Parque Maria Luisa and Plaza de Espana

Today we headed to Parque Maria Luisa.  According to Google maps, it's a 13 minute walk.  Of course, it took us about 2 hours.  We stopped to climb trees, dunk imaginary basketballs in the top of fountains, study a statue, play at a playground, and pet every dog in a pseudo  dog park.  Haughton has perfected, "Puedo por favor acariciar a tu perro?"  When we arrived at the park, we went directly to the Plaza de Espana.   It was beautiful!  We rented a row boat for 35 minutes, but then spent 2 hours in the boat.  The kids picked up every bag, cup, straw and plastic wrap that we possibly could from the canal.  We only quit after Haughton reached a little too far to fetch some garbage... and landed in the water!  People cheered when we pulled him out.  Needless to say, we walked home faster than we walked there.  We then took showers and ate 6 artichokes.  Life is good in Sevilla.  :)

The Mushroom

Mommy:  Ridgely, are you up for going to the top of that big "mushroom"?
Ridgely:  No, I'm  tired.
Mommy:  Okay.  It's really high up.  Not sure if I would be afraid of the height anyway.
Ridgely:  You might be afraid? LET'S GO!!

Okay, playgrounds are still pretty great.

Climbing, running, sliding....

Who needs playgrounds when we have the streets of Sevilla?

Hello, Sevilla!

Thanks so much to Missi and Jesus for picking us up from the airport and helping us find our new apartment! We then had a fantastic day going out for lunch, walking through the historical section of Sevilla and getting ice-cream with our dear old friends. 

Good-bye, Paris!

In the Paris airport and on the plane to Spain.

Near our Paris apartment....

We could stay right here for a month.  The area is adorable and there is so much to do in Paris.  But alas, we will leave very early tomorrow for Seville, Spain.  Good-bye for now, Paris!

Sacre Coeur

We were able to walk to this spectacular church from our apartment.  The kids and I climbed over 200 stairs to get up the hill to the Sacre Coeur and then another 300+ steps to the top of the dome.  The stairs were all stone.  It was very windy and raining.  When we were at the top, my fear of heights kicked in.  It looked like Ridgely could fit through the stone railings.  I hugged the wall.  Haughton didn't seem phased, but said, "yeah, I get it.  This is a little scary."  Ridgely wasn't afraid at all!  The kids asked me to start walking down without them so they could continue taking pictures.  I said NO WAY.  I wish I had taken some pictures to demonstrate the height (& wind and rain).  Of course, I was much to afraid to take shots at that point though.....  The kids thought that was funny!

Carousel, dogs, lunch, ice cream and more!

Notre Dame

A fantastic day finishing our Big Bus Tour and checking out Notre Dame.  Unfortunately, the lines were too long to climb to the top.  But I'm proud of the kiddos -- both wanted to brave the stairs!  Next time.

Carousel

Near our apartment

PARIS -- Eiffel Tower

Someone asked where we were - Yikes!  I can't believe I forgot to say....  We are in Paris March 25-29, 2016 and again April 19-24th (with Daddy).  We will go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower with Daddy, but today we saw it up close....

Photos and labels by Haughton

A great picture of the Eiffel Tower

Carousel

 

Out to lunch, a fruit stand, and some sleep! Good night, world.

A room (or 2 bedroom!) with a view.....

Okay, so the kids have fallen asleep.  I will let them post their pictures of the view tomorrow.

A long beautiful day!

Suitcase arrived safely.  Ate a few cheese and crackers before finding a cab.

"Moving walk ways are sooooo much fun!"

 

Still learning

Okay, so some of the pictures and captions got mixed up when I published my last post.  Note to self - do shorter posts. 

Ready, set, go!

I never would have thought that two kids would love a red eye so much!

Heading to the gate.

8 hours and almost no sleep -- and they are still happy!  This pictures was taken about 5:30am Paris time.

Each kid packed there own backpack.  Other than one lovey each, I had no idea what they packed until we were at the gate.  Can anyone guess a large object that Haughton wanted and Ridgely carried for him (In return, he carried things for her.)?  What is in that blue backpack?

"Mommy, this game is called Black Jack, and I REALLY love it!"  Thank you, United.

Boppy fixes everything.  Including ear phones that are too big!

  

Daddy dropped us off at the airport at 2:30. By 2:31, we missed him!

We love you so much, Daddy!

Can't wait to see you in Paris!

Don't leave me!

As we packed the car, Buttercup jumped in back.  I pulled her out, gave her a treat and started closing the back door after each bag so she didn't keep jumping on our suitcases.  Apparently, I left the passenger door open....

Leaving in 1 day!

Ridgely eating breakfast, and Haughton working hard in the playroom.

Planning for the Trip!

Creating lists of what to pack.  Scanning documents like passports.  Writing itineraries and making reservations.  Only two days to go!