to me, which you know is not my thing, so I’ll take precautions to not over do for all our sakes. 

Food

Our plan is to enjoy Parisian cuisine for lunch and snacks, thus making it affordable.  We’re pretty excited about baguettes and pastries.  After watching Julie and Julia, I want to eat everything I can- and I will.  If I were more patient, had tons more time, and lots of money for groceries, I would totally learn how to cook French cuisine. Guess that’s not gonna happen.

Anyway, stay tuned- I’ll keep you updated!