So this past week was my little girls third birthday and how lucky she was that she got to spend it in Paris. The unlucky thing is that without receiving anything from home yet I had nothing to make her special birthday cake. I am a crazy about cupcakes but every year I make a special cake for my kids and this year I couldn't do that for my daughter. With Paris grocery stores you don't have the convenience of just running out to get a cake mold and a cake mix and whip one up real fast. You also can't just run into a bakery and pick up one in the window, most bakeries don't make birthday cakes and the one's that do you need to order well in advance.

Although the convenience of the birthday cake was not there I was able to find my heaven. I found a cupcake shop which is owned by an american. I love it , the cupcakes are really good and it was so nice chatting with the owner, Cat. (I am going to try to get a job here.) She did a cute job at Peyton's cupcakes!!! Peyton enjoyed them along with her presents, I think her favorite so far is the Doc McStuffins outfit. She also received some great cards from good friends and family back home to make her day special.

We had Peyton's birthday dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe (very American obviously). It was great and while we were there we noticed a family with an Ohio State t-shirt (go buckeyes!), Keith had to start a conversation with them and find out where they were from. It turns out that it was a group of Americans playing for the European Basketball league. Some of the were from Cleveland Heights, Columbus and Illinois. They all played for big schools at one point. The weird thing is that we ran into one of the couples the next day at church , the Illinois player, and we talked to them at length. They were so nice and it was so good to talk to people about some of the challenges everyone faces when moving overseas.

We made some more great discoveries this week. The open markets are awesome, just right down the street is an awesome market, I feel like a kid in a candy shop. I have to try every pastry shop and every chocolate shop. They are just soooo good, I still can't determine what is the best. Good thing we have to walk everywhere so we can burn off these calories. Keith and I also found the expat running club and tri club. I enjoyed a great run with them this weekend. I have to admit I am looking forward picking my next race here.

Although Life is Good in Paris, I missing some of the conveniences I took for granted in the states. For instance, I would love to just be able to just shove two kids in a car to get where I have to go and not have to think about whether I need to take the metro, take the stroller or how long the walk is and will the kids last. I think it is just getting used to the city life with kids. It has only been two weeks so I know we will get used to it but it is a bit of a struggle now. I actually miss driving.

As a last note I have to be thankful for the conveniences we still have.....the internet. What would life be like, it is funny but when I first started working right out of college and traveled internationally I never had this great convenience or I should say the ease of use of it. It is so nice to have. Paris has wi-fi all thru the city. Yesterday my kids talked to their old teachers and friends over skype. It is so funny that although they are thousands of miles away they have a way of being giddy and goofy as though they are standing right next to each other. I love it!!!

Until next time..

Life is good in Paris!

Nice weather in Paris, everyone forgets everything and hangs outside!

things are hopping in Paris, love the red bus.

Everything is so pretty when it is sunny out.

Lance just loving his chocolate ice cream!! so good here!!

Doc McStuffins in the house.  Best gift ever! — Doc McStuffins in the house. Best gift ever!