J'adore Paris.

As Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea."
Our trip was a good idea.
The best idea.
The stars aligned and the opportunity to travel to Paris as a family presented itself to us. An opportunity we will be forever thankful for. Because together we got to see the City of Lights in all its splendor.

It was more amazing than I had even imagined it to be. A city so alive with both history and life...each day I found myself looking around in awe.

I wondered what it would be like to see and experience this city that I have dreamed of and imagined about for so long...would it live up? Is it truly as amazing as everyone describes it to be?

The answer? Yes, Yes, Yes. It was everything and more.









The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people...the way of life...slower yet, fast at the same time if that makes sense...it will all be forever imprinted on my mind and heart.










And our girl? She was a trooper. Undoubtedly there were times before the trip where I second guessed our decision to travel so far with a 19 month old...but as she continues to do, she taught me and surprised me.








She did great.


Because while there is something to be said for schedules and routine...there is also a big something to be said for forgetting all that and taking on adventures together.






And thankfully, there were only a few break downs along the way...


Because in those adventures we learn more...we discover more...absorb and appreciate more.








It is thanks to the generosity of some very special people that this trip was possible..


And it won't soon be forgotten.





Paris...I am so in love with you. So I won't say goodbye...


I'll just leave it at...I'll be seeing you.

*If you are so inclined, you can view all our pictures from our trip here.

Little Reminders.

There are little reminders all over house of what is to come...

And we are getting pre-tty darn excited!

Christmas 2011.

You were good to us.
Oh my, were you good us.

In a word: magical.

Okay, who am I kidding. There's no way I can leave at one word.
You were magical, special, memorable...

Cozy, delicious...

And exhausting.

But exhausting in the very best way possible.

In that way that leaves you feeling thankful for the sleep in your eyes the morning after staying up to celebrate and cuddle with family. In that way that helps you overlook that you're getting back in your car, because at the end of the journey there will be more family to greet you. We wouldn't have had it any other way.

Charlotte had us in hysterics throughout Christmas with her flappy-bird arms excitedly waving up at down with the opening of each gift.

The girl gets the whole "present" thing, and let me tell you...she's a fan.

Traditions were made, and traditions were continued.

The Gold Bow that's been in our family we think for about 30+ years.

"Who wants a Tom and Jerry?"- Papa, one of his favorite holiday traditions.

Dumplings were made, our Nanny would be happy.

*Disclaimer: my uncle doesn't normally sport a pirate earring and UW bandana. It was part of the annual Apple Cup bet between he and my UW-loving uncle Peter. The loser always has to wear a selected outfit as chosen by the winner for a portion of the Christmas gathering.

There's nothing like discussing traditions surrounded by family to bring to light the reminder of just how fortunate we are. We have one pretty amazing family.

We are blessed. We are healthy. And we are so very thankful for this memorable Christmas season.

Until next year Christmas...may you stay in our hearts.