The city of lights...

We spent the night in Paris thanks to one of the banks which Stephane works with, happened to fall on the same week as our anniversary. So here is a random sampling of the sights. (In backward order because I still mess it up every time.) We really did enjoy ourselves...it was amazingly sunny and in the mid 60's with a light breeze, perfect for walking the city.  Our dinner also including a magician and two waiters who reminded me of the Three Stooges. My ring is being confiscated for one of the magic tricks. It did reappear unharmed and intacted.
A shot of the bateau mouche which Stephane and his co-workers (and their spouses including myself) were taken on for a dinner crusing up the Seine river. The food was really amazing.
            The view of the back of the Louvre from our hotel room on the 4th floor..rue de Rivoli
Here's what 600 euros gets you for the night. And the bank who paid for our room claims they are in "la crise"....

                                               A few shots from the interior of the opera...

Is that the minister of finance? Oh no, right that's Stephane looking good during his business meeting, which involved a tour of the Opera. All work and no play makes Jack a very, very dull boy.

                         A shot of the stained glass dome, I believe there were 7 floors. 
Detail of the perfume vendors at Gallerie Lafayette (famous dept. store)


The Louvre (which was right across the street from our hotel)
         me and my shadow

love these dots....

    Upstairs bistro with the great green umbrellas

Some store fronts and images that I couldn't resist capturing....

     Amazing flowers at the Palais du Luxembourg as well as these cute little boats that the children spent hours pushing around the fountain with wooden sticks.

The little fish

We haven't made it to the pool yet, but Sebastian couldn't wait to test out his new swim googles.

The soccer field shuffle....

Our goal keeper is just soo happy with life he can't stand still. Ants in his pants? Maybe.....

the beach....

Hours of fun...well at least a half an hour spent rolling the marble and then advancing the metal bicycle. Who knew? Sebastian managed to win all of the races, go figure. 

Vacation ! ! !

Here is a brief recap of my two week easter vacation.....lots of parks, beaches, swimming pools, egg coloring, bike riding, eating.  

Carnival ! ! !

Today Sebastian had his carnival at school.  Worth noting that he was the only one in his class to actually have some North American blood running through his veins....not exactly an Indian, but as close as we could get. A good time was had by adults and kids alike...quite the festive parade and it was sunny as well. Enjoy....