Paris

Our first trip since moving to Switzerland was to Paris, France.  We didn't spend much time in Paris since the focus of this trip was Disney Paris which is a 35 minute train ride outside of Paris.  We took the fast train to Paris which cut the trip in half.  We are about a 6 hour drive, but we opted for the train this time and arrived in 3 1/2 hours.  The kids were very excited to ride the train and it was very relaxing.  We didn't need to worry about getting lost, if there would be a restroom when one was needed, and no worries about anyone getting motion sickness.  Things were not as smooth upon arrival as we had to find the luggage locker and make our way through the train station to find the correct train to see the Eiffel tower.  There are a lot of stairs and with a stroller can make it a challenge.  Thank goodness we didn't have our luggage, although we will save that fun for later.

Sydney and Aaron at train station in Lausanne.  The kids have there own backpacks so they can carry there own stuff.  I am done carrying a bag of stuff for them to do.

Sydney is taking on Randy in a game of Blokus, a new family favorite.  

Here are some pictures from the Eiffel tower and heading back to the train for Disney Paris.

The girls reaction when seeing the Eiffel tower for the first time - priceless!!

We stopped for a snack and between bites Aaron and Hailey chased the birds.  I think this will become Aaron's new pastime while we are here.

Eiffel tower and double decker carousel in front.

Kids pose on a metal sculpture.

Randy and the girls leading the way back to the train station.

We made it back to the train station and after walking around for quite some time we finally found our luggage and were off to find the train to head out to Disney Paris.  The metro system in Paris was pretty easy to figure out, but the RER A train which runs out to the suburbs would prove to be a challenge.  There are 4 trains and they all run on RER A rail so we weren't sure how to figure out which one was RER A4.  There was a train on the track we needed so we hopped on thinking it was the right one, we had a 50/50 chance.  Well, it was the wrong one and was taking us south of where we needed to be.  We were all tired, it was also dinner time of course, and we still had to figure out how the train monitors worked.  We made it back to the main line and a very kind gentlemen helped us with how to read the monitor and know which train we needed to be on!!  Thank goodness, we finally made it to the hotel, got checked in, and quickly headed down for some dinner so we could head back up for a good night sleep.

Friday we were off to Disneyland Park in hopes of everyone lasting long enough to see the fireworks at 10:25.  Disneyland Paris is located in one central location with Disney Village, Disney Studios, and Disneyland Park right next to a train station.  We had 2 day, 2 park tickets, so could go back and forth all we wanted Friday and Saturday.  Everyone had a great time and even though we didn't make it for the fireworks on Friday, we did make it to the parade, which the girls joined for a few minutes when a float stopped in front of us.

Randy and the kids in front of the entrance.  The younger two are having the hardest time looking at the camera, guess there is too much to see!!

The girls in front of the castle.  Sadly, they have already grown out of princesses and showed no interest in seeing them.  Guess that gave us more time for rides.

First ride was the rockets.  Aaron was very excited until it was our turn.  I had to dragged him back into the rocket after taking these pictures.  Fortunately, he loved it!!

Randy and the girls behind us in their rocket.

Quick stop for a picture with castle in background.  Poor Aaron,  he is once again getting in touch with his girlie side thanks to 2 older sisters.  We have put an end to Sydney painting his nails!

The Buzz ride was a hit by all.  We went back the next day for another go!

One last shot by the boys, right at mom.

Randy and the kids in Mad Hatters Maze.

Patiently waiting for the parade to start.

My phone is keeping Aaron occupied while we wait for the parade.

Aaron's reaction when he sees the parade coming - priceless!

Girls doing their part in the parade, it was a great day!!!

Another picture of them in the parade.

On Saturday we started out at Disney Park to go on a couple favorites and then we headed to Disney Studios to check out the rides.  Randy and the girls went on Crush's roller coaster.  Sydney kept debating, but she decided to give it a go, especially since her little sister was more than willing to go.  Aaron even wanted to go, but he has a little more growing to go on that one.  It received so so reviews because it was also a spinning roller coaster, but I think they will go on a different one next time that doesn't spin.  Here are some pictures from Disney studio as well as a video clip from one of the rides.

Randy and the younger 2 on Cars ride.  Sydney and I sat out since it was a spinning ride and we get motion sickness.

Ready for the slinky dog ride.

We all went on the Army Parachute drop ride.  Sydney was a bit nervous, the other two were ready for the drop!!  Below is the video I took from my where Hailey and I were sitting.

We spent some time in Disney Village that night and ended up staying so late Randy and the girls decided to see the parade at night followed by fireworks.  Before heading back to Disney Park, Hailey joined a group of kids grooving to some music.  I have included one of the videos Randy took, I think we are going to be in trouble when this girl gets bigger.  The parade was similar to the Holidazzle parade in Mpls with all the floats and people lit up with lights.  When the parade was done there was a huge fireworks show. These were Sydney's words since I was back in the hotel with Aaron.

Hailey fell asleep on the train ride back to Paris.  Randy and the girls stayed up Saturday night to watch the fireworks, so everyone was very tired on the way home.

We made it back to Paris and were now in search of our train to Lausanne.  Randy was off with the girls in search of a bathroom.  Aaron took a couple steps back in his potty training since there aren't bathroom available like back in the states.  We are spending this week getting refocused in preparation for school, which starts on Wednesday.  Randy and the girls had to go outside of the train station since the restroom in the train station was closed.  This might explain what we encountered upon arrival, warning, this part is disgusting!!  We were at the top of the escalator and Hailey said something stinks.  I wasn't sure what she was talking about so I told her to be quiet, thinking it may have been body odor.  Well, behind her someone decided to relieve themselves in the middle of the floor and we are talking about #2.  It was absolutely disgusting and we quickly made are way to a different part of the train station while we waited for our train!

Sydney has returned to figure skating this week with the start of the skating season.  She has been in camp every morning this week and will test on Saturday so she can compete this season.  I feel like I was just getting US figure skating figured out and now I need to start over in Switzerland.  She seems to be enjoying herself and it is nice to see her smiling and eager to skate again.  She doesn't seem to be too bothered by everyone talking French and not understanding.  Maybe it is because she knows she will start learning shortly when school starts.

Good luck to everyone starting school back in the states!!