Normandy & PARIS!! Part deux

Hello Friends!

I know, I know.  But we have been doing things here.  I will do a post on sports again soon (just went to a tournament in Rotterdam with Luke - playing International Schools from all over - what an opportunity), but I wanted to get back to our Fall Break trip we enjoyed so much.

We debated the trip to Mont St. Michel because of the drive.  It was 2 hours plus some away from where we were staying, and an old abbey in the water didn't seem that interesting for the kids.  However, we all LOVED it. (Thanks to my sweet friend Dawn for encouraging me that it was worth it!!)

If you want to know more about the abbey itself, check out its Wiki page here. I had read about the abbey in several fiction books, but had no idea about its reality. Then, while in Bayeux visiting the tapestry, there was a scene played out at Mont St Michel on the tapestry. It showed soldiers drowning in quicksand and the hero saving the day (later he was the bad guy, but isn't that the way of most stories? Who we think is bad is good, and vice versa??) Quicksand experience was all it took and my boys were IN! 

You saw from the previous post we broke up the drive there with a stop at St. Mere Eglise and continued from there to Mont St Michel.  I will let a roll of pictures demonstrate the fun that ensued.  The construction prevented me from truly capturing the majesty and beauty of this place. All I can say is GO!!  It is worth it.

Taking the shuttle to Mont St Michel

A lot of construction because they are restoring it to its state where it is surrounded by water at high tide - a bridge will reach it now, instead of a causeway.

Love how they closed the gates! There are actually a few bed & breakfast hotels on the island.

Family portrait made by fellow touring Americans.  This is from the abbey itself with the marsh in the background.

boys will be boys!

Zee snaps a portrait.

Luke snaps a portrait.

Zee posed me and snapped the picture!

In the quicksand.  It was chilly that day, but the boys braved the cold water!

Love them!

Quicksand socks!

This is from behind the abbey.

We headed back to our hotel with full hearts, so thankful for these experiences.  The sun truly did shine on us that day and we would love to go back.

The next day it was on to Paris.  Let me just say that this drive was no problem - until we reached the city.  It took us 1 hour to get around the circle to where our apartment was.  UGH.  And the roundabouts reminded me of Italy - no lanes, just go as soon as you can and wherever you can.  And hope you reach your exit.  ("There's Big Ben, kids.  And there it is again.  Look, kids, Big Ben!  And again...")

Our favorite thing we did in Paris was the Fat Tire Bike tours.  Truly, a great way to see the city and something active for all the family.

Who doesn't love the behind the back shot while bicycling??  I know, I know.  Safety first!

Look at this great tandem bike for Zee - he felt like a big guy with the rest of us!!  

Our kids were the only ones on the tour - and they behaved so wonderfully.  So great to keep them busy by bike riding!

Enjoyed it even in the rain!

Our bikes had names - he is checking to make sure this is his!

What is Stuart thinking?

Showing their calves like all the Louis's did in their portraits.  We learned so much on this tour!

 I think it says a lot that we loved this tour even in the rain.  They also offer walking tours, Segway tours, and a variety of bike tours.  Stuart and I plan to do their all day Versailles tour soon - we hope!

The rest of Paris went by in a blur of going to the top of the Eiffel tower, trying French cuisine without knowing exactly what we were getting (some successes, some failures!), and generally getting to know the city a bit. The kids loved the science museum there, and we spent a good part of one day there, avoiding the rain and exploring. It is easy to get around on the underground there, and we had so many Parisians help us out. Our last night we did a boat tour on the Seine. I think this could be magical, if it is not cold, rainy, and foggy. However, we did see a lot of sites, and enjoyed a warm beverage or two. And the Eiffel tower lit up at night on the hour is a must-see. Really.

The boys look out over the Seine

Temporary art display around the Eiffel tower - bears representing every country.

The Arc de Triomphe

No fear - 2nd level - Eiffel Tower

A lot of fear - at the top. (we went into the glassed in area immediately after this picture!)

This nice Parisian shared his bread with us.

By the EIffel tower

Thanks to the shared bread, this happened.

Pizza delivery in a crowded city

Science museum fun

He can fly!

Lit up on the hour!

The Notre Dame in Paris during our foggy boat ride

Notice Stuart's eyes closed on the last night of our trip - always at the end of a week long trip, I cannot get a picture with his eyes open!  ;-)

We really did enjoy both Normandy and Paris, although Normandy was the highlight for all of us. I hope you enjoy the pictures, the thoughts, etc.  Vive la France!