The week began on a very sad note.  My grandma (abuelita) died at 98 years of age.  She was truly the kindest person one could ever meet.  Alex asked if abuelita had ever been to Paris.  I told him that she had not.  He said - "Thats OK- now she can come visit us an angel".  We were all hoping she would make it to 100 because we were planning a big party in Ecuador, but I am so fortunate that all my children had the chance to see and hug her when we went to visit in the summer of 2011.

My birthday was the following day and I really didn't feel like celebrating.  The kids made me paintings and brought me gifts of chocolate.  Chris and I went to the Musee Carnavalet. It is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris.  I think its a unique museum in that it shows Paris in all different types of historical elements- from artwork to sculptures to bedrooms designed with furniture owned by famous parisians.  There are over 100 rooms dating from prehistoric Paris to present day.  There was too much to cover in one morning so we will be back. On a different note,  Emilia lost her two front teeth in two days.  Rather than a tooth fairy, there is a mouse in France who comes to take your teeth.  She looks pretty adorable!

The week got better as my parents arrived on Friday.  Poor Alex had a stomach bug for two days but it was nice to have family here.  Makes you appreciate them all the more.  Kids were so happy to see them.  Tight squeezes that lasted minutes.  We kept it low key the first 24 hours to get them acclimated to the time zone.   My mom kept falling asleep at random moments so we thought it best to stick around Saint-Cloud.  

On Saturday evening we went out to celebrate my birthday with my parents.  We went on a dinner cruise along the Seine.  Paris at night is beautiful.  All is illuminated and it really does take your breath away.  We have seen the monuments around Il de Cite many times but on a boat in the evening really puts a new perspective on it.  

Abi and  Opa are here!

The Lourve

Dinner cruise along the Seine

Sunday, we went to Saint Germain en Laye.  Sundays they have a very large marche. The kids got a kick out of the seafood.  There are many great places to shop but as we were with Chris and my dad, my mom and I couldn't take advantage of it all!  We also went to the chateau and took a nice long walk along the gardens.   Olivia and Alex were our photographers today. 

Luciana dipping her croissant in her hot chocolate

Outside the market

langostinos

Alex and the crab that was still alive

Olivia and her baguette

Browsing the bookstore.  Most of the children's books in France are written in comic book form.

Opa, Abi and Lulu

In front of the chateau St. Germain

chateau gardens

Goopy and opa taking a scenic break

Playing hide and seek in the chateau gardens.  Alex hid deep in the gardens and came running out with some kind of  plant rash

Emilia and the three tree ladies

Me and my mom

Olivia disgusted at the pig and cow tongues for sale

Sunday evening my mom made empanadas.  My kids favorite dish that my mom makes.  We made 30 of them and they ate them like there was no tomorrow.  We then headed to evening mass in Saint-Cloud.  I can not remember the last time I went to an evening mass so I can not compare it to the US but here in France the church was packed- close to 1000 people.  It was mostly young adults and families with older children. Everyone sings and I think my dad may have been the only one who didn't take communion.  We ended the evening playing Uno with the kids.  Feels like my parents have been here the whole time!  Looking forward to next weeks adventures.