Adventures in Paris, part deux / Texas Sarah

Without a doubt, the worst thing about a trip to Paris is leaving. Saying goodbye to some of her favorite people is something Avienne is starting to get used to. She understands that we live in a large world and far away from family, but it doesn't stop her from asking why Nana has to stay in France or why Tata can't come with us back to Texas. It's always heartbreaking and never seems fair, but we explain as best as we can and try to remind her throughout the visit to make every moment count.

In the last few days before leaving, we wandered around town and ended up in the Palais Royal grounds where not only did we bask in the sunny palatial garden, but did so with a delicious Kitsuné cappuccino in hand. We could have spent the entire day running through the trees, sunbathing by the fountain and chasing each other around the striped posts behind the palace. But, we trekked on to the Champs de Mars carousel only to arrive to find it closed! Determined to squeeze in some carousel time, we hopped back on the metro to Tuileries and bought five turns on the horses there.

Gui had plans with friends, so while he was gone, I took my girl for her first Angelina hot chocolate after a few rounds of carousels. She was exhausted but hungry as we left the park, and even though it was nap time, I just couldn't resist the chance to have a fancy goûter with my fancy gal. We indulged in white hot chocolate with cream and the chocolatey-est chocolate éclair I've ever seen. It was a charming and sweet experience I don't think either of us will soon forget. My favorite part of it all was feeling her fall sound asleep in my arms as I held her on the metro on our way back to the hotel. She ended up napping for over three hours!

We also managed to squeeze in a lunch at L'Oisive Thé before saying final goodbyes to family. Avienne loves Aimee's tea house as much as I do, and I think it might have something to do with all the toys and kids books she has handy. Those salads and feuilletés taste like home to me, and I'm so happy that we were able to stop in for a bite before heading out.

It was such a whirlwind trip with so much stuff squeezed in. When it finally came time to leave, I think we were all just so spent that we could only feel exhausted accomplishment. I don't think we've ever managed to do so much in so little time during our vacation, and despite the obnoxiously early wake-up call, it felt good to be heading back to a slower reality. Until next time, Paris!