A sight to be scene

The ladies and I stepped out this afternoon for a last minute shopping spree. We needed things for our spontaneous picnic and the ladies wanted to join me for the quick outing. So for some strange reason I grab the Cadillac of strollers, our BabyTrend Sit and Stand, load up the ladies, and we're off to the only market open on Sunday evenings. (Yes, the only market open. Thus, the busiest! And I for some reason decide to take my two young children???)

The funny thing is that while I'm walking down the boulevard I'm not so worried about the craziness of the shopping spree avec deux enfants. And it's not so much that we're walking in a pousette that is 8 times that of your average European pousette and will definitely not fit in the store. What is troubling me with our impromptu adventure is that we quickly left the house without considering our attire. And as I glance down at my two beautiful children, I can't do anything but laugh. Here is what I see: on this bright beautiful 75 degree day, my Celia is wearing her yellow rain boots, pink tights and poka dot dress that is FULL of stains from the days activities. But that my friend is nothing when you check out the Elise: princess ballerina tutu with fabulous stripped underwear that is totally sticking out and eye catching! Awesome! And to top it off, I am still dressed in my running shorts, gym shoes, and t-shirt from my recently completed run. A huge faux pas in the streets of Paris. Thus, the Fischer ladies are out on the prowl and ready for anything. Especially all those funny looks from everyone we pass!

Oh well. We're out and we're not going back. The ladies are content to be in their huge stroller and shopping. They are happily in each of their own seats (as opposed to Celia being on Elise's lab in the single, more appropriate pousette), there are no tears, no outrageous fits, we look quite silly but we're enjoying ourselves. Thus the adventure continues and on to the G20. And no worries. We completed the task with minor issues and were back at home, safe and sound in our private backyard picnic-ing within the hour.

Being out and creating quite the scene got me thinking about some of the incredible Paris sites and scenes we've had the pleasure of viewing since arriving here last year. We have gotten out to many of the top recommended places since arriving in Paris: The top floor of the Centre Pompidou and the top steps of the Sacre Coeur. We also got to the bottom of stuff: the base of the Arc de Triomphe which is always a thrill to stand under and gaze down the Champs-Elsees as well as the bottom of the famous Montmartre stairs (thanks Dad!).

Like I always say, it's a pretty great opportunity to be living here in Paris. This place is amazing, never a dull moment when you step out, and we've even had a chance to compile our own list of favorite views. Perhaps not found in your guide books or websites, these have become my favorite scenes in Paris, an insiders perspective!

• The pont neuf at night. Take a stroll across the bridge for an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. You can't beat it. Brian and I stopped there on our first visit to Paris and it's been one of the top place to go for me since. Now granted, I may be stealing this guy from the tour books, but it's pretty worth it.
• There is a fabulous intersection of three streets near the Port Royal RER stop near the Observatory. Stand on this intersection, Avenue de l'Observatoire, Avenue Denfert-Rochereau, & Rue Henri Barbusse, and face the Jardin du Luxembourg. As you glance up avenue de l'Observatoire, you have a fabulous view of the Sacre Coeur. (this one discovered by Brian)
• Another great night scene is to walk from the Ile Saint-Louis over the Seine on the pedestrian bridge connecting the Saint-Loius to the Ile de la Cite. This will take you towards the backside of the Notre Dame which will be beautifully lit up. I think the backside is even more amazing than the front, especially at night with all the lights. But be sure to stop off for a Berthillon ice cream before your stroll.
• A friend and I recently climbed to the top of the Parc de Belleville. This spot offers a beautiful view of the city that is similar to the Sacre Coeur just from a different angle. While there last month, the parc was in full bloom and so very colorful. It's a great spot to catch a nice glimps of the city minus the crowds of the Sacre Coeur.
• After catching the view from the base of the Arc de Triomphe, stroll to the bottom of the Champs-Elsees and pause at the entrance of the Jardin de Tuleries. Climb up the stairs and do a slow spin. There you will catch a fabulous view of the Arc, Louvre, and Tower! It's really quite neat!

Okay, so your next visit to Paris is planned. I'll write more about restaurant recommendations to accompany these fabulous views soon! :)

Other note worthy news:

1. Elise started school on Thursday and she LOVES it! She goes all day, eats lunch in the canteen, and thinks she is the biggest best girl in the world. (I think she's right!) We are so proud of her.

2. Celia's hair is crazier than ever:

We hope you all had a fabulous Labor Day! Happy 3 Day Weekend!