Paris, Part 1

Right after Luke's extravaganza was over, James and I skipped town for a much-anticipated trip to PARIS!  James had been there for work last year, and knew he had to take me sometime, without kids, so I could experience it, too.  Nonna and Jeri were kind enough to watch the rugrats for us so we could go on this birthday/anniversary trip. 

All I can say is: WOW!  Paris was amazing. Everywhere you looked, there were beautiful buildings, statues, parks, monuments, wide avenues, tree-lined streets and more.  It was truly spectacular.  Here are a few photos from our first 2 days there.

 Notre Dame

 James and Chiara (with Tour Eiffel in background)

 It doesn't disappoint; it's really a cool tower!

 James couldn't leave Paris without touching the Eiffel Tower

 Really pretty park called Jardin de Tuileries.  There were movable green metal chairs that you could put anywhere you like: near the fountain, under a shade-tree, next to a statue you like, wherever!  I love this concept and wish all public parks had it!

 Overlooking thegarden

 Some very manicured trees in the Jardin de Tuileries

 Art is everywhere in Paris: even at the Subway Stations! 

Paris is full of sculptures and statues, some to war heroes, and some romantic ones like this one called "Le Baiser" (The Kiss) by Rodin

Luca's end-of-year extravaganza

Luke's preschool put on their end-of-year recital, and, luckily, this year they divided it up by age-group. There was actually seating for us, and all the other parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins/neighbors/family friends/coworkers that were invited.  Sheesh!

We were worried that he would stand stock-still like he did for his Christmas pageant, but we were pleasantly surprised to see him participating and even smiling during his class' songs!  Good job, Luca!

 Little Sailor Boy

Celebrating a job well done after the concert

Lucca! Lucca! Lucca!

After Pisa, we stayed the night in Lucca, one of our favorite towns in Italy. Surrounded by a medieval wall that you can walk all the way around (4 km long), it's a really fun place to stoll and relax.  Inside the wall is the old town, which is very quaint and has nice piazzas.

 In Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca

 Can you spot Norah, Bree, and Chiara's mom walking on the wall?

 Lunchtime in Lucca

Kids overlooking a canal in Lucca's old city