Day 6 - Jardin Du Luxembourg

Another gorgeous day in Paris. We went to Marche des Batignolles, an organic (bio) open market on Blvd. Raspail between Rue de Rennes and Rue de Cherche Midi. We bought lots of fresh produce and fruit. This was really important because the kids are having difficulties finding things to eat. They haven't acquired a taste for their cheeses (yet), and Jackson can't eat the baquettes because of a loose tooth. We did score with some freshly squeezed orange juice. We took our goodies to the Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoyed a picnic. There were lots of people doing Tai Chi but not the smooth movements that we are use to seeing but jerky movements - Tai Chi on caffeine. The kids were intriqued that Princesses used to live in the Palais du Luxembourg. Jackson decided he could easily live on the 3rd floor. Gracie was more interested in why Princesses didn't live there anymore. She finally decided it was because they had to go to Disneyland. Later in the day we and other faculty went to the suburbs and visited with an expat from UD for a goûter (an afternoon snack). We stayed so late we ate at a gyro stand before returning to Paris so the kids had their first cheeseburger - and they ate their entire dinner.

Day 5 - a relaxing day

Today was a beautiful day.  We had lunch with our cousin Bill near our apartment.  Later we walked to Jardins de Champ de Mars.  Gracie played in the sandbox while Jack and Jackson played catch.  (Bill played for a little bit but he had to run errands per Jackson.)  After spending most of the afternoon there, we walked around the neighborhood and found may fun things for the kids to do in the park.  We also saw a huge tae kwan do competition near Ecole Militaire. Later, we made our daily stop at Patisserie de la Tour Eiffel.  Jack is determined for us to try all their desserts.  

Day 4 visit to Notre Dame

The kids and I meet Jack and his class at Notre Dame.  After touring around, we had lunch and began Jack's (planned, anyway) philosopher walk through St. Germain des Pres.  The kids weren't as fascinated as the adults.  We made it to the Sorbonne, passed a candy kiosk that had the largest gummy worms (really gummy snakes) which the kids had to have and stopped for a drink at Les Deux Magots, a place Sartre and others hung out.  I asked the kids what they liked best today.  Jackson liked teaching Hannah how to do videos on our camera.  Gracie liked riding the train and playing with Hannah.  

Day 3 - visit to Musee d'Orsay

Today we were off to a slow start.  For the first time in Jackson's life, he slept until 10:30 am.  We meet Jack on Rue Cler for some Chinese food.  A very nice pedestrian street with nice shops and restaurants.  We meet a very nice expat (for over 50 years) and his friend.  Afterwards we started our walk to Musee d'Orsay.  There were many policemen dressed up in full gear.  Apparently, there was a major demonstration which Jack says has been happening everyday.  Today, tons of tires were set on fire.  It was rather large as you can see from the picture we took right next to Seine looking at the Palace.  The kids endured the museum longer than I thought.  Jackson liked the haystack painting by Monet and Pissarro's style.  Grace loved the dancers by Degas.  We had such a great time we ate dinner at the cafe in the museum. 

Day 2 - visit to Sacre Coeur

Surprisingly the kids were up in time to go with Jack and class to Sacre Coeur. We rode the metro. Jackson had it figured out and was our tour guide. The pictures are the following: Jackson and Grace getting on the metro for the first time.
Jackson and Grace climbing all 300 steps to the top of Sacre Coeur.
Jackson, Grace and Hannah, another professor's daughter, chasing pigeons.
Having lunch with the other professors and their families plus my cousin Megan. We were very fortunate to meet up with Megan. She has been in Paris for 2 months visiting her father. She gave us great tips for places to see, shop and eat. Unfortunately, tomorrow she is flying back to the States. She asked Jackson what he wants to see in Paris. He replied with playing catch by the Effiel tower and riding the metro. I guess we can go home.

Our first day

So here we are in Paris.  We left Monday night and flew directly to Paris arriving around 10ish.  The kids were great on the plane despite their disappointment that there wasn't an individual video with our seats.  They were so excited they didn't sleep much.  A taxi dropped us off at the apartment right when Jack was arriving with a bouquet of flowers.  We had a quick lunch then went to our backyard, the Eiffel tower, to play catch.