The Maddux clan reunites in Paris

The last week Scott and I were in Paris, we were joined by Scott's parents, Dave and Jana, and his little sister, Caroline. After two weeks in Paris by ourselves with no other English speakers this was a welcome change. Hanging out with family is always good. It also happened that sight seeing wasn't even the top priority for family activities. Scott was born in Paris, France, and it was Caroline's third time visiting, so none of us had a sight agenda. We were just there to be with each other. We did, however, go and see their old apartment, and the hospital where Scott and Steven were both born. We had lots of yummy food, and there was much girl time chatting with Jana and Caroline. (first pic: Scott on his old street; 2nd pic: Scott and I in front of the hospital in Paris where he was born)

On our last day together, Dave was feeling under the weather, so Scott stayed at the hotel with his dad, and us girls went out to see what we could see. Jana wanted to spend some time shopping, and Caroline and I wanted to see more Paris, so we parted ways temporarily, and Caroline and I headed to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. We climbed to the top of the Arc for a fantastic view of the city, and then headed to the Luxembourg Gardens. The hours we spent at the Luxembourg Gardens were all too short. That was the very definition of vacation. A beautiful garden so big it can hold Parisians and tourists alike, without feeling crowed or stuffy. We found a few chairs, put our feet up and commenced with our relaxation activities. Caroline read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, that she picked up at the Shakespeare and Co. book store just before, and I started a new lace knitting pattern for a scarf. We could have spent many more hours there, but alas, we settled for two, and then headed back to meet everyone for dinner.(pictured above: the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe)

After dinner, we all headed to the Eiffel tower to see it sparkle in the last rays of the evening light. It was at this picturesque moment that we all had to say good-bye. The next day Scott's parents, and Caroline were headed back to Moscow, Russia, and Scott and I had a train to catch to Les Eyzies, France. What a great way to end our time in Paris, with Scott's family where there family first began.

Where we all said good-bye.

Having some lunch.