i heart europe...sigh

we are back. and as much as i love my home and place and space and stuff....i heart europe...maybe even a little more. now dont think me a traitor....but come on...europe is where its at. period. we had a great trip. i feel refreshed, relaxed, destressed....and tanned. ready for my travel summary...well here she goes

paris. le sigh. j'adore paris. its my fav city. ever. if you haven't been before - stop what you are doing, start searching under your couch cushions and start saving to go. plan for it and do it. it is truly one of the most remarkable breathtaking energizing awe inspiring cities in the world. its just...vibrant. we rented a little flat at the suggestion of the bff and it was a perfect option for our wee family vacay. in our little space estelley bathed in the sink, and we ran out in the morning for fresh croissants at the local pattiserie (my heart is happy just thinking about this). we wandered the city without the need to see what "needs to be seen" and still saw much. we explored things in a way we wouldn't have without a two year old...she inspired us to see paris through different eyes. we graced more parks than i had ever imagined were in this city...not the famous ones...but the little garden courtyards in neighbourhoods where lovely little fashion-forward children played. we took boats on the seine to see the sights from a different vantage point (and to see ducks for stelly) we found the striped columns at the palais enchanting and the courtyard at the louvre an utter dream to run through (for us all) and my two year old now says "merci" and "bonjour" love love love it. (ps we had family photos done while we were there by this wonderful photographer ian holmes...if you are ever looking for a good backdrop...paris has a few)

then thanks to mumsie and popsicle we were off to on a mediterranean cruise. first stop...

santorini. (greece...think mama mia) we had a bit of a shock upon landing at the dock in sanotrini...so its basically a sheer cliff ...and the town is at the top. you (and the other 2000 people from your boat) are faced with two options 1) cable car to the top...sounds good - downside it only fits 6 peeps per trip. yah...so three hours later you arrive in santorini. option 2) you ride donkeys up a cliff...not exactly kid/stroller friendly. after a mad dash back to the boat to let the kids enjoy the pool, we came back and hailed an ass. (haha...i kill me) eric, lo, and lyn joined me...well rather made me get on a donkey. the moment starts by a "gentleman" (with perhaps as many teeth as i have fingers) sizing you up to see how chubby you are and which donkey will bear your "load"...fantastic. they chose me first threw me on a mule and slapped its - pardon the pun - ass and i was off. um, excuse me...dont i get a guide? no no...this is a solo expedition. the other three caught up to me quickly (well lyndon's ride took his time...seemed a little winded). it was hilarious...and awesome! we saw the bay and the hillside and the homes...it is the only way to enter into santorini in my opinion. it was an experience. loved it here we ate overlooking the sea on the cliff side and after sampling the local (and seemingly carbonated) wine we enjoyed great company and laughs. great great start.

mykonos. (greece again) we felt wild and daring after risking our lives on the perilous donkey climb, so after feeling the "wind" in our hair we decided we had to keep the pace up. we rented vespas. naturally i had no idea what i was doing and rode shotgun to my hubby. this was the best. what a way to see the island. with a map that looked as though estelle drew it with her favourite crayola we guessed our way all over, had a drink at a beach, and just enjoyed the sun. great day thanks sibs!

ok jet lag kicking my butt...need an intermission...if you care... stay tuned for part deux.... a demain