Paris holds one of the keys to my heart...

Ten years ago I had what I would put on my top 5 list of life changing experiences. It was my Junior year in college I decided to follow in the footsteps my mom had taken several years earlier and study abroad in Paris. It was a 3 1/2 month program. I didn't know anyone in the program prior to the program. I barely spoke french and it was my first time traveling to another country (besides a small trip to Mexico). It was an experience of a lifetime. I came away from that program an enlightened 20 year old. I also came away with some lifelong friends who have impacted the person that I am today.

Last week I had the opportunity to return to Paris with those dear friends and with a close friend of ours who we would never have met if not for Paris..

I have a pretty amazing husband who supported my trip and some pretty amazing parents who watched the kids while I was gone for 6 days..

Here are some things I want to remember from the trip:

Our bike ride that took us from Notre Dame, along the Seine, to the Louvre, through the Tuileries Garden, and under the Eiffel Tower.

Strolling around the neighborhood (near the Pompidou Center) we knew so well because our classes were held there..

Returning to the Sacre Coeur and to the artist spot behind it..


I saw something new this time and it was the Pantheon and we even got to ride the bikes again..



Driving to Honfleur (in Normandy) and finding the perfect french town (even though they were mean and all the restaurants closed just as we arrived)



Versailles and reliving our "perfect day" by riding our bikes through the gardens..





Noticing all the places I would want to kiss Boyd



Noticing all the places the kids would like



Getting to places just after closing..Eating as much crepes/pastries/chocolate food as possible the last day for fear that we wouldn't get them again..



Spending a week with Monica, Jules, and Gina..

I missed my family and I was excited to see them when I got back. I do think it was good for all of us, though. Eli, however didn't want anything to do with me when I got back. He wouldn't come to me at first and he only wanted Boyd for the first 3 days. I was interesting to see Boyd at the top of the pecking order. Gavin was just excited and all smiles. He kept asking me "if I went to Paris with my friends." I brought a toy train back with me and he kept talking about his "train from Paris." I had a hard time adjusting to reality when I got back. Luckily my parents stayed for 5 more days! Thank you Mom and Dad!

Hopefully, I can return again soon...