More Kailei-ism's

*Last night Kailei told Keara she was "a pot of silver stars". So sweet.

*We were talking at the dinner table and suddenly we hear from the bathroom, "Did I just hear my name?"

*She walked over to Zeb and said, "Give me a hug 'ya big fella!"


We laugh everyday with Kailei in the house. Laughter really is the best medicine.

Kailei Reading

Paris - Day 3

Woke up to another continental breakfast and a full day of sightseeing ahead of us. We began with a guided trip to Versailles and the palace o f Louis XIV. What an amazing place! We visited the state apartments of the King and Queen. We walked through the Hall of Mirrors and visited the beautiful gardens (though I'm sure they are even more so when flowers are in bloom. The history is significant but of course one of the amazing facts I remember was that he once had over 6000 horse and I must say the equestrian center is to die for.

Taking a bus we visited some more sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees and the Palace de Concorde. We visited numerous other sights with names too difficult for me to remember but all very impressive.

Dinner was at Flams. Flam is kinda like a pizza but with a white sauce. We were in a Jewish quarter because most shops aren't open on Sunday in Paris but they are in the Jewish quarter.

After dinner we headed out to the Eiffel Tower. It was spectacular. Lights glitter every hour and make it even more inspiring. I really couldn't believe I was standing there and felt very fortunate. Unfortunately as we were scheduled to go up, the elevator broke down. We didn't have time to walk up the stairs because we had a scheduled cruise down the Seine. Not sure this was my favorite but Paris at night is indeed beautiful. Fortunately after the cruise we were able to go back to the Eiffel tower and go up it. It was pretty late but it was sooooo worth it. What can I say? It was stunning!

After a very long day, we made our way back home. I hope to make it back one day to Paris. Everyone should visit if they get the chance. I'm lucky I had the opportunity and that my family supports my travels.

Au revoir Paris!

Paris - Day 2

After a much needed rest, I enjoyed a continental breakfast and spent the morning in meetings. I learned a great deal and hope I will be even more organized on my trip with the students. Our afternoon and evening was free but not knowing much about Paris I was at a standstill for places to go. I had wanted to go see the Moulin Rouge but it was quite expensive and decided I would just have to wait until one day when I come with Zeb. Instead I want the Musee' d'Orsay which proved to be even more enjoyable for me than the Louvre. Seeing the original paintings that I grew up with was sentimental and exciting. My Dad has always had good taste in art (Monet, Renoir, etc).

After the museum I did a little bit of shopping and then hooked up with a group of people. We really didn't have a plan so we walked a little, got a pastry (chocolate éclair for me) and walked some more. It has been raining all day and tonight it started to pour. We lost half the group at one point and ducked into a restaurant for dinner as we were all soaking wet. I tried a ceasar salad but forgot the anchovy piece would be big here. I ended up with fries again and a crème brule for desert. The rain settled a little and we walked some more.

While it is Saturday night it Paris and life was hopping I opted for a warm bath and a little rest for myself. Paris really is a beautiful city. I can see why people love it. I can't wait to come back one day and it will surely happen because I stepped on a star in front of Notre Dame whose legend states that if you step on it you are destined to return to Paris one day. Wish I was independently wealthy so I could travel all the time but alas I must take students on a trip in hopes of going with them.

Paris - Day 1

Apparently I've watched too many movies. As I walked around Paris I couldn't help but think I was an actress in the DaVinci Code. I probably shouldn't admit that but alas it is true. It has been a long day. Upon arrival in Paris on Friday morning we have been going every since. Met by our tour guides we were taken to the Mercure Hotel in Port de Versailles. It is a nice hotel and pretty close to the metro which is the appropriate method of transportation in Paris.

There were lots of arrivals today so while we were waiting for a few last attendees down the block for something to eat. There are bakeries everywhere (my Dad would be in heaven). I ended up just getting fries and diet coke from little store on the corner.

Our first real adventure was to the Louvre. We took a subway and the train system is easy to navigate. Like all tours there is never enough time so basically we went to see the Mona Lisa and took a few pictures outside the Louvre. It is a magnificent museum and it would be fun to really spend some time in it. I do fear that if I brought Zeb I may never get him out but it might be a chance I have to take.

We hopped on the subway and headed over Notre Dame Cathedral. It was beautiful and my pictures hardly do it justice.

Walking through the Latin Quarter we were then treated to a dinner of beef bourgeois

I was (am fading fast) but look forward to tomorrow.

A few tips...

· Ask, don't assume, the French know English

· Shop owners don't generally welcome you, you initiate the conversation with a bonjour

· Twice a year the government dictates the time when stores have a sale

· Use your manners (merci)

· Pardon means to get out of the way

· 500 sq ft apartments can cost up to 4500000

Seasons

I love you in the Spring.
As the rain washes away
the struggles that cloud
a busy life.

I love you in the Summer.
As the flowers bloom
and remind us of the
beautiful life we share.

I love you in the Fall.
As the leaves turn shades of
orange and gold and the
breeze gently pushes us
to and fro.

I love you in the Winter.
As the snowflakes fall
from heaven reminding us
of the miracles that
surround our life.

I love you.
And though the seasons may change,
my love for you, our beautiful daughters,
and our life together remain constant.

Happy New Year!

Rang in the New Year with friends who might as well be family. The girls entertained us with their dancing and singing. The adults managed to play a game or two before calling it a night. Hard to make it to midnight these days.

Here's hoping 2010 is a great year for everyone.