Girl's Nite in Paris

Van was drumming and Brody was playing a horn
along with the accordion player in the entry way.

 After a long day walking around the palace and playing in the gardens, the kids were ready to go home and chill (and by "chill" I mean play along with an accordion player on the train, skip and dance from the train station to the apartment and then head straight for snacks and tablets).  Here is where having an apartment rather than a hotel came in handy:  dinner at home!  Josh zipped down to the little grocery a few doors down, grabbed some pasta, and even found some chicken nuggets for Gabe.  The kids were siked and the dads were as well to not have to manage 4 boys at a restaurant.

Where were the moms you ask?  Well... we had a lovely evening out together!  Chris and I went our own way after getting off the train and made a bee line through the Place de la Concorde with a great view up the Champs Elysees all aglow with twinkle lights... and traffic, yikes!  Our goal:  Chanel!  Chris was after a special scent, and I thought I was along for girl support.  However, when we arrived the sales lady was good.  She offered to "even my tone" (I'd been out and about all day, it's true I could use a freshening up) and I was quite impressed with what she did with very little effort.  I asked to see a lip gloss, and walked out with the lip gloss as well as a foundation powder.  Chris fared no better with the black-apron-clad French lady.  We didn't go nuts, but did each walk out with an elegant little white bag, loaded with not only our purchases but lots of goodies and samples as well.

bread, salami, prosciutto, sausage, butter,
foie gras, salad and pickles

After so much shopping we needed sustenance!  We walked around what I can only assume is their theater district until we came to two huge buildings covered in a Christmas light show.  The buildings were Printemps - a large department store that actually covered 4 blocks.  Their sidewalks were roofed in twinkle lights and roses giving the massive crowds taking in the elaborate window displays have a pinky glow.  La vie en rose!

We checked out the shops a bit then made our way out to a street side cafe, and totally lucked out a great little table against the windows under the heaters.  Our denim overall clad server was cheeky but efficient.  We had a charcuterie board and champagne, and watched the shoppers rush home with their treasures.  It was a marvelous night out with my friend!

Cheers!