A Madeline Birthday!

The weekend after we returned home from Paris Isabella had her birthday party. I was SO HAPPY that she chose something other than Princess this year. It was fun collecting things on our trip to have for her party.

If you're not familiar with the Madeline book series you have to check them out! They are a great classic collection for little girls.


Flowers from Daddy!








Madeline hat cake.

Paris!

Uncle Ruben, Aunt Cynthia and Caleb came for a visit during their Spring Break. They had fun traveling around Germany for a few days and then we all headed off to Paris. I think this was Isabella's top city to see, so it was exciting to do it for her birthday! We took the train, which was so relaxing and convenient. One of the best things was the great apartment we stayed at, in an awesome location! It was fabulous being able to stay up talking with Ruben and Cynthia, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying each others company.

We were able to see the Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Steve and Isabella did a Daddy-Daughter date to the Louvre, and Jardin des Tuileries.

The last time Steve and I were in Paris we didn't have any kids, so we did more of the "touristy" things. This time we spent a lot of time at the Jardin des Tuileries because it was perfect for the kids. It was an easy walk from our apartment and had a great children's area. It was so much fun to watch the kids interact with the other children.

It was so much fun to watch Isabella fall in love with Paris. Jack was overjoyed with the parks, and Charlotte actually took a nap or two in her stroller!

With Paris being so close and easy to get to, we can't wait to go back!


At the train station.


The kids loved the train.


Isabella found a great seat while we waited.

On our first full day in Paris we headed towards the Arc de Triomphe, visiting the Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, and walking along the Champs-Elysées on the way. It was quite cloudy, but thankfully in never rained very hard! The awesome part of the Jardin des Tuileries is that you can see the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel tower all from the center of the park.


Good Morning Charlotte!


Statue of Joan of Arc


Part of the garden.




At the carousel at the Jardin des Tuileries.




The Louve.


Another view of the Louve.


The Eiffel Tower in the distance.


Place de la Concorde


Arc de Triomph

During the afternoon I stayed home with Jack and Charlotte so that they could nap, and Steve took Isabella to the Louvre. She was so excited to see the Mona Lisa.


Isabella at the Louve.

The kids had fun relaxing at the apartment in the evening.




Waking up from a good nap and seeing what trouble she could find in the kitchen.






On our second full day we headed to the Eiffel Tower.





In the afternoon Steve took a turn staying back at the apartment with the younger two, and Isabella, Caleb, Cynthia, and I were able to do some shopping!


Happy after a good afternoon of shopping.

The morning before we left we headed back to the park so that the kids could use up some of their energy!


The older three at one of the ponds in the Garden de Tulleries



Charlotte looks sleepy!


No bird was safe with Jack around!


The kids goofing off with Daddy.


Jack at the kids playground.


So cute!




Headed home.

Happy Birthday Isabella!

Isabella is 6! Steve asked her if she felt any different and she said, "of course Daddy!" I took cupcakes to her class in the afternoon, and we ate dinner at Chilis (her choice). It was wonderful having Uncle Ruben, Aunt Cynthia and Caleb here to help us celebrate! She is very excited about her Madeline themed birthday party on Saturday.


She really is growing up...she didn't cry when her classmates sang Happy Birthday to her! :)


She, of course, asked for another dolly for her birthday.


A Playmobil Princess Chest.


She loves Cooking Mama!


Horses in a stable.