Our New Year's Eve trip to Paris

We drove to Paris for New Year's Eve, and had a great time visiting the sites in the city. We watched "Ratatouille" in the car on the way there, and they kept singing, "Paireeee holds the keeeey to my hearrrrrt!!!".

Ellie enjoyed entertaining strangers outside the Versailles castle with her "pull down the hat" routine.

EuroDisney was a reward for the girls after following us to Versailles and the Louvre.

Emily and Madison in front of Disney.

"Thumbs up" from Ellie.

Madison helped Emily and I get a picture at the Louvre.

Ellie is prone to spontaneous falling over, so this was as high as we dared let her climb.

I thought this was a cool picture.

The girls sailed some boats in a reflection pool in Paris on a windy day.

Sail boat day...

Ellie at the fountains.

Ellies photographic view of the world.

The girls outside the Louvre.

The girls inside the Louvre.

Mona Lisa. Still smiling... kind of.

Madison and her new favorite pink "parasol".

Kent and Madison just before going up the Eiffle Tower. (Note that Lake Shore was well represented in Paris.)

A cold night at the Eiffel Tower.

The Tower was beautiful at night.

Ellie's "parasol".

Christmas 2008

A few pictures from Christmas. We had a wonderful morning... the kids slept late, which was nice, and there is nothing like the magic of watching the face of a four year old and a two year old when they see that Santa paid a visit. It was a blast!

The Christmas tree... day and night.


Troy and Gabriella (High School Musical) were a perfect gift for Madison from the Rowbotham family. The look on her face says it all!

We tried to get Ellie to relax and enjoy the morning... not too tough to do.


Ellie and Madison enjoyed playing with each others' presents.


The "Little Mermaid" was another favorite on Christmas morning.


Madison practiced on her scooter in the hallways. This is her new mode of transportation to school.

Santa left a swing handing from the balcony in the family room.


Ellie loved her new movies. (She has a healthy media addiction.)


Decorating cookies on Christmas Eve. Lots of fun.


Ellie probably ate more frosting than actually made it to her cookies.


A picture of the girls patiently waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.


Madison absolutely enjoyed the whole morning.