I'le St-Louis and More!

So very busy lately.

Lots of traveling

for work

school sports

and of course

for fun!

I'm not complaining.

I love the busy-ness.

But, I'm happy that school

is winding down and we're 

looking forward to a

whirlwind summer!

The skies here in Paris

lately have been incredible.

Vibrant sunrises

and colorful sunsets.

And many rainbows during

the day after a shower.

This past weekend seems like a blur

already.

And it's only Tuesday.

This is precisely the reason 

I keep this blog.

Sunday was gorgeous!

Stephen and Hannah 

were home studying

so Steve and I took the little

boys to 

I'le St-Louis..

the island located in the middle

of the Seine. 

Before I go on..

Someone gave me these cards 

(pictured above

and below)

when we first moved here.

The City Walks with kids

is awesome! 

So many great ideas for getting

out in the city 

with kids.

I've done many of them.

I also own this one..

Both have been informative

and helpful on days 

when we're wondering what to do.

If you're traveling to Paris with kids..

I highly recommend the first one!

So..back to Sunday.

I pulled out a card..

and off we went to visit

I'le St-Lous.

We started at  Notre Dame..

(the cards have a starting and ending

point and a map to guide you along

your route with fun things 

to do and look for!)

The picture above is taken

behind Notre Dame.

We walked across the quaint

Pont Saint Louis

where there are always

street performers out

doing all kinds of fun things.

We walked up and down the 

charming Rue St-Louis -en-L'Ile.

Lots of great shops..

for kids too!

But the main attraction is

Berthillon ice cream.

The best ice cream in Paris!

It was a great way to spend the afternoon!

Sunday morning

(I'm going backwards here)

I headed out to my local 

open air market.

I'm lucky it's open on Sundays..

because there isn't much open!

Peonies are here!

Like candy!

One of my favorite things 

about living here are 

the open air markets.

On Friday..

both Stephen and Hannah

went to London overnight 

with their teams.

Hannah just joined the softball team..

they were in need of players 

and she was asked to play.

She's never played softball 

in her life!

They both had a game Friday

and two games Saturday.

Hannah played catcher for 

all 3 games!

Steve was conveniently on business

in London and was 

able to see both kids play!

So proud of you Hannah!

While they were all

in London..

Will and Griff and I 

headed out to the kids'

school for International day

with some friends.

So much fun!

Thursday night

I went with a friend to 

the American Church in Paris

to hear Jane Goodall

speak!

At 80 years old..

(we sang Happy Birthday to her!)..

she is such an inspiration.

What an amazing evening!

This coming weekend

will be just as busy.

Hannah's softball tournament 

is held in London again.

She leaves by train with her team

Wednesday and returns Saturday.

Stephen's baseball tournament is held

in The Hague this year.

And..with this being his last

time playing school baseball..

Steve and I and the two younger boys

are leaving Wednesday to attend his games.

It will be fun to visit Holland..

but also bittersweet.

Baseball  has been a big part

of Stephen's life.

Steve used to coach his team in 

elementary school..in 

PA and NH.

He played in Duxbury and 

has played here in Paris.

Looking forward to another 

great weekend!