Launching into the travel diaries before we had even left.
How do I do this? … summarise the most amazing experience we have ever had as a family? Big statement. But true.
I will start by saying that we had the most enthusiastic, spirited, grateful children along for the ride with us … and that made it the trip of a lifetime. It was their first trip overseas. Seeing everything through their eyes made this the most magical experience of my life.
We all learnt French before we left and my boys embraced every opportunity to use the language. It was wonderful to watch. My eldest loved the experience of speaking the French language in France and always had his head in a phrase book, learning, refining. He chatted away to anyone who would talk to him and learnt so much. His accent is beautiful, so beautiful in fact that he teases me about my Aussie French accent. My youngest focussed on his ‘ordering in French’ skills and received many a smile when he launched into his restaurant ‘Je voudrais … ‘ speal with gusto!
They were wonderful. They were great travellers, great company.
I am compiling this post in a haze of jetlag, and I started out thinking I could fit our whole trip into the one post. Hmmm, I might have to break it up a bit, so let’s take this one up to the end of our stay in Paris. It’s hard to put into words, the whole experience, and my brain is still too foggy to compose sentences! (rotten jetlag this time around) so I will let my pictures tell the story. I’ll talk more next post!
Here are just some of the things I will never forget:
My boys’ true wonder at new and beautiful things.
(Helped that I starved them of all Christmas prep before we left. Not a decoration. We were packing!)
Christmas lights in Orchard Road, Singapore.
Helping ‘SuperGirl’ overcome her fear of tortoises. Sentosa Island, Singapore.
Fellowshipping with the locals …
Singapore
… and the wildlife ….
Can you believe there were stick insects? Oh joy!
… and the not so live stuff.
My boys’ enthusiasm to learn as much as they could from every experience….
… even when they were dog tired and had ‘had it’!
Singaporean snail just minding his own business.
How nothing went unnoticed.
The food!
We tried everything!
My boys’ response when they first saw the Eiffel Tower! I will never forget it.
We strolled around the corner and ‘boom’, there it was! I cried. Of course.
How damn cold it was at the top!
Still enthusiastic, despite the cold and the rain!
The eerie beauty of Paris that first day.
My feeling of disbelief that we were really there … all of us …. together … with this beauty at every turn.
His first baguette. Eaten with no fear, seeing we did the almond challenge before we left.
No bakery was left untouched by the end of our visit.
Surviving the Paris metro from CDG airport to the city … in peak hour …. with 4 suitcases … 3 changes … and a million stairs!
Taking my boys to Cafe Constant, Rue St Dominique, 7th.
My favourite-est cafe in the whole of Paris.
I ate there every day when I was there last.
My boys could see why. They are still talking about the beef.
My boy’s obsession with cheese ….
Nibble, nibble.
No need for bread.
…. and Christmas logs, which he could not have (myriad of nuts).
That first night.
We were so tired from our flight but we wandered those streets like there was no tomorrow …
… despite the cold!
The Christmas windows.
Our early morning pastries/bread on the run.
Spontaneous jumping.
Our day on the Champs Elysees…
Embracing our ‘every transaction is an opportunity for interaction’ travel rule! That kid could interact!
Their first macaroons! Pretty special as youngest can now eat almonds!
Ice skating on the Champs Elysees on Christmas Eve
Watching my youngest’s love of hot chocolate blossom! ….
… and his love of carousels!
Chilling in French parks, watching our boys joyously play.
My youngest spontaneously breaking into song whenever the beauty overwhelmed him!
Third lamp post along on the left as you walk from the Louvre, down the bottom.
Searching for the padlocks I left on the Pont Des Arts last time I was in Paris.
I threw those damn keys in the Seine with such hope in my heart.
Finding them.
Pinching myself that we were all in Paris … together … and that my wish came true.
Little moments with unexpected finds.
Sharing my favourite bits of Paris with my family.
Notre Dame
Montmartre
My boys giving it their all! … despite the jetlag!
Paris at night.
Christmas shopping in Galeries Lafayette.
My baby’s ability to sleep anywhere when the need arose.
Sacre Coeur. Lulled asleep by the angelic choir singing.
The view from our Paris apartment at night…
… and in the day!
Our early morning starts before the city had woken up.
Running amok in Paris.
Don’t step on the grass or you’ll get a Saturday detention!
“Who’d have thought that Australian Inland Bearded Dragons (Brian and Nigella) were half the price you pay in Australia, in the tourist centre of Paris”, said she, chomping on her 1 Euro pastry.
The absence of heat! Wearing winter clothes.
The colours.
The guilding.
The winter sky.
Spending a delicious morning all by myself on Ile St Louis….
…with this breakfast …
… and this view….
… my youngest summed up Paris beautifully … “Mum, there is magic around every corner”.
I think he said it after being there just one day.
They got it.
Next stop …. London ….
A-M xx
It looks like all you dreamed of A-M. I got a bit foggy for you…especially seeing your refound lock. Love. Joy. Excitement. Participation. Togetherness. Wonder. Family. Am so happy for you…full tummies and hearts! Look forward to seeing your next post.
x KL
KL recently posted..milestones
Thanks KL. Yes, all a bit foggy over there too. I cried lots. The boys just rolled their eyes. xx
Amazing. Loved following along on Instagram, but these blog posts will be wonderful. Can absolutely feel the energy you guys had as a successful family adventure of a lifetime.
There was plenty of energy, that’s for sure. We’re all still exhausted 4 days back at home! xx
Welcome home lovely!! What a joy filled time in Paris it looks like you all had – can’t wait to see more photos and hear more about your adventure xx
Amanda recently posted..Grateful For Good Health
Thanks Amanda! More to come! Just got to get back to work first! A-M xx
Delicious in every single way. xxx
Oh the food Annie! I’m going to be running miles now that I am back! xx
Stunning A-M, truly stunning! But my goodness, when did your big boy become a young man???
I know! In the blink of an eye. All grown up. xx
Even without your camera….so many memories that will continue to shape all your lives. Travel really does broaden the mind and open up so many opportunities. After our trip my 3 kids decided to live in 1. London, 2. Paris and 3. Singapore! As I keep telling them…anything is possible : ) So glad you had a great time x
It sure is. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. It can’t not happen! Youngest wants to live in Switzerland and eldest wants to live in France! Yep, same thing here! xx
so happy for you that you are happy.
Great apartment and magical food!
Oh the food! I am going to be ‘Nil By Mouth’ the next time we meet up! There was absolutely no portion control at any time! xx
It has been wonderful to follow your adventures with your family in photos. Paris is too beautiful, it almost hurts. Your travels reminded me of when I took my older children to London last winter, they were so appreciative and grateful for it all. You must all go again together one day.
It does hurt. Your heart aches when you’re there. I found myself exclaiming out loud so often. We must go again! Thanks for following. xx
OMG in all the years I have followed your posts…this is the BEST EVER post! …………………………………………….
I am so happy for you and your family!
You deserve all the wonder the world has to offer
xoxoxoxoxox
Oh Jenny, you are gorgeous. I am so glad you liked it. Put together with such a foggy head! xx
Absolutely gorgeous and amazing! Thank you so much for sharing those beautiful photos! We’ve all just been sighing at everything with eldest chicken who cannot sleep and read the post with us. Looks like a magical trip!can’t wait to read the next instalment. Mxxx
I’m sure he would have enjoyed ‘That K’ performing! It was magical. I need to come to Melbourne and hang out with you. What are you up to? Email me. xx
These are beautiful A-M. I love the photo of your K gazing out over his hot chocolate. The look on his face is pure wonder.
It’s a pearler that photo. He loved sitting in cafes drinking his chocolates! Send me your address! I have a lamp I need to send out to you. xx
Sensational photos!
xx
Thanks Annie. xx
So happy you are all back safe and sound. I have so enjoyed your travels! Thank you thank you
Where are we going next ??
xoxo
Good question! You never know where life will lead you. If you’d have told me last Christmas that by the end of the year I would have seen New York and skied Switzerland I would have done an Elaine from Seinfeld, “get out!” All I know is that the travel bug is rampaging in this household and I hope we get to experience somewhere special again next Christmas. Xx
Oh A-M, I loved this post! So glad you all had a wonderful time! And you killed me with that photo of the food from Cafe Constant…we ate there twice last month and had that very thing…I’m still drooling over that delicious beef!
Kat
Kat @Low Tide High Style recently posted..From the Heart
Oh Cafe Constant Kat! I dream about it. 16 Euros for a gourmet meal in the heart of Paris and 4 Euro wines! I will never be able to eat out here in Australia again! Xx
Wonderful! I love seeing Paris through the eyes of your boys. So so sweet. How special that you found your padlock… A dream come true.
Seriously special. When I saw how many padlocks there were, how many that had been added since I was there last, my heart sank. I didnt think id find them. But my boys did! I wailed! Xx
Your post left me with tears in my eyes! I can only wish that one day I could have such an experience with my family, I am honestly so happy for you. Amazing.
xxx
Oh you are so lovely Mrs T. Thank you. xx
It all looks fabulous ! Your youngest is a funny boy, I love your jumping shots, they made me laugh :0
Renata recently posted..San Fran to Lake Tahoe
He’s a character. Heart on his sleeve. Like me. xx
Wow cafe constant!! our paris apartment was just across the street and up a few doors, on the corner of rue st dominique and ave rapp, looking straight on to the tower.
oh you’ve taken me straight back darl to my trip with my boys. so special. so glad you had this wonderful trip together, and all the very best for a stunning year ahead xx
jules @ The Diversion Project recently posted..Bali
It’s a special part of town, isn’t it? … the 7th. xx
Ohh, loved it thanks! Brought back fabulous memories of our trip in September last year. You’re right, it is magical. xx
Well, A-M, I, too, don’t know where to begin except to say that following you on Instagram was phenomenal! The magic came through! I believe you could make another career at being a travel writer! You literally take your readership along with you!
No one deserved it more than you and your sons. May your blessings continue.
Wouldn’t that be nice! A travel writer. Thanks Susan. I had great subject material, it’s hard not to post nice photos. Heaven on earth. It was truly magical. xx
This brings back such great memories, what a great post. Everytime we took our kiddis to any part of France, including Paris, they would happily wander the streets with a fresh baguette in a brown paper bag. I remember a time when the baguette was bigger than my now 5’6″ baby girl! Glad you had a great time. Well deserved. K x
What a delightful post! How wonderful for you to visit as a family!
Deanne recently posted..my nicholas sparks marathon
It truly was. xx
Hi A-M,
I just love it. So wonderful to see all your boys looking so gorgeous. Hi Luke…loving the George Clooney grey…
Love Kath,xx
These photos and your memories were thoroughly enjoyable. I love your big boy for sharing the joy with his little brother, even on the carousel. I don’t know too many teenage boys who would do that!
Look forward to London.
How brilliant! What a lovely family you all look, such special memories you will all have forever. Happy Days! X
The pure joy and magic of seeing you all together there in Paris brought tears to my eyes. What wonderful travelers you have and what a grand trip.
Grace @ sense and simplicity recently posted..Egyptian Food
Wow… Paris is so incredible. I had high expectations on my first visit, and was afraid to be disappointed. But I wasn;t. It was absolutely magical.
I have a few friends visiting at the moment, and was feeling a bit sad and nostalgic. I had to go through my old photos.
So glad you had such an amazing time, and that your boys loved it as much as you did. You get out of travelling what you put in-that’s what your kids have learnt.
Sigh-love Paris.
sweetness recently posted..the big clear out
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!! I want to go back to Paris. Thank you for sharing this with us, I feel I know you and your boys (all 3!) so well.
Glad you got up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. When I went it was -5degC and windy, so they closed the top 2 floors. It was FREEZING on the first floor and covered in snow. My dad and I raced round it to say we had then scampered back downstairs to join my step mum in a cosy cafe! xxx
Lauren Jewhurst (@laurenbigeejit) recently posted..Meal Planning Monday 21st January
Thoroughly enjoyed every moment captured. Thanks for all the effort as I know that dreaded jet lag is the pits.Loving the magic thru someone elses eyes. Also your fabulous dress sense. You fit in so well with Paris. Fiona
Fiona recently posted..Fine French Dining in Bali
We’re heading back to Paris for a few days in April before travelling up to Normandy. Keep going back to France….I just love it. Interested to know how you found your apartment. Looks like a great location.
Such wonderful images! What amazing memories you created
I LOVED the jumping shots, put a smile on my face x
I sat hear reading this post with tears in my eyes, ahh the memories it was like reading my thoughts all over again….we took our teenage girls (similar ages to your beautiful boys) on this ‘trip of a lifetime’ same time the year before you…amazing!
Lee Mills recently posted.."The BEST Day Ever…"
Just looking at your photos made me realise how much I want to go back to Paris and this time take my daughter Jess, glad you had such a great time, happy days x
Just awesome memories and experiences for your family
SO exciting to read these posts and enjoy the photos. Just like we were there with you, well almost! ha Love your blog. Where did you learn French before you left? Online, books, courses???