Have a few weeks to catch up on so will separate into two separate posts.  I am realizing I am forgetting much and stories about the kids... I need to do this more often!

We had a chance to visit the Pantheon. The architecture is quite beautiful.  It was originally built as a church but is now a crypt where famous people such as Voiltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie are buried.  There is still a lot of room left for future influential Frenchman.

Pantheon

Rousseau's tomb

Ironically, Voltaire rests across from Rousseau

 We had some good friends come to visit us from Chicago.  They are both wine connoisseurs so we decided to make a trip to Bordeaux.  I had arranged for Olivia and Alex to stay with friends and a sitter to come and stay with Luciana and Emilia for their first overnight watch. I was nervous to leave the girls with a sitter as Luciana is not one to go to bed easily.  Then the night before we are to leave, Luciana has a fever and an asthma attack.  She is up all night wheezing and crying.  Our train was leaving at 9am the next day so it was decided I would go with our friends to Bordeaux while Chris took her to the doctor.  I was upset because it was the first time Chris and I had a chance to have a night away and we were going to wine country with friends.  Fortunately,  the doctor gave Luciana the nebulizer and said she wouldn't need any meds for 48 hours.  Chris jumped on the next train and made it to Bordeaux in the evening. While he was on route to Bordeaux, we had a 7 hour wine tasting tour.  We visited the wineries- Chateau Siaurac and Chateau Soutard and visited the medieval town of St. Emilion.  It was a great experience to learn about how the grapes are grown and wine is made.  The next day we hired a car and decided to tour the Medoc wine region.  We purchased some wine and had a wonderful time comparing the different regional wines and I had the chance to sleep until 9am- I have not done that in 10 years!  We had such a great time with our friends laughing nearly the entire train ride home!

Grapes just starting to grow

St. Emilion

Chris and Eric ordered a dish that looked and smelled unusual.  I confirmed it was pig intestines and they sent it back!

Bordeaux centre

visiting one of the most expensive vineyards of France- Chatea Latour

We spent the next day in Provins. It is  medieval, renaissance town about 1.5 hours from Paris. The town originated in the year 1000 and the ruins are amazing.  We also watched an equestrain, medieval show that the kids enjoyed.

Climbed up to the castles bell tower

Renaissance show

They really do love each other!

Alex had his basketball tournament.  He may not have the height but he is very quick.

We also went to Poilâne-  it is the most famous bakery in Paris and was once ranked the best bread in the world!  We left with some croissants and their legendary apple tarts.  We ended the week with a trip to Chipotle- it was so good to eat some familiar food! 

Poilane Bakery

Excited to eat at the new Chipoltes at La Defense