tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324184332024-03-13T15:49:47.197-06:00Niffer All Grown-UpUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-41152408812708030032016-08-11T07:11:00.002-06:002016-08-11T07:11:51.512-06:00Paralyzed DivingWhile watching the Olympics, Ellie said, "I really like watching paralyzed diving!"<br />
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This made us laugh thinking about the paraplegic version of synchronized diving. 1... 2... 3... push!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-88772158193708029242016-03-10T21:42:00.000-07:002016-03-10T21:42:05.259-07:00Mommy's Date with Addie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWUqPtPgnj4/Vtu12L36lXI/AAAAAAAAhRE/iEUWlK4AaNY/s1600/20160227_104635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWUqPtPgnj4/Vtu12L36lXI/AAAAAAAAhRE/iEUWlK4AaNY/s320/20160227_104635.jpg" /></a></div>Addie adores her new musical skills and so I thought a perfect date idea would be to go piano hunting. When Ellie found out what the plan was for Addie's date, she was confused and asked for more details. She tried to understand how one hunts pianos and simply couldn't. Addie, on the other hand, didn't have a problem at all. "Ellie, we're going to hunt wild pianos in their natural habitat!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt8hhtS0jUY/Vtu1wItlGQI/AAAAAAAAhRA/Jg1L4GvgD5g/s1600/Starred%2BPhotos1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt8hhtS0jUY/Vtu1wItlGQI/AAAAAAAAhRA/Jg1L4GvgD5g/s320/Starred%2BPhotos1.jpg" /></a></div>Ft Collins has a program called "Pianos About Town" in which artists have fixed up and painted beautiful pianos. Normally they don't tell people where the pianos are, but instead they're scattered around town for people to stumble upon in unexpected places. However, I was lucky to have convinced them to tell me where to look (I'm not familiar with Ft Collins and I wanted the day to be really special). It was magic! It seemed that every piano was better than the previous. She liked the ones with old keys the best, but also really liked the piano with the sunset. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3paBIzWzc/Vtu17ubHbFI/AAAAAAAAhRI/QyAszRiqP8M/s1600/20160227_101713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3paBIzWzc/Vtu17ubHbFI/AAAAAAAAhRI/QyAszRiqP8M/s320/20160227_101713.jpg" /></a></div>And watching the skills that this girl is developing? Mommy could not be more proud. We successfully hunted and tamed 6 wild pianos and the day could not have been any better.<br />
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</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-22088482356237198122016-03-09T21:34:00.000-07:002016-03-09T21:34:11.497-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTHzMRobp4A/VtuzdfEXCFI/AAAAAAAAhQw/_m8dumYpF_o/s1600/20160227_102033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTHzMRobp4A/VtuzdfEXCFI/AAAAAAAAhQw/_m8dumYpF_o/s320/20160227_102033.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-29479342523829972322016-03-08T21:23:00.000-07:002016-03-08T21:23:04.603-07:00Daddy's Date with Ellie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNqR2G6xQFc/VtuyyeWNjuI/AAAAAAAAhQs/Y_q4FGIZ7IE/s1600/20160227_113647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNqR2G6xQFc/VtuyyeWNjuI/AAAAAAAAhQs/Y_q4FGIZ7IE/s320/20160227_113647.jpg" /></a></div>He took her to an ice safety workshop where they learned how to dig out a shelter to remain warm in the cold winter. He's always so good at coming up with unique ideas!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-23128701481784954402016-03-07T21:00:00.000-07:002016-03-07T21:00:09.267-07:00Practicing French<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wu9eUP80Twk/VturZoYjXQI/AAAAAAAAhP8/AK_-nupo10M/s1600/P2090009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wu9eUP80Twk/VturZoYjXQI/AAAAAAAAhP8/AK_-nupo10M/s320/P2090009.JPG" /></a></div>In French I asked the girls for pieces of clothing. They dressed me with the results. I think they're having fun learning a new language.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-46334238952439128392016-03-04T21:19:00.000-07:002016-03-05T21:19:17.634-07:00Daddy's Date with Addie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tqE3HNkL38/Vtuu9DdYI_I/AAAAAAAAhQg/2iXAgj93Ol0/s1600/P2280068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tqE3HNkL38/Vtuu9DdYI_I/AAAAAAAAhQg/2iXAgj93Ol0/s320/P2280068.JPG" /></a></div>Daddy took Addie to an origami workshop where they learned to fold butterflies. Then they took their butterflies home and tied them to some rods. Finally, when we went to dinner, she handed out all her new butterflies to children who were eating with their families throughout the restaurant. She had a BLAST and loved the reactions she got from people when she gave them her gift.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-15414802046474778862016-03-03T21:13:00.000-07:002016-03-05T21:14:02.472-07:00Skiing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-sxK_39xM/VtuucJERXaI/AAAAAAAAhQY/Ig8Q3j9Z1IY/s1600/P2200038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-sxK_39xM/VtuucJERXaI/AAAAAAAAhQY/Ig8Q3j9Z1IY/s320/P2200038.JPG" /></a></div>A few weeks ago we went skiing with Nana, Grandpa and Uncle David. I hadn't ever been and neither had the girls. I was surprised by how enjoyable it was! Ellie did amazingly well and was always ahead of the group. After a couple hours, she seems to have the technique down! Addie enjoyed herself too, though she definitely ran out of energy half way through the trip. I suppose that didn't surprise anyone since she's the smallest and was likely doing the most work. She didn't complain about it though. She was tired but distracted herself with stories about snow fairies and magical snow crystals. Eventually we hooked her up to a couple of scarfs around Michael's waste and he pulled her behind him until we returned to the lodge. I'm loving that the girls are old enough for these types of activities!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-59523603548933602682016-03-02T21:05:00.000-07:002016-03-05T21:06:11.758-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxBT3v7zp5g/VtusVP7XOMI/AAAAAAAAhQE/lvkGU0M05B8/s1600/P2200032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxBT3v7zp5g/VtusVP7XOMI/AAAAAAAAhQE/lvkGU0M05B8/s320/P2200032.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JBKo0qoY_o/VtushG7_a7I/AAAAAAAAhQI/Ev3nQh8wGxI/s1600/P2200029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JBKo0qoY_o/VtushG7_a7I/AAAAAAAAhQI/Ev3nQh8wGxI/s320/P2200029.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-86974067424255118642016-03-01T20:47:00.000-07:002016-03-05T20:47:13.668-07:00Mommy's Date with Ellie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYD0vv1RYks/VtuoJZqTZ6I/AAAAAAAAhPk/AqhYCxoUBys/s1600/20160228_173435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYD0vv1RYks/VtuoJZqTZ6I/AAAAAAAAhPk/AqhYCxoUBys/s320/20160228_173435.jpg" /></a></div>For our date this month, Ellie and I went to see a play called "Pirates of Penzance." Unexpectedly, this was an Opera. I can't say I've been to many operas and I'm thinking I'm not a big fan. Even Ellie asked for a break from the music after only a few scenes. That being said, though, it was probably the strangest funniest opera I may ever see. It was a pirate story that included an apprentice who left the pirates after having served his 21 years. He told the pirates that he didn't approve of their ways and now that he's no longer a member, he's going to make it his mission to take them down. They started complaining about all their problems and how they're not rich like pirates should be. He told them that's because their rule to not steal from orphans and the rumor has gotten around such that everyone claims to be an orphan if attacked by these pirates. The ex-pirate falls in love with a woman who is the daughter of a general. The general tricks all the pirates into letting him and his daughters go, and later feels guilty about bringing shame to the family name because he lied to the pirates about being an orphan, only to have someone point out that the graves he's crying on aren't his ancestors. Afterwards, the pirates tell the ex-pirate that he owes them more time because his contract says he would serve 21 birthdays, of which he's only served 5 because he was born on leap day. Out of a sense of duty, he returns to the pirates and asks his fiancee to wait for him to return. Though waiting another 60 years seems like a long time, she agrees. In the end a group of police officers attack the pirates for crimes against the queen. The pirates said "wait, but we love the queen!" And of course since everyone loves the queen, they decide they're all on the same side. And everyone lives happily ever after.<br />
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I'm guessing not every opera has quite the... entertaining, perhaps... story line and I'm not sure I'll be going to too many operas in the future. However it was more entertaining than I would have expected had I known it was going to be an opera ahead of time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-87857387728305280962016-02-29T20:30:00.000-07:002016-03-05T20:30:36.277-07:00Addie Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rliOxWxsq1A/VtujrEQ6V_I/AAAAAAAAhPY/mI_hVF0ueLI/s1600/20160206_090057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rliOxWxsq1A/VtujrEQ6V_I/AAAAAAAAhPY/mI_hVF0ueLI/s320/20160206_090057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I adore the fact that 99% of the time, Addie goes to sleep holding Bussi Bear and wearing the same bear hat she has had since being 18 months old.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-47080188429415873932016-02-14T20:59:00.000-07:002016-03-05T20:59:34.214-07:00Happy Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1DrIN-S2c/Vtuqywf0bTI/AAAAAAAAhP4/jAv8QAj5PwM/s1600/P2150012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1DrIN-S2c/Vtuqywf0bTI/AAAAAAAAhP4/jAv8QAj5PwM/s320/P2150012.JPG" /></a></div>A puppy named Valentine for Ellie. Sunflowers and a baby teddy bear for Addie. They couldn't have been happier. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-64430138830692693382016-02-07T20:54:00.000-07:002016-03-05T20:55:50.697-07:00Super Bowl Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xSSAU4cJJ4/VtuqJ-G_OfI/AAAAAAAAhPw/qka0sK_6gXg/s1600/P2080001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xSSAU4cJJ4/VtuqJ-G_OfI/AAAAAAAAhPw/qka0sK_6gXg/s320/P2080001.JPG" /></a></div>Whoop! Whoop!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-29625419853886488092016-02-05T19:52:00.000-07:002016-02-05T19:52:27.190-07:00Keeping up with the JonesesIt I think we all have conversations about keeping up with the Joneses. Sometimes it presents itself with a colleague getting a new fancy house or even one in fantastic location. Maybe it's a neighbor who just got a really nice car. Or maybe it's a friend who recently got back from a fantastic exotic trip. <br />
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We have all had to deal with situations in which you find yourself a bit jealous of what someone else, where you stay to wonder if you, too, should get a nice house. Maybe it's time for a new car. Maybe we should put more of our money towards (enter whatever item here)?<br />
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But when it comes to my rock star husband, I think he deserves some kudos. Whenever the topic of "keeping up with the Joneses" makes a tempting assistance, without fail, he starts with giving the topic at hand some consideration. He will even dive in with some quick research on options. But he ALWAYS ends up on websites reading articles on how to SAVE more money instead of how to SPEND more money.<br />
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I somehow managed to catch myself a keeper and I am still so thankful for him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-84686686821633985782016-02-02T20:46:00.001-07:002016-02-02T20:46:02.066-07:00Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were all concerned. Addie said Coconut needed surgery and wanted to put a nice patch on him. She said it would help her remember Patchy (who sadly has still not been found). Whether the patch be in memory of an old friend, or to help heal the new one, Gramma helped me come up with a great solution and after a few hours of post-surgery rest, Coconut was himself again, filled with all smiles and snuggles.<br />
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Then, as luck would have it, Mittains fell down the stairs and needed some tender loving care too. Ellie requested a special monogrammed patch of love. Her recovery went just as smoothly.<br />
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There may be no better way of knowing for certain that a stuffie is well loved than when they have been marked by their child, and no doubt both Mittains and Coconut now have been the mark of love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-66388471791305835032016-02-01T20:35:00.000-07:002016-02-02T20:38:00.206-07:00The truth comes out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apparently I took too many photos while on our trip to Paris. In Addie's words, "My mom kept taking pictures. I think she took too much. I'll give you a clue - She took some on the bridge of the castle next to our hotel. We called it Blue Door."<br />
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In my defense, some photos are simply worth the extra effort.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-38102150661491014952016-01-29T13:07:00.000-07:002016-02-02T20:19:06.226-07:00Addie-isms"Does this picture look scientistc? I think it does."<br />
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"Gramma, I got a new bear in Paris. His name is Coconut. Do you want to see him in human? I will go get him now."<br />
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"In one mile, turn right... in 100 feet, turn left... your destiny will be on your right."<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-72803011859986379712016-01-28T20:48:00.000-07:002016-01-31T20:50:57.249-07:00Christmas concertThe girls are impressing me more and more with their music. Addie can play with both hands and sing at the same time. Ellie has learned so many new sing to the notes and reading the music is actually helping them with their singing voices too. I can't help but smile at the results of their hard work.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-77862347781774574052016-01-27T13:32:00.000-07:002016-01-30T20:37:50.728-07:00Turning the tablesADDIE: Mommy, you look like you need a hug.<br />
MOMMY: Awww thank you.<br />
ADDIE: I think you might even need another one.<br />
MOMMY: You're right. I had a really bad day.<br />
ADDIE: I know. Now what you're going to do is this - You're going to try really hard to be extra patient with us for the rest of the day. OK?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-28469067505427711852016-01-26T13:19:00.000-07:002016-01-30T20:37:25.586-07:00Daddy's Date with Ellie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHYLGr5_Qq4/Vq2BVtnBmNI/AAAAAAAAg2M/kiVTLgOfeuE/s1600/20160124_163328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHYLGr5_Qq4/Vq2BVtnBmNI/AAAAAAAAg2M/kiVTLgOfeuE/s320/20160124_163328.jpg" /></a></div>The Broncos are going to the Superbowl!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-24563468969893170722016-01-25T13:19:00.000-07:002016-01-30T20:36:06.447-07:00Mommy's Date with Addie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVroPSExqKQ/Vq1-cNJOdGI/AAAAAAAAg2A/IiO5Vv1JfSI/s1600/01%2BJAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVroPSExqKQ/Vq1-cNJOdGI/AAAAAAAAg2A/IiO5Vv1JfSI/s320/01%2BJAN.jpg" /></a></div>For our January date, Addie and I had afternoon tea with Gramma at the Dashanbe Tea House. We LOVE this place and Addie was definitely excited to share it with Gramma. "It's the most beautiful place you'll ever see, Gramma! Don't forget to gasp!"<br />
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As always, we sat in one of the fun bed-like tables in the corner, which adds to the fun. Addie proceeded to tell use about the painted ceilings and how this place used to be a magical dragon cave. The ceilings were painted one by one, each flower painted for a different dragon. When asked who painted the ceilings, Addie told us "My Daddy dragon painted that square, and my Mommy dragon painted that flower. Those over there were painted by the fairies, and the rest of it was painted by just a couple 13-year-olds. <br />
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Uh... OK.<br />
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After that, we got straight to work on playing with the trolls and gnomes. The trolls, in particular, were a favorite of Addie's on this particular day. Apparently their names are Snot, E-Wak and Stinky. Snot makes boogers that coat the silverware with slime to make them slippery. E-Wak uses the earwax from his ears to set sticky traps because he's quite mischievous. And Stinky? Well let's not go there, but I hear that there is fog and steam involved. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-75772996729066104552015-12-31T23:00:00.000-07:002016-01-03T14:04:19.306-07:00Au Revoir Paris!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight we considered trying to see the fireworks on the Eiffel Tower, but hesitated for various reasons. The city ended up canceling the show, which helped make the decision easier. Alas, Happy New Years from the Vincents!<br />
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So just how do we sum up this trip of ours? I bet you're wondering if Secret Agent Huff-A-Lump 20 and Secret Agent Penguin managed to earn 100 points to qualify for becoming an SIA Special Agent. The best agents have a high level of something called "situational awareness," and these two agents proved themselves to be quick-witted agents who pay attention to their surroundings. In addition to collection intelligence from various sights, they found many carousels, street musicians and even dogs in restaurants! They practiced blending in by speaking French to the locals, with "Bonjour Madame" Or Bonjour Monsieur" and saying "Merci." Secret Agent Penguin even enthusiastically responded when a local said "Coo-Coo" to her (a cute way to say "hello" to little ones). They loved to practice identifying their colors and repeating random statements that sounded familiar to them. They even managed to keep their cover when it came to eating local food. When all was said and done, the two ended up with 111 points! Whoop! Whoop! I knew they had what it would take.<br />
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In all seriousness, I do not think the trip could have gone any better. It almost even boggles my mind at how well the girls traveled. Some of the expectations and worries I had prior to the trip simply were non-issues. For example...<br />
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Food:<br />
We worried that Ellie and Addie would struggle to find anything to eat. And we all know what happens when one gets hungry - they get hangry too. Granted, really only went to a single restaurant, we got most of our food from super markets and street stands. However, they never failed to eat what was in front of them. And they did so without complaints. They didn't like the couscous but made up for it by eating all their ravioli (mushroom at that). All in all, food was a non-issue.<br />
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Tiredness:<br />
Combine the time change with lots and lots of walking, we were certain that the girls would be more tired than they have ever been before. Usually being tired is a sure sign of meltdowns, but none came. And trust me, we walked A LOT. Our days ranged from 14,000 steps (the day we "took it easy" because Michael got sick) to 29,000 steps (Disneyland) and never once do we remember the girls giving even the slightest complaint. Even after walking up the Notre Dame bell towers or Eiffel Tower, there were no complaints. When Mommy & Daddy would have likely turned down the opportunity because of being tired, they didn't hesitate at wanting to climbe the tower of Sacré-Cœur. Aside from a single statement of concern over Addie's legs shaking but not being cold (apparently sore tired muscles was a new sensation to her), I don't think we would have even suspected they were tired. Our own muscle soreness was the only indication.<br />
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Shopping:<br />
When in a new place, every child repeats "I want..." or "Can I have..." over and over again, especially at Disneyland. Apparently every child except ours. How is it that we managed to go for 2 entire weeks (Disneyland included) without the girls asking for ANYTHING? The stuff we did buy was initiated by Mommy & Daddy and they were more than happy with the results. In the end, the only souvenirs the girls brought home were:<br />
- Coconut Bear (Addie)<br />
- Mitaines Kitten (Ellie)<br />
- Hat & scarf (Addie)<br />
- Paris T-Shirt IOU (Ellie - yes, it's an IOU. We have to order one online... how crazy is that?) <br />
- Sparkling Eiffel Towers<br />
- Toys from Kinder chocolate eggs<br />
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Activities:<br />
Seeing museum after museum (even if some of them were in pretty churches or castles) can be boring at times, let alone for a child. We were uncertain of how much "fun" being a tourist really would be for children the age of 6 and 8. Boy were we surprised! The girls seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves EVERYWHERE we went. Additionally, having been to Paris a few times before, Mommy & Daddy expected this trip to be nothing new. Oh how we were wrong. Sure, we repeated some of the places we've seen before, but we did so many things we've never done before too, including:<br />
- Climbing the bell tower of Notre Dame<br />
- La Cité des Enfants<br />
- Roue de Paris<br />
- Climbing the steps up to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower<br />
- Ice skating on the Eiffel Tower<br />
- Pompidou Center<br />
- Château de Chambord (interior)<br />
- Château d'Amboise<br />
- Château du Clos Lucé<br />
- Walking along the Seine<br />
- Disneyland<br />
- Climbing the tower of Sacré-Cœur<br />
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Christmas:<br />
Though Mommy & Daddy considered the trip to Paris, itself, to be the main event when it comes to Christmas gifts, we were also uncertain of how the girls would take this. Receiving fewer "gifts" could be difficult for a child to accept. However, this seems to have been a non-issue as well. Perhaps the most amazing part of the trip was that Ellie and Addie were always sincerely THANKFUL for the experience. And if you were to ask them what their favorite part of the trip was, included in their answer would be "being there with my family." Wow. How amazing is that? Perhaps this really can become a yearly family tradition of ours after all???<br />
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All in all, the girls could not have done any better. They really made for amazing travel buddies, who were simply THANKFUL for the opportunity. I am humbled and honored to be able to spend time with these two girls and to be able to call myself their mother.<br />
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In conclusion... BEST. TRIP. EVER!!!<br />
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P.S. How could I forget the amazing ice cream??? It's an ice cream flower! Fancy! Best ice cream EVER.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-50675740285472787702015-12-31T15:30:00.000-07:002016-01-03T15:19:42.219-07:00Sacré-Cœur<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last stop: Sacré-Cœur. We didn't bother with photos of the Basilica itself - it was way too crowded. Though we were all quite tired and almost burned out, the girls still insisted on climbing the steps up the Bailica's tower. I'm glad they did, because the views were incredible. <br />
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I love how well these two travel!<br />
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The view was well worth it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-61925794791553593022015-12-31T07:19:00.000-07:002016-01-03T15:14:39.483-07:00Catacombs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What better way to bring in the New Years than to conquer a fear or two? Agents must keep their cool and accomplish missions even when in a dreadful place (such as in tunnels filled with bones). The girls learned that the tunnels were also used by the French resistance to the Nazi invasion. It was spooky, and for the most part, the girls were quiet in their somber respect. They seemed a bit lost in thought as they realized these were real bones, and that's what a real skull looks like. And that's what the inside of an eye socket looks like. But they were brave and they were proud of themselves for having carried out their mission despite its location.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-38992365205041363342015-12-30T15:30:00.000-07:002016-01-03T13:36:28.528-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418433.post-10571754998548267412015-12-30T07:46:00.000-07:002016-01-03T15:10:16.298-07:00Disneyland Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to admit that Disneyland played a role in deciding to visit Paris with the girls. We always thought that this would be a good age to go to Disneyland for the first time, and when we looked into the cost of going, we were shocked to see how expensive it is! That being said, a high-level searched showed us that it would cost just about the same amount to get a family of 4 to Disney, whether that be California, Florida or Paris. And of the three, it was a no-brainer which one we would rather do. Having 3 of the 4 airline tickets covered by miles, and knowing that the girls have always been obsessed about Paris (after all it's where Daddy proposed) sealed the deal. Disneyland Paris, here we come!<br />
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No doubt Disney knows how to do entertainment. We didn't do many "thriller" rides (we used the girls' ages as an excuse, but in reality it had more to do with the length of the lines), but there was still enough of the smaller rides to fill the day. The highlight was the parade, where Addie got to tell Baloo the Bear a secret and some pirates rummaged through Ellie's hair. Our favorite ride was the Peter Pan because flying over London looked so "real." The girls gave their best attempt to pull out the sword in the stone. <br />
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All in all the day went by quickly, with just a bit of madness.<br />
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Last, but not least, I don't think that Addie would ever forgive me if I forgot to mention the dragon. By far, her favorite part of the park, we visited the dragon 4 times (mostly because the route was convenient). At first she wasn't sure what to think because the dragon looked so real, but it didn't take long for her to start obsessing about whether or not we'd get to see him again. And again. And again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0