It has been a while since I posted a blog and I had one written up to post but then we went off to our latest adventure so I had to pretty much re-write the entire thing.

Lets see, I am going to go a little backwards and talk about the awesome trip we just had a few weekends ago. The kids had a four-day weekend so we decided to go back to one of our favorite places, Munich, Germany. To be honest this trip was really for me (some of you might have seen my latest Facebook post). If so, I apologize for being redundant but when I was in college my roommate had a great picture of a beautiful castle. Neuschwantstein Castle, once home to King Ludwig II, and the castle which Disney designed the Sleeping Beauty castle after. I have wanted to visit this castle since college and even with all my past business trips to Germany, I never got the chance…until now. We drove from Munich, renting a car it is only about an hour and half. The Bavarian country side was absolutely beautiful, some of the prettiest areas I have ever seen. And then the castle. Well, all I can say is that it was worth the wait. Absolutely beautiful . It was an amazing way up to the castle and then there was this beautiful bridge which gave the best view of the castle. I will post a picture of the bridge (Marienbrücke). When I looked at the picture of the bridge from the castle I didn't realize what a long way down it was. The kids had a blast. Peyton is in her princess phase but Lance also loves the castles because he loves knights and swords…of course. It is kind of unique living in Europe with all the castles and chateaus where the kids have imaginations that run wild.

Beautiful Church on our drive in Germany

Marienbrücke (mary's bridge)...in this picture it looks much higher than when we were on it.

Hohenschwangau...where King Ludwig II grew up. — Hohenschwangau...where King Ludwig II grew up.

We did enjoy the rest of Munich also. We had a chance to visit the BMW Welt and Museum, which was really cool. I had a chance to sit in all the Minis’ that I love (BMW owns Mini now). The kids saw a really cool motorcycle demonstration and had a chance to sit on the same motorcycle which their Uncle Ross has. Super Cool!! The rest of the time we just enjoyed walking around town and hitting a few Beer gardens. Germany has really good beer, plus everyone is just super friendly. (of course I live in Paris, so in comparison everyone is super friendly).

Now to backtrack a little there has been a bunch that has happened and occurred prior to our Germany trip. Hopefully I won’t bore you too much. I will try to be brief.

Way back in September, the kids started school, Lance is 1st grade. They were happy to get back and see all their friends. They are both doing really well.

We also had some visitors in September. Keith’s best friend from high school, Jay and his wife Kirsten came to Paris. I really enjoy having visitors and this is actually the first time I met Jay, so it was great having them here. They seemed to really enjoy themselves and packed everything in in their visit.

I think we have a break with visitors until December and then it will be busy again in Spring and Summer, spots are filling up fast. I can’t wait to see everyone coming!!!!

We did some fun things within Paris this fall. One weekend we decide to go to the newly renovated Paris Zoo. This renovation took around 5 years to complete. Although the grounds of the zoo are enormous and really pretty, I have to say they could use a few more animals. When I say a few, I mean a lot. One rhino and one elephant here or there just doesn’t cut it. The highlight of the zoo were the giraffes (plenty of them) and the rainforest area. Although Keith and I weren’t impressed the kids of course were happy.

Then of course was our annual apple picking trip. We did it every year in New Jersey and last year we found a cute farm right outside of Paris that provided all the essentials. If some of you read my blog last year, we went to the same place. We picked apples, zucchini, pumpkins, etc. Unfortunately this year was much drier than last year so the vegetables weren’t as good but the apples didn’t disappoint. We also made it to the chateau area of the farm where there was a fun little petting zoo, and great country store. I could have spent a ton of money at the country store but then I had to remind myself I only live in a small apartment in the city. It will have to wait until I get my house back in NJ. Another thing I have to mention are the goats. There were tons of them and they were just so cute. Besides the kids having fun chasing them around I have to admit that I loved playing with the little fellas.

Now that Lance is in 1st grade he was able to join the Cub Scouts. Yes it is the American Cub Scouts and they have a pack in Paris! It is pretty cool they will actually get an International troop badge for their shirt and he will have the opportunity to earn an Eiffel tower badge. He had his first den meeting and then his first camp out. I was so proud of him, he memorized the Cub Scout motto, promise and code for his camp out. Keith went with him and they had a lot of fun. Of course, as most of you know, Keith and I are huge campers, backpackers, etc. but we didn’t think we would need any of our gear for the few years we would be in Paris. We were wrong. So we had to head out to the local sports store and get a tent and some gear. Thankfully we did have sleeping bags and our smaller backpacks. Peyton and I are looking forward to going in May on their spring campout.

On their way to camping....Peyton had to jump in the picture

Then came another big day. I stopped working. My contract was up and although I could have stayed longer, I chose to spend the time at home with the kids. I learned a lot in my position and worked in an area that I had never prior, so I am happy about that. Yes I think I am crazy many times for not continuing to work but I really want to ensure that the kids are up to date with their school work and ready when we come back to the US. And yes I will definitely be back in the workforce when we get back…no question!!! Now I am just trying to keep myself busy. Keith thinks I should just train hard to do some big races and I might just do that. Also the PTA at the kids school has grabbed hold of me....can you believe it. Did I mention I am definitely going back to work when I get back the US! LOL!

Next was our big trip back to the US. Keith had to go back to the US for a work trip back it just happened to coincide with the kids Touissant holiday so we decided we should all head home. It was a great trip. I love our home. We got to visit so many good friends and family. (my best friends, my sister, my mom, my aunt…etc). I am so glad that I got to see my mom a few days, with the kids. It was pretty hard to leave her this time. We also visited our house…..oh how I miss my house. The renters are taking care of it but to be honest I can’t wait to take it back. It is weird Peyton was only 2 when we came over to Paris and she had a hard time remembering everything. However it seem to come back when she saw things. Lance, well he pretty much remembered everything. We ended our week at home in Pennsylvania visiting Keith’s family and oh yeah going to Hershey Park. Hershey Park was pretty fun. We made our own chocolate bars, rode tons of rides, ate and bought lots of chocolate and because they were having a Halloween festival the kids got to trick or treat. Sooooo much fun.

So many people went out of their way for us during our visit, we are just so grateful!

Let me get back to Keith’s family now. Keith’s cousins live on this beautiful farm, which we just love and every year they have a big apple butter weekend. The last few years we have missed it, well because we were in Paris. Luckily this year we were in town. Keith’s mom, brother and nephew also came in, which was awesome. We just had the best weekend. The kids are so at home at the farm, they have grown up going there. To tell you how comfortable….when we pull up the car doors open and we don’t see our kids all weekend and we don’t even worry about them. It is a blast and all the cousins are just awesome!! We just love them to death.

Peyton swinging around — Peyton swinging around

This girl wants a kitty cat really bad!!! :-)

I can’t lie it was pretty hard leaving home this time. The fresh air, the space…I can go on and on. But we will enjoy the remaining time of our stay in Paris, it has become a comfortable place, pretty much just like everyday life. However, as I always state in my past blogs, I am not a city girl. We do have some more exciting trips coming up in the next few months. Plus my favorite time of year here, Christmas, is right around the corner. Some of the markets have already opened and Thanksgiving is just a few days away.

I do also have to mention that one of my best friends here in Paris is having her baby tomorrow and I am just so excited for her. She is such a special person to me and Paris would not be the same without her. I can’t wait to meet the newest member of her family.

I miss you all and we are so grateful for such caring and loving friends and family.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanks so much for Reading!

Life is good in Paris!

Alicia

Oh yeah, here are some other fun pictures I have taken the last few months.