No matter how many times I see her, I always experience a feeling of awe.
Such a beautiful and magnificent structure.
Isn't she lovely?

As it gets closer and closer to our flight home, (only 17 more days!!) it has been fun talking about all the things we have really missed and look forward to. 
Here are some that have come to mind:

• Stores and restaurants being open on Sundays
• A normal sized washer and dryer that actually will dry clothes
• My entire wardrobe, rather than just a handful of it
• Having a yard again
• My kitchen, and all the appliances and trinkets that go with!
• Sonic tots
• English
• English speaking friends and family
• English speaking movies, tv, music...Ohhhhh the English!!!!
• BUFFALO SAUCE. They are really missing out over here...
• Driving- that will get super old fast
• Grass
• My loyal pup and my fluffy, fat cat
• Family
• Real beer..The French know wine, but beer...ehh
• Dogs that don't poop on the sidewalk
• Real margaritas
• Peanut butter...and NO, Nutella is not a good substitute
• Not feeling poor-Paris is expensive, man!
• Being home for the holidays this year! Woooo!!
• Having a cell phone again(even though I have learned to live without one)
• Taco Bell. Crunchwrap Supreme me pleeeease!
• Those free moments you get to yourself while waiting in road construction....wait, what am I saying???
• Not having a cleaning lady again...ok, I think I might be going a bit crazy =)

In all actuality, there will be many things we will miss about living in Paris.  Our time here has been a great experience and journey that has really broadened our views and opinions.  We all know though, that there is no place like your home place..and that my friends, is where I look forward to being. Very, very soon. 

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If you know my husband at all, you know he loves his yard.  He loves mowing. He loves weeding, seeding, watering, and any other thing that you may do to a yard.  (As you can assume, I think all of those tasks are awful, know little to nothing about them, and am thankful that he enjoys doing them.)  You see, we make a good team:  He makes our yard all beautiful and dandelion free, and I bring out a few cold ones and a book and sit and enjoy the wonderfulness, that is our yard. Seems about right, doesn't it? =)

Either way, the bottom line is we both enjoyed having a nice fenced in back yard at our home in St. Louis.  That was one thing we were extremely sad about leaving behind when we moved to Paris.  Who doesn't love grilling out, playing washers, relaxing in the hammock, and playing fetch with your dog?

While Eric's "yard work" fix hasn't been sufficed, we did however find comfort in a nearby park: Parc Monceau.  It isn't literally right out of our back door, but it is only a short walk away. It has come to be "our yard" when we feel the urge to go for a run, have a picnic, read a book outdoors, take comfort in the shade of a big old tree, or FEEL GRASS! (that's a rarity here folks!) 

It is by far the location where we spend our most "outdoor time" besides just walking the streets.  It is very versatile, where you can either people watch and be part of the bustle or find a little intimate nook for some peace and quiet.  I do know we will always think back to Parc Monceau long after we leave Paris, and think of it fondly.  It is a beautiful place filled with lots of character and lovely landscaping.  When our time here is done though, I (and the hubs alike) will be ready to trade back in the lovely park for our cozy back yard.

Paris is known for many things....
...the city of lights
.....the city of love
.....the city of fashion

It's also a city with a LOT of churches! I find Paris to be perfectly packed full of beautiful, old, unique cathedrals and churches. I have found that one of my favorite things to do while walking around town, is to just pop inside the different ones I see and just have a little visit.  Most all the churches are open daily and free to the public.  To some people, this may seem incredibly boring and to some, they may all look the same (i.e. Once you've seen one, they all look the same..) I promise though, if you really take the time to soak in all the details and the ambiance, you will find that each church has a certain character not like any other. Not to mention, if you are a fan of historic sites, these are perfect!

Here are just a couple that I really like:

Saint Augustin

This church is located right down the corner from our apartment, and it has become an extremely enjoyable part of my days....walking past, admiring the deep blue dome and touch of red. Maybe I'm partial to it because it is my neighbor...and also, it has continued to be a lifesaver for me.  If I am every exploring the streets of my neighborhood and get lost, I can almost always count on spotting the dome of Saint Augustin and BAM, I can find my way back. =)
While this one might be less "unknown" than some of the others in Paris, I find it absolutely breathe taking. It's not in tip top condition on the inside either, but considering it was built in the 1860's, you can gain some major respect for it. 

Saint Sulpice

Compared to most of the other churches in Paris, the style and theme of this building is much more castle-like and much less Gothic, in feel. I found Saint Sulpice to be very interesting and beautiful because of it's uniqueness and serenity.  The surrounding area was much less busy & much less touristy(than say, the lovely Notre Dame Cathedral) and very quiet and relaxing.  In front of the church stands a large fountain/monument which adds to the atmosphere. 








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Sacre Coeur

This one is a unique beauty and also located on the highest point in Paris; Butte Montmartre.  This obviously adds to it's charm.  Making your way up the hill towards the church only builds your excitement and anticipation to finally get to the top! It's a hike, but it is well worth it. The view of the city from the top is quite the view!  This one is a very popular spot to visit. 










[Have a little click-sy on these below to enlarge]