Scooters on the Metro

Wednesday I decided to try something big --- an outing on the metro without the stroller!! This may not sound like much, but having the option to strap the boys in and forgo their agency is kind of huge. Without that option, it leaves me stuck in the metro turnstile frantically trying to find our metro passes while Pierce worms his way under the turnstile and makes a break for it down the tunnel --- (yes, that is what happened!) But, apart from that we managed remarkably well. Both boys had their scooters and we scootered to the metro, and then took the metro to the Tuileries gardens where we mostly hung out at the playground. It was fun to watch them explore and play in such a remarkable place. We have been seriously blessed by some of the world's most picturesque playgrounds!  

 Thursday was a beautiful day, so we all met up for lunch at a park in the bois between Gideon’s school and Benjin’s work. It felt so good to have the sun shining and even take off our coats while the boys ran around and braved the zipline. Since it was such a beautiful day, we spontaneously decided to ascend the Tour Montparnasse that night. I was not originally convinced it would be worth it since we have already gone up the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur and of course the Eiffel Tower… I mean how many pretty angles of the cityscape do you need, right? But it was spectacular. There was a cool outdoor rooftop hangout spot with music playing and space for the boys to run around. We hung out up there, played eye-spy for our favorite Parisian monuments and watched the sunset. It was gorgeous. Then we went down to the inside area and watched a VR video thing about Paris through the ages which was surprisingly awesome! We pressed our noses up against the glass and watched the buses, cars and bikes zoom along far below. Finally, we got to watch the Eiffel tower turn on its sparkling lights just before we headed home. So magical. 

Early Saturday morning Benjin left to fly back to the states for some work stuff leaving me solo with the boys. Fortunately, it was lovely spring weather and we made our way to the Menagerie at the Jardin des Plants. Gideon was great at pointing out all the “signs of spring” everywhere and I was delighted to see the Jardin starting to come back to former pre-winter glory! We played at the nearby playground, said hello to the flamingos and Gideon attempted to help Pierce smell flowers. In the afternoon we walked over to the bois and rode on one of the carousels. Pierce was feeling a little under the weather and didn’t enjoy it at much as normal, but Gideon had a blast riding his big motorcycle or as Pierce calls them, “nono.” We threw sticks to the ducks on the pond (those poor ducks probably hate us because of how frequently we taunt them with “food” --- but I am sure grateful for them because they provide Pierce with endless entertainment!).

The next morning was Saint Patrick’s day. Gideon has really embraced holidays this year and has been super excited for St. Patrick’s day for a while now. He and Pierce wore all green to bed and woke up to some mischief that the leprechauns had done (they had turned over all our kitchen chairs in a big pile on our living room floor, tied up two of our stuffed animals and left a scattering of green papers and gold coins.) Gideon was delighted and spent the rest of the day trying to figure out what other odd things the leprechauns may have done. After that we got ready for church, and I successfully managed the church bus/metro/walk adventure solo. We got to church where Gideon successfully said two primary prayers in FRENCH! He had been super scared to do it, but was determined to do it in French and was determined that he could do it by himself. It was awesome to see how proud he was of himself once it was all over!!  

Monday we took Gideon to school and took the long way home because the weather was lovely. We hung out in the garden next to the marie while Pierce chased pigeons and threw pebbles in the puddles. I am just thrilled that spring is here!! We then hurried home to pack a picnic lunch and then picked up Gideon for lunch at the zoo. In the afternoon we went to the park to again relish in the warmer weather. There we were surprised and delighted to find Gideon’s best friend from school there with his mom. It was so fun to watch them play together and Pierce LOVED running around with the big boys. I got to chat with his mom which was both soul filling and anxiety inducing (because it was all in French) but I am so grateful that she doesn’t let the awkwardness of my conversational skills stop her from attempting to connect with me. 

This week I learned that sometimes it can be good to drop our guardrails. It can be good to see what happens when you brave the metro without a stroller, brave saying a prayer all by yourself or brave holding down the fort without your teammate. There are moments when attempting something without the typical safety net is hazardous (like when I tried to let Pierce scooter to pick up Gideon for lunch and ended up carrying the scooter as well as a crying Pierce and dragging a crying Gideon behind me all the way home.) But, there are also moments when you feel triumphant (like Gideon after his primary prayer.) 

Hope this next week brings you lots of moments of triumph. Meanwhile... we are sure excited to get Benjin back! 

Love, 

La famillie Facer