Sun and fun

Ah summer is here.  There is a mixture of humidity and warmth in the air that is so welcome that we continually have all our windows open to enjoy it.  If that last 2 months have taught us anything it an appreciation for good weather.  The girls and Teresa are having a great time.  They split their time between hanging out at her apartment and playing in parks, etc.  

Yesterday Todd watched the kids so Teresa and i could go visit Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame.  We took the metro to the Latin Quarter and then walked to a small Cafe where got lunch.  It was really fun to see the cathedral which I have wanted to see.  It was built in the 1200's and about 2/3 of the stained glass is still original.  Which considering we break glasses on a daily basis is pretty impressive.  

After we went to the cathedral we walked along the river through some flower sellers.  They have some amazing plants and flowers here.  

We then walked to Notre Dame and walked through it.  I am not sure why but I keep taking people through it going against traffic.  Maybe it's better to  see it that way I don't know.  Last night Teresa was gracious enough to offer to watch the kids again.  She wanted to take them to the Mc Donalds that's near here.  I tried to warn her that it was a zoo but she seemed determined so off they went.  They found it ok and though zoo like I think they all had fun.  Well at least the kids did.  Todd and I just walked around a bit.  We ended up near the Bon Marche where we went into their food store.  We discovered the "American section"  They have almost everything we had been missing while here, peanut butter, syrup, salad dressing, regular "frenchs"(how ironic you can't find it here) mustard, and Dr Pepper. Now had they had Mt. Dew Todd would have been in heaven but it was funny to see all that stuff...not that we have really missed it it's just you start to realize there are several things you just can't get here and there they all were.  We sat at a small outdoor cafe and split an entree.  Eating out here is an experience.  It's very slow. I think that it's offensive here if your waiter hurries you.  So the goal is to be waited on but not rushed.  So there is a lot of sitting and waiting.  I understand why so many french smoke.  At the least it gives you something to do while you wait the 30 minutes to get your bill.  The only good part of that is that here tipping is not done, you can leave a tiny tip but it's not expected.  I really wanted Creme Brûlée but we could not afford the hour that may take.  

It's like a Volvo and a Honda got together and had a kid.