Birthday Fun

Well Kevin covered the major points and the pictures tell most of the rest but I will fill in the details left out. Yes it will be a birthday I won't soon forget. It was so special to have an unexpected sister come here to celebrate with me as well as an expected sister-in-law, two nieces, a nephew and a daughter! I also felt like much of Oak Park was here with me since a package arrived that morning with a musical card and presents! The next day I received some of Oak Park in the form of leaves, acorns, and bark! Thanks to all of you who made me feel special as I crossed that quarter of a century mark! The dinner on the boat was very decadent. It was beautiful. I especially liked getting on it from the little island and not from a busy port. I also liked the way they gave us little samples of three or four appetizers and desserts. The kids were, for the most part, very brave at trying things. The lights of Paris were beautiful and the company enjoyable!

The most difficult part of these visits was that Kathleen had a major week of exams in all of her classes. The good part was that she had short days and even a day off. The bad part was they were all in French except the English Exam. She was also treated to two hours of concentrated French Lessons each day! She is being such a trooper. My favorite memory was riding the subway to Sacre Coeur and Kathleen was studying her study cards for her Histoire/Geographie exam.

We had done much sightseeing before visitors but their arrival prompted us to go further and higher than we had yet to go! Saturday, when all arrived, found us earth bound as we walked over to the Tracadero, the Eiffel Tower, and Napoleon's Tomb. Sunday morning some of us met again at the Eiffel Tower and this time we climbed 700 steps up to the second stage where we squished into an elevator (after a false alarm to evacuate the tower....kind of scary!) and rose to the top to view the sights. The Curry Family was still recovering from jet lag sleeping in at their hotel and did not make the climb for several days. Then while locating the major Paris sights Brooke asked "Where's the Eiffel Tower?" (she claimed to be having an "Amanda Moment")

Since climbing the Eiffel Tower was not enough for one day the group trucked over to Notre Dame and climbed to the tower there. Kathleen and I had remained at home to study Math! (in French!) Monday saw us scatter. Jeff and Sarah wanted to visit the Louvre but Dori wanted to painted so she stayed home with me and we drew and painted! Kathleen took her first test and came home and studied some more! Kerry and her crew also went to the Louvre and then onto the Arc de Triomphe and more steps! They were up at the top of the Arch and looked through this little camera at the people below. Guess who they saw? Jeff and Sarah!

Monday night we did a little bed swapping. Brooke and Sean stayed at our place and Megan and Sarah stayed at the Hilton with Amanda and Kerry. This made possible the late night partying by the youngsters who could get into bars in Paris. Fortunately, Kerry was chaperon. Unfortunately, they did not find a hopping town on Monday night but they did see some beautifully lit buildings and had fun just the same.

Tuesday found many at Sacre Coeur and Montmartre. Others finally made the climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Still others took tests and tried to study. Kathleen even took her study cards on the boat that night but I don't believe they saw the outside of her pocket! The boat ride was perfect. It was a pleasant walk over to the island where the boat would pick us up. The Eiffel tower was doing it's sparkly thing just as they were letting us on the boat. As Kevin mentioned I got the window seat and saw the lovely sights while enjoying a wonderful meal.

Jeff, Dori, and Sarah headed off to London the next day. The Curry family headed to Versailles and Kathleen took tests and studied! Thursday was Kathleen's free day so we went to Montmartre with the Currys. The goal was to get a portrait of the three children as a gift for their father. This was a wonderful experience. It was not very crowded which allowed us to wander around looking at the many artists available to do the portrait. Kathleen guided us to one who's work was very realistic. For the next two hours I watched this very French, very talented older artist (beard and beret included!)transfer each child to the canvas. It was amazing to watch. This artist sketched lightly the entire head and then proceeded to add the details first to the left eye, then nose, then mouth, hair (left side only)then he started the other side. As he worked the picture came alive. It was amazing how he captured Amanda's left eye! It was her! The kids were great as they sat still for the artist. Kathleen kept on remarking how talented he was! Kevin and I will go back and do a portrait before we leave. We ended this day with some shopping!

Friday the Currys went to Euro Disney but Kathleen took more tests and French class. Saturday we met the Currys before they left for a final bit of shopping (at Longchamps) and a final meal at a very nice restaurant. Now the Currys are back in Connecticut, the Wolfes are back in Vermont, and Kathleen is officially on vacation!
Tomorrow we are off to Spain. We will write when we get back! Au revoir!