time flies when you're having fun

Well, it's been a while since you last heard from me, hasn't it? The past month has been crazy, but in a good way. Travis arrived home safely the first week of February (a week later than anticipated), and everyone has adjusted extremely well. He's gone back to work this week, so we're settling into a new routine of normal once again.

While Travis was on leave, we took the opportunity to travel to Paris. It's a fabulous place to visit, and I was so excited to be able to travel again. It's been hard, spending fifteen months in Europe without being able to really go anywhere. I suppose I could have, but I'm not really brave enough to set out on my own with a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old in tow. Flying back to the United States for Christmas was enough for me :)

In Paris, we saw the usual tourist attractions:

The Louvre

Surprisingly, the kids held up to several hours of walking around the museum. We saw the Mona Lisa, which, frankly, was a disappointment. It's so much smaller than many of the paintings in the museum, and it's all by itself on a wall covered with glass. There was a very large crowd in front of the painting, and the glare from the overhead lights off the glass made it hard to see. Oh, well, I guess at least we can say we've seen it!

From the Louvre, we walked down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. It was quite a long walk, which involved much whining from the Princess (Zippy got to ride in the backpack on Travis' back). She was fairly excited to see the Arc de Triomphe, however, and had a good time chasing the pigeons that were seeking shelter beneath the Arc.

We visited Notre Dame du Paris

as well as the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.

And of course, we couldn't visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.

There were also two days spent at Disneyland Paris, but clearly that part of the trip was more for the kids than for us. I could have done without going there, but the kids had a wonderful time. We figured that after dragging them through Paris, we had to do something to keep them entertained as well.

There has also been knitting happening over the past month. Mostly socks, because they are portable. I finished up several pairs, including a pair that I started last August.

You can go to Flickr to get the details on each of these projects, if you so desire. I'm too lazy to repost the details again here :)

Comments

[PumpkinMama]

Welcome back Travis! Sounds like a good bout of R&R before headed back to "real life". I can't imagine how wonderful it must feel to have your family all in one place again.

[Carole]

I'm so happy that Travis is back with you all. Paris sounds like such fun!

[Marina]

Good to see you're OK and that the husband is back. Paris is one of my favourite cities. Lucky you, to be so close.

[Suzanne V. (Yarnhog)]

Paris in the (almost) springtime has to be the best place on Earth. I can't even begin to express my envy. I'm so glad you were able to go!

[Karma]

It's good to her from you and to know that your hubby made it home safe and sound. Some family travel time sounds like just the thing, too!

[kimberly]

It looks like you had a great time-I haven't been to Paris yet and I've lived here for 15 years. Oops. Big hugs from this end of Germany.

[Lisa]

Those cabled knee socks have been on my to-knit list for quite a while - yours are beautiful. I really like the picots on your striped socks, too.

[Beth]

I'm so glad to know that you are all together again and doing well! Your photos from Paris are wonderful. It sounds like it was a great trip.

[Sockbug]

Glad to hear you had such a good time with Travis. I thought that might be why you hadn't posted in awhile. Great photos, it looks like a fabulous trip and lots of great knitting!

[Faith]

I especially love your picture of the Eiffle Tower! Makes me want to go back.

All of your projects look lovely!

[Macoco]

That picture of the Eiffel Tower gives me hope that Spring is out there somewhere! It's just taking it's time getting to Boston. ;)
Your knitting is so beautiful, it looks like you've been very busy.

[Teyani]

I'm so glad that Travis is home - and now life can return to a bit of "normal" stuff.
I loved visiting Paris - the street cafes, Montmartre... all of it. All your new FO's are lovely. Good to see you posting again (grin) I've been a bit absent myself as of late.

[Emily]

Looks like a fun trip! The baby sweater is sooo pretty.

[samantha]

i know what you mean about the mona lisa. it's overrated, but the lourve is just beautiful! (that picture of the eiffel tower with the flowering tree is amazing!)

I love the knee high socks!