Le Diner et la Famille

"In truth a family is what you make it...

by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring and love to one another."

 - Marge Kennedy

I introduced my children to Paris in 2009. And I was pretty stressed-out about it, let me tell you! I mean, let's face it, Paris is not the first destination that comes to mind when planning a family vaca. I was happily surprised (and relieved) to discover that my children adore Paris as much as I (Mr. Gorgeous assures me that this was a foregone result, for we passed our love of Paris to our children ;-)

Sage, Never, Rory (Paris 2011)

My children love everything about Paris - the food (esp. the crepes ;-), the city-vibe, and 24/7 family time... And when we return to the States, they are as eager as Mr. Gorgeous, mom and I to find as many ways as possible to incorporate ce sentiment Paris into our everyday lives - biding our time until we can return. One of the ways we accomplish this is via regular visits to our favorite State's side French restaurant. We try to have a family dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at least twice a month, and always for every special occassion.

celebrating mom's birthday

Rory & Mr. Gorgeous

Mom and Never working on a children's crosswords, in French

Me & my girl (Sage)

Grandmamma with her babies

This post was going to be about celebrating my mother's 83rd birthday (shhh - don't tell her I told you her age ;-) This post was going to be about how to bring Paris home with you. Before I begin to write a post, I search for an opening quote and this one from Marge Kennedy immediately struck me as the perfect one - because it revealed to me what this post was always supposed to be about: family, ritual, memories and love. 

During our daily dinners, we break bread, sip wine and fruit juice, everyone shares their experience(s) of the day and/or week, we'll do a bit of homework, and just...talk to each other. During our family Paris-dinners we do the same; but we also: reminisce about our Parisian adventures; look over our Paris family photos, discuss the latest goings on in our favorite city: discussing the latest news from the I.H.T. and Parler Paris (downloaded onto my iPad), and we plot and plan what we want to see and do during our next trip. Everyone contributes ;-) Paris + family dinner is our special essential particular family 'thang. She speaks individually to each of us (from 7 to 83 years old).

Paris has become one of our precious family rituals. And the ritual and memories, we create, are not so much about Paris. Paris is the inspiration. No, the memories, commitment of time, caring, and love are all about family. As a family, we're returning in September (2012) and I can't wait!

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple