The Norrie Family Visits Paris!

When on a whim you text your dear friend that maybe they should come visit before school starts, and they message back that they just bought tickets, you can't help but be excited for the days leading up to their visit!

Katherine, Jonathan, Emmett, and Wyatt Norrie decided to take a chance and come stay with us in our apartment in Paris for 10 days!  And boy, were we were thrilled to welcome them and show them all around Paris!

The Norrie family were gracious guests because they were up for anything!  In fact, Emmett, Wyatt, Edy, and Will even scootered to a park 10 minutes away, within hours of being here, without any adult supervision!  Wow!  (See photos below.)

We had anxiously awaited our first visitors, so we could actually be tourists and visit some of the many museums and important sights of Paris.  We waited because we knew of the great deal the Paris Pass offered in exploring these places, over a short period of time.  So on their second full day here, we all bought the Paris Pass, which not only saved us a lot of money, but also let us in to each place without waiting in line.  Since Katherine is an art teacher, we feel we got then best treat of all - a trained professional leading us through the many art museums.  Edy stayed glued to her side the entire time!  Here are just a few things we did/visited during our time together:

Batobus

Memorial des Maryters des les Deportation

Musee de l'Orangerie

Musee d'Orsay

Rodin Museum

Jardin des Tuilleries 

Rodin Museum 

Arc de Triumph

Centre Pompidou

Louvre 

Sainte Chapelle

Sacre-Coeur

Galeries Lafayette

Chocolate Museum and Workshop

Van Gogh exhibit at Atelier des Lumieres

Parc de Bellville

Cemetery de Pere Lachaise 

We can't forget that we hit almost every Amorino in Paris for the best ice cream/gelato around!

While all of these places were incredible to explore, the best perk of their visit was showing them how we "live" in Paris.  They got to experience where we shop for food - G20 and Monoprix.  They got to explore the nearby cafes and boulangerie.  They were sent to take out the trash and mail postcards next door.  They learned how to navigate the large metro system, as well as our small galley kitchen.  And we cooked for them some traditional French dishes that we have come to adore in just a short amount of time here.

But best of all, we enjoyed talking and sharing with individuals other than ourselves.  In fact, a major highlight of my time here thus far, was the night all four adults went out to dinner, leaving the kids at home with Domino's pizza!    

As you may remember from Sunday's post, we were all a bit sad when the Norries left.  It was such a thrill to share our lives with friends from home.  It really highlighted for us all that we have learned.  At the same time, having a bit of Northfield here made us remember what we have left behind.  Add on to that the transition of summer to fall, and it made for a sad few days...

I am happy to report we are slowly on the rebound!  Edy and I are teaching Vacation Bible School this week at the American Church in Paris, where Will is attending as a 5th grader.  We are also preparing to head to Italy at the end of the week in celebration of Jeff's birthday.  Then, we come back to start school here in our apartment.  While there is some uncertainty around how this will work, I am looking forward to the routine.  

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and encouragement.  They really helped!

Best of luck to everyone as they begin the school year!  We miss you all so very much!

Bonne journee!

Betsy

Awaiting the Norries arrival with yummy treats from our boulangerie.

Emmett got right to work, with only 2 hours of sleep, making fresh squeezed orange juice.

When in Pari, why not scooter to a park, 10 minutes away, without parents!

Heading into Paris to explore!

First stop, mini-Statue of Liberty!

What a great family! 

Ever the art teacher, Katherine has everyone working on a scroll.  

Day 2 - Heading out on the Metro! 

When in Paris, jump for joy!

Lovely Katherine always capturing great shots!

Look at that handsome boy!

A perfect picture!

On the lock bridge over the Siene!

At one time, there were so many locks weighing down the bridge that they had to cut them all off.
It didn't stop people from replacing them with new ones.  

What a picture!

We had to visit Odette's to try their tasty treats!

Day 3 - Visiting Musee l'Orangerie

Oh Monet!  You know the way to my heart!

A captive audience!

After a museum, you must visit the trampoline park at the Jardin de Tuileries!

Ready for the next museum!

"I think I have seen this before in art class."

These two...

Always thinking...

Day 3 - Centre Pompidou

"I like this modern art."

Can't forget the Louvre!

AGH!  SO MUCH ART!

After all that art, we decided to create our own sculptures out of recycled materials.

Arc de Triumph!

Sending Edy, Emmett, and Will home alone on the Metro!

Day 6 - Headed out for an adventure! 

The Chocolate Museum!

Making chocolates!

Quite the chefs!

Good thing we got to take all of it home!

The highlight of the trip:  an adult only night out!  (The kids stayed home and had Domino's pizza.)

Last Day - Of course we decide to visit a cemetery!

We found Katherine's favorite painter's grave - Gustav Calliebotte!

After 10 days, we all were very comfortable with each other!

I am not sure who misses Katherine more, Edy or me...