Friday the 13th (we're not superstitious, thank goodness!))

Ok Ok, this is probably the blog that you've all been waiting for.....

We started the day by going to Musee de L'Armee and walking around downtown Paris. We breezed by the Eiffel Tower to pre-book and I was in awe....it was truly amazing! We had plans to go back there that evening to see it illuminated so we headed on to Versailles. Talk about a wonderful site to see with all the ornate detailing, paintings, and gardens! That Louis the 14th really lived large!

After exploring Versailles, we went back to the apartment to get ready for our "date night" which was going to be dinner at a cafe right down the street from the Eiffel Tower and a night climb of the tower. I was secretly hoping that Graham would propose at some point on our trip to Paris, maybe even at the Eiffel Tower so my radar was definitely up! We found a great place to eat and I had to go to the restroom as soon as we got there (had to wash the germs off my hands from the subway ride) and when I came back to the table, I went to put my napkin on my lap and there was the ring! I was in total shock!!!!! Graham got down on his knee (as fellow diners snapped photos of the whole thing) and asked me to marry him. I can't remember much of what he said, I just knew I was beaming with happiness and that he said some pretty sweet things! I have always dreamed of the day when someone would ask me to marry them and I just couldn't believe it was actually happening to me, right there, in Paris! It was romantic and loving and it now feels as if my life is complete. We celebrated with champagne and then climbed the tower (and then had more champagne) and had an absolute blast. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun! We are truly blessed and lucky to have found each other and to be able to be on this adventure together. Thank you everyone for your love and support!

here are a few pics!

Paris Day Two!

This morning we woke up around noon after recovering from somewhat severe jetlag. Once we motivated we set out for Sacre-Coeur, the Basilica of Sacred Heart which is located on top of Montmartre Hill. We toured the wonderfully detailed Church and admired the beautiful panorama of Paris from the grand front steps. Afterwards we explored the neighborhood of Montmarte and stopped for lunch outside a small cafe where we shared a champagnion pizza.
We then set out to see Jim Morrison's gravesite at Cimetiere du Pere LaChaise. After walking through a maze of moss covered gravestones we finally found the famous singers gravestone which is guarded full time. Also burried at Pere LaChaise is French singer Edith Piaf and french painter Pissarro. After paying our respects we hopped back on the Metro and headed northeast to find futuristic park, Parc de la Villette.
This park has 10 themed gardens, including a Mirror Garden, Bamboo Garden and garden of islands. Here we walked a couple miles, snapped a few choice photographs, then returned home to rest our feet and have dinner with our hosts Aune-Laure and Frederic.

A fun filled day in Paris!

It took a redeye over the Atlantic and a layover in Zurich to finally get to Paris, but boy was it worth it. This morning we set out for the two islands located in the city center of Paris, Ile St-Louis and Ile de la Cite.

We enjoyed a stroll across Pont Neuf where we visited the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris and learned all distances in France are measured from kilometre zero; marked by a bronze star outside Notre Dame. Afterwards we walked to Berthillon Ice Cream Shop, and enjoyed a cone of what made them famous.

Liz requested that we buy some local cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of French wine to drink in the park by the river- guess what, I gave in... The Rochefort was my favorite, hers was the aged Chevre. We then sauntered to the Musee du Louve and enjoyed viewing the Mona Lisa among other thousands of sculptures and paintings. Did you know the Louve stretches 700 M along the Seine and if one were to glance at each piece of art it would take them 9 months? We'll save that challenge for another lifetime:)

Two other highlights of our afternoon were watching the sailboats in Tuileries Garden and walking the Promenade Plantee, a romantic elevated park similar to the High Line in NYC.

Next on our agenda is Sacre-Coeur and the Eiffel Tower!!

It's been a busy month!

My sincere apologies for being such a horrible blogger! The last time I wrote we were taking care of Graham's grandfather in the hospital in Cascais. I am happy to say that the four of us made it back to America and that Harry is recovering well! Graham and I accompanied his grandparents on their flight to Vermont from Portugal about a week earlier then our planned visit to America. We have been busy skiing in Vermont at Killington, fishing and relaxing in Key Largo, turkey hunting and fishing in Canton NY, exploring Ottawa Canada and spending time with my family in Alexandria. Tomorrow is Graham's 30th birthday and we are going to Sperryville to celebrate with some close friends and enjoy homemade bbq! Phew, it's been a busy time!

We leave on Monday for our next European adventure. We will be in France (Paris and Nice) for 2 weeks and then on to Albania and Italy! We are so excited to see what the next 3 months abroad will bring.

Our families are all doing well. My dad turned 66 yesterday and may need a hip replacement in the next few months (yikes). My nieces and nephews are star softball/baseball players and we have been fortunate enough to be able to go to some of their games. My sister-in-law is pregnant with the 9th grandchild due in November. Graham and I have been working with a jeweler on our engagement ring and wedding rings. Stay tuned for more on that front =)

I think that's about it for now! I'll try to do better on the updates....I really have no excuse....considering I don't have a job! haha!

Love to you all!

Here are a few pics to enjoy!