Harris in Paris

As many of you know, Harris aka "Harris from Paris" inherited the name after we settled into Paris, Texas two and a half years ago.  Even the OB said when she came in to deliver Harris...it's time to meet Harris from Paris.  So it's just strangely ironic how we actually had the opportunity to take Harris to France and say (well, at least for three days) that he was "Harris in Paris."

So, how did we pick Paris?  Well, it's just one of those European cities that's always at the top of the list.  We thought it would be really pretty to visit in December with it being so close to Christmas.  It's already the "City of Light" but the extra lights would be much more inviting.  We were excited to bring along Matt's mom and experience it all together!  And of course Paris didn't let us down.  It's everything you've ever heard and more.  If I ever have the chance, I would love to go back!  We definitely covered all the big attractions, but Paris is so big that it would take a few more days to cover other neighborhoods.  The first day we did lots of walking and sight seeing.  We had some really good French cuisine and covered the Louvre where the Mona Lisa stays.  Just after sunset we saw the amazing night view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero area.  When we turned the corner of a few tall buildings and saw this magnificent structure all lit up, I think we were all blown away!  So after sitting down and figuring out the complex metro system the first night, we did a little less walking but more climbing stairs with a stroller on the second day.  We caught a morning view of the Eiffel Tower and took more pictures, visited Shakespeare and Co bookstore, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and then headed back to the hotel.  Jan offered to stay in with Harris, while Matt and I hopped back on the metro to have dinner, stroll Champs Ellyses, and see the Arc de Triomphe. 

After two days in Paris, we took a train to Brugge, Belgium to get another taste of European culture.  Brugge was a small charming town with lots of history.  It was a bit relaxing after our fast and furious adventure in Paris.  Lots of old and well preserved buildings with cobble stone streets and canals running through.  We visited a few churches and the town square had lots to offer with an ice skating platform.  Of course we couldn't leave without getting some wonderful Belgium chocolate. 

And so that was our Christmas present to ourselves:)  Links to pictures below...

Paris pics:  http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDhQjwk
Brugge pics:  http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDibmhq

Holiday Cheer

Hello everyone!!  I know...it's been quite some time since our last post and my apologies if you have been checking only to find nothing new.  Since the last update, we have moved into winter in full swing.  We had our first snow on Halloween, and the temperature has steadily dropped into single digits.  The air here is really dry so it's quite tolerable...not the bitter wet cold that we are used to back home.  We just have to make sure fingers and toes stay warm!  The river across the street has snow around the edges and steaming.  We even saw a few people ice fishing today...literally walking on the river's shallow area and setting up their chairs.  The trees around the river are completely white and appears to be the beginnings of a winter wonderland.  We have been told that the peak of this "winter wonderland" will be here in a few weeks so can't wait to take pictures and share. 

So to back track a little...for Thanksgiving we had dinner at the Pauly's.  Angi made a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal to share with us.  Harris had fun watching Elf with Lane and Alayna.  It was nice to celebrate this holiday with special friends!

The last weekend in November, we had yet another invite to the Pauly's for a company holiday party for the locals (most of us being expats, but some permanent residents too).  Angi and Paula had arranged for a French chef to come to her home and cook a French cuisine with a little Finnish touch.  So the menu included...champagne for starter drink, pate' and a couple of salads, reindeer steak, sweet potato mix, fondue chocolate, and cognac drink for dessert.  We were amazed at how the chef, Jean Marc was so efficient and calm...he set the tables, cooked, served, and cleaned all the dishes within a 3-4 hour time frame.  It was a wonderful evening!  Some tables were even moved for a little after dinner dancing:)

The first week in December we had our first US visitor...Matt's mother Jan.  We had a great visit and know that she enjoyed seeing Harris and how much he has grown and changed.  After Jan caught up on some zz's, we introduced her to Imatra and Finnish customs/culture.  I introduced her to the other IP women and children at a Christmas cookie gathering Laura hosted.  Harris was able to get his sugar high on after eating about 10 cookies, and then had a dance off with the girls.  At the end of Jan's first week here, we jetted off to France and Belgium which will have to be another post. 

Tune in...I promise not to wait another 2 months for pending posts:)

Love to all,
Stacy