Mandy's Big Day!!!

So yesterday Mandy had quite an exciting day.. her first birthday party in London and her first school dance!

It was her friend Fraya's birthday, and Mandy spent quite a bit of time trying to pick out the perfect gift for her. While at Fraya's house the girls had a tea party and then got ready for the dance. Fraya's sister helped them spray glitter in their hair, paint their nails and put on lip gloss. After they changed into their dance clothes, they were off to party!! She was so excited and had such a great time. Here are some of her awesome dance moves!!!

Mandy & Fraya

Mandy & Kathryn

Dancing with Salome

Having fun with Fallani

Mandy & Salome

"All the single ladies...."

"If you like then ya better put a ring on it..."



Dinosaur Day...

So last week was book week at the kids' school and the theme was "Darell goes Prehistoric".  Throughout the week the kids had childrens' book authors come in for talks and book signings, puppet shows and acting classes where they got to role play various books. All of the books and activities revolved around Dinosaurs...Ryan LOVED this!! He has been coming home from school each day talking about the T-Rex, stegosaurus, triceratops and diplodocus dinosaurs!

Ryan and Freddie

Scary Mandy

Mandy with her class

Tom, Mandy, Falani & Molly

Natalie, Maya, Kathryn, Minke, Rustum & Aidan

Morris & Mandy

Can you see Ryan staring at his sister??

Ryan's class

More of his class

And there is Ryan....watching from the audience!!!



A weekend in Paris....

Did I really just write that? A weekend in Paris...WOW!

I am often amazed by the fact that so many countries are literally right at our finger tips. In the 2 hours it takes to get from New Haven, CT to Boston MA on the Acela Express, we made it to Paris from London. Two COMPLETELY different cities only 2 hours apart via train...AWESOME!

Upon arrival in Paris we took a taxi to our hotel and were immediately struck by the beauty of the buildings and the architecture.  We had our first meal at a small restaurant a block or two from our hotel. I tried a risotto meal that I thought had octopus and shrimp in it, but in actuality, the risotto was flavoured/coloured with the octopus dye. Delicious!! Mandy quite enjoyed it as well!!

On our first full day we ventured out and took the ride on the Open Top, Hop on Hop off Bus through the city. We saw the Eiffel Tower, the Opera House, the Louvre Museum, The Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral as well as many beautiful views along the Seine River. I think the kids were most struck by the enormity of the Eiffel Tower. I have to say, it was an impressive sight!



The kids were able to take a ride on the carousel at the base of the Tower, as Keith and I were able to take in the amazing views along the river.

As the day went on, Mandy began to try out her French...she would say Merci, Au Revoir, and Oui Oui whenever the opportunity presented itself!! Quite the traveler she has become! Ryan was not so in love with Paris...he was a bit off this particular weekend, but we made the most of it! Keith and I hope that we get the opportunity to venture back to Paris as a couple so that we can truly experience all this city has to offer!!! Enjoy the rest of the pictures!!!

The Louvre Museum

Notre Dame Cathedral

The most insane traffic circle ever...no order to who is supposed to drive, complete chaos!

On Sunday we took a walk over to the Arc de Triomphe. This was built as a Memorial to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

Looking up when standing under the Arc



Next we took a walk down Rue de Triomphe for a little lunch and some shopping...

When was the last time you saw this store?? We even happened upon a Swatch Watch store!!!

Couple of cute shots of the kiddies...

Back on the train...