The Little American's Travels

My 2011 Christmas Concert At Busy Bee

2012-01-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

THE LITTLE AMERICAN TURNS 4

2011-08-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! On August 6th, I turned 4 years old. My Dads surprised me with a wonderful outdoor party at the Mushroom pool with all of my Tiny Tots classmates in attendance.

My party theme was inspired by my very favorite show the Little Einsteins. The beautiful and delicious cupcakes were made by my good friend Paisley's mom. I love the colors and musical notes on the icing.

The primary color theme is also the colors from Little Einstein.

Although my Dads thought I seemed ungrateful for all their efforts, I had a great time and loved all the attention.

I even had a wonderful magician which my friends and I thought was very entertaining. Well, thank you for visiting me and please come back again.

Curious Daniel

2011-04-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

Curious Daniel from Julio on Vimeo.

My First Class Photo

2010-11-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

A photo of me with my pre-school classmates. Diane(standing left)is my teacher. In the middle is Nancy who runs the school. On the right of Nancy is Lupe who is responsible for our healthy snacks and meals. To my right is my best friend Logan.

Chapter 1-The Little American Goes To Paris

2010-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! I am the little American. I am currently 2 years old(born 8/6/07).
My parents thought since this is my first trip to Paris, it is appropriate that I share my experience on my Dad's blog. I begin with my excitement getting on the overnight hotel's park 'n fly shuttle service to the San Francisco International Airport. You'll notice throughout my trip, I'm dressed almost exclusively in black. My Dads are so obsessed about blending in with the locals so they are convinced that our entire wardrobe of black clothing would help do the trick. My only carry on responsibility was my backpack on wheels containing my favorite bedtime story books and some Thomas trains with one of my 2 travel companions George the monkey. That's George, the one I'm choke holding.

After arriving at the airport and passing through security, I had over an hour before my flight took off, so I decided to unwind with Dad's laptop to watch one of my favorite PBS show, Caillou. I can watch that kid all day if parents let me.

Okay, I just learned our flight is delayed by an hour. There aren't enough snacks and sandwiches in the waiting lounge to contain my impatience if I hear about any further delays.....

This was taken about 4 hours into our flight. As you can see, I was not too thrilled about retiring so soon. However, I was out voted 2 to 1 so I begrudgingly capitulated. There was also cheering with a round of a applause in the cabin as I laid my head down. I'm not sure what that was about.

Finally... five hours into the flight, I gave in and decided perhaps a beauty nap would be best before my arrival in Paris...so, Sheep, my closest traveling companion, and I doze off.

"Garcon! I just arrived in Paris after a 15 hour travel day and I want my hot chocolate now!..si vous plait"

Before we retired to our apartment, I perused the scrumptious looking baked goods at a nearby Boulangerie Patisserie to find a treat to satiate my sweet tooth after dinner.

Alas, we arrive at our beautiful Paris Perfect's Cotes Du Rhone apartment, which is even more beautiful then the images on the website. My Dad promises more images and details on this lovely apartment to follow.

That's me on the sofa with Sheep, unwinding from a little jetlag, enjoying a French cartoon in the apartment while my Dads fight in the other room about whose fault it was for not predicting there would be a flight delay which created chaos in their scripted travel plans.

Here is the view from one of our living room windows, which all look out to beautiful buildings. From this one, we can see Princess Caroline's apartment with the Eiffel Tower behind it. Hopefully, the Princess will look over one evening and raise a toast in welcoming me to Paris. Stay tuned for more photos and interesting observations on my trip to the city of lights.

Au revoir,
The Little American

Chapter 2-The Little American's First Day Around The City

2010-02-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! My first exciting day around Paris and I just can't stop looking up at all the tall monuments.

Both Daddy(Julio) & Papa(Dan) were still trying to adjust to the 9 hour time difference from California. I guess they should have taking their own advice about going to sleep early on the plane. So, they decided we should just stroll around our area for a nearby exhibit. As we walked along the Seine river, we were captivated by the vibrant gold statues atop these enormous pillars that crowned what appeared to be an important bridge.
We just had to get a closeup of the bridge.

It turned out this is the Alexander III bridge built at the turn of the last century to commemorate a peace treaty between France and Russia.

Anchoring one side of the beautiful bridge was this wonderful metal and glass top building. It really caught Papa's eye and he just had to get a look inside.

Well, this is what we found; an interesting display by Christian Boltanski of rows of coats laid on the floor in rectangles between 4 rusted iron poles. The entire expanse of this huge atrium was filled with the sound of the human heartbeat. Papa thought the piles of clothes reminded him of a World War II Concentration camp. The artist's stated intent was to create a work of "...social, religious and humanistic exploration of life, memory and the irreducible individuality of each and every human existence=together with the presence of death, the dehumanization of the body.." Well, whatever that means...Papa read it to me from the program.

Just off the distance, there was a pyramid of coats

I was truly amazed at how all these coats could make a tall hill. Papa told us that the entire exhibit is suppose to project the enormity of how much our society has amassed in creating the human shell. Daddy says Papa and I create a very similar sculpture at home every 3 days.

After only 10 minutes here, Papa & Daddy were already set to leave but not me, I really enjoyed watching the big red claw coming down and digging into the pile then going all the way up and dropping back in...weeeee! yeah! do it again! Wait Daddy, a few more times... please? Oh, by the way, this building is the Grand Palais built for the 1900 World's Fair.

Okay, now we're off with our rolling grocery bag to the open market on the Rue Cler for a few items for tonight's dinner.

The Rue Cler market is a very popular location with many of the locals for their daily fresh foods like produce,fish,meat and baked goods.

Ah! we are at the Rue Cler.

Hmm, where is a good place to start?

Well, I like what I see to the right but I see Papa ahead with my stroller looking at the produce section.

Hmmm...French grapes look just like grapes back home.

I am not sure what these are, but when Papa wasn't looking I grabbed one and popped it in my mouth. I quickly spit it out because I did not like it at all.

Okay, my bag is filled with tonight's dinner; French grapes, baguettes, French cheese (which I did not like) and some French spread in a jar that both Papa & Daddy swear is delicious but told me not to mention it on the blog or to just tell everyone they bought some vegetable pate. I could have sworn I heard the shop keeper talking about a goose when he sold it to them?

That's all for today...au revoir for now!

Chapter 3-The Little American Jumps On The City Tour Bus

2010-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! I just got in trouble for sticking my head and hands over the rail. Anyway, this morning Daddy & Papa thought I would enjoy riding the double decker hop on and off tour bus around the city. We will hop off at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and then walk through the Les Marais district which is their favorite area on the right bank of the Seine. Then, we wills stop for lunch at the Place Des Vosges.

Onward, our bus heads through the Place de Concorde toward the Rue Royale.

Here, we passed the Les Invalides. This building was ordered built by King Louis XIV in the late 1600s and is still used to house and provide medical care for retired and injured French soldiers.

A very famous French soldier named Napolean Bonaparte's tomb is in this building. We are going to see the inside later this week.

Pardon moi monsieur? Can you believe Papa just told me we still have several blocks to go until the next bus stop? I hope someone is prepared to carry me for some of those blocks.

Yes, I'm actually in front of the Notre Dame cathedral which, beside its historical significance, is the back drop for Esmerelda and the Hunchback!

This colorful and whimsical 2 story carousel was in front of the Hotel De Ville which Daddy says really isn't a hotel. It's actually where the mayor of Paris works. Well, I just had to jump on the carousel when I saw this horse that reminded me of my favorite story book," Little Black, a Pony". I know George & Sheep would have loved this ride. Daddy refuses to let me bring Sheep along because he says Sheep is too dirty and doesn't coordinate with my outfit. However, I am allowed to bring George so long as I don't make Daddy or Papa carry him the entire time.

We arrived at the Place Des Voges which is one of Papa's favorite sites in Paris. It reminds him of his first trip to Paris when he and Daddy stumbled upon it by accident while just strolling around. The buildings look nice but all seemed the same to me. Papa told me they were made to look the same on purpose and used to be the homes of the aristocrats which are usually rich and important people. I really really liked the park in the center which had a playground. There were even kids playing kick ball. I wanted to join in the fun but my parents said we would go but only after we had lunch.

Oh please oh please hurry up and bring my pomme frittes so I can finish them and play with the kids at the park.

After lunch, we went to the park as promised, I couldn't believe that even the French pigeons look just like the ones in America. I'm discovering that we have quite a few of the same things back home as they have in France. Well, I just had to get a closer look to make sure....come here little pigeon come!

As I continued to chase the little pigeon back and forth around the lawn, a couple of French ladies with upset looks were waving at me to come toward them. I wasn't sure what they wanted so I kept chasing the little pigeon.

Oh yay! The kids were still playing kick ball. One of them came over and started speaking French to me. Neither Daddy or I understood him but Daddy suspected that the young man was asking me if I wanted to join them. I was so happy to be asked to play.

It was great fun. The kids were so nice to me and made me feel welcome.

Even though I was smaller and younger, they played with me. They were nicer than the big kids at my play ground back home.

After kick ball, we strolled through the Marais district. It was crowed, but I had Papa's hand to help me through the crowd.

Daddy says the Le Marais area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Paris.

Many of the streets in this neighborhood are very narrow with cobblestone allowing only a single vehicle to move through cautiously. Les Marais was not part of Paris' urban redevelopment in the 19th century, which explains the narrow the tight spaces.

Papa and Daddy were reminiscing about how much fun they had in this building when they visited in the past. They both looked at each other then looked at me and started getting all mushy telling me how much they love me and how I am so worth missing out on whatever it was they were doing in this place.

This hotel is the place where Daddy and Papa stayed on their very first trip to Paris. They really like this hotel because its right in the heart of the Marais district.

We stumbled upon this kid's clothing boutique and Papa wanted to look around at the "Soldes" which is the French word for Sales. I went in to join him in looking around.

Bonjour petite mannequin. Nice necklace.

But I think it will look better on the little American.

We're finally back in our neighborhood, next to the Eiffel tower behind me. We went up the tower earlier but I was little scared when looking down. I made Daddy stay with me away from the edge. The day was coming to an end so we went back to apartment for a bath and dinner.

After my fun filled day on the streets of Paris, I retired to my bedroom to read my favorite book by Walter Farley. It is all about Little Black, who is the pony I thought about on the carousel. Papa is so proud that I love this story because this actual book was his when he was a child. Grammy saved all his toys, clothes and books. Daddy loves when I wear Papa's clothes because they were all handmade by my great grandma. My only complaint is that their made with really itchy wool.
Bonne nuit à partir de la jeune Américaine

Chapter 4-The Little American Goes Underground

2010-02-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today rain is predicted so I am geared up and ready. I'm not gonna let a little water keep me from exploring the town. I'm really excited about going underground to take the city's metropolitan transportation system to the Musee D'Orsay. However, the first thing on our list of things to do is an antiques fair Daddy discovered while jogging through the Parc Du Champs De Mars.

The admission fee was 10 euros and I thought we could use that money riding a carousel, but Papa and Daddy were very excited about this exhibition so I cooperated. Unfortunately, my excitement and eagerness to stroll the exhibits on my own made both my parents and the exhibit owners very nervous. After only 30 minutes inside, Papa thought we had seen enough. Daddy was a little disappointed he did not get a chance to explore longer, but chalked it up to part of the "family" experience.

This is the enormous tent where the Antiques fair was held. It is directly west of the Eiffel tower across the park.

Hey Daddy! Put the camera away and help me down the subway stairs...NOW.

Hmmm...currently, we are in the 7TH Arrondissomont at the Ecole Militaire station, the closest Metro station to the Eiffel Tower, and we want to go to the Musee D'Orsay...

Maybe these buttons will get an attendant's attention so she can save Papa some time in figuring out which train to take. We've already been standing here for 15 minutes and Daddy is starting to out whine me...poor Papa.

Well, if you're familiar with the Paris transporation system, you'll notice I ended up on the RER. Why? Papa decided it was an easier way to get to the museum. So, we exited the metro station and walked to the RER a few blocks away. I like the RER because it has 2 levels and looks and feels like a real train.

We finally made it to the Musee D'Orsay. My parents think its a cool museum. It is a former train station full of important works of art.

This is a close up of the decorative molding that my Daddy kept photographing.

Daddy was in love with the clock. He would wear it on his neck if it came with a chain.

oh mon dieu quelle belle pièce de travail par Edgar Degas!

I'd recognize an Albert Sisley anywhere. tres fabu!

This looks like a painting Daddy bought but only this one has real oil paint.

This was absolutely my favorite. Under this see through floor is a three dimensional model of the Royal Opera house and it environs.

Here is a side view of the interior the Royal Opera. This was pretty neat too, but I really liked running across the see through the most.

What do I want? We just traipsed home, in the rain, from the museum and I am hungry and can't read this darn French Menu. Where are the pictures? I cannot wait to jump into my warm French bed. Au revoir for now.

Chapter 5-A Visit To The Streets Of Montmartre & Napoleon's Tomb

2010-02-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Bonjour à tous! Sorry for the delayed posting. We were too busy trying to make up for the sick days and left no time or energy at the end of the day to post. I am so happy that George was allowed to join me in today's tour.

We're having breakfast at the Le Royal cafe, pictured above, which is just around the corner from our apartment on the Rue du Grenelle. In fact, we've had several breakfasts here on the mornings Papa didn't feel like cooking.

Here we are on the subway to Montmartre. We will spend the morning exploring the streets of Montmartre followed by an afternoon at the military museum at Invalides and end the day Napoleon's tomb. This will leave us a few blocks from our apartment.

Papa says he read somewhere that the metro art nouveaux structure of this subway entrance is 1 of the only 2 originals that still exists in the entire city of Paris. The strange thing was Daddy kept spotting other similar structures throughout the city and kept asking Papa to explain yet why there seems to be more than 2? Daddy and I became worried about Papa's source for history on Paris.

I know we are not going to climb those stairs.

George was nice enough to pose for this shot in my place in front of the funicular that takes you up to the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Looking down from the funicular is pretty awesome.

The famous Sacre Coeur Basilica. George is speechless.

Wow, what a view of the city of Pear-wis

Papa, thank you for bringing me up here to see this.

I made Papa and Daddy watch this for 10 minutes with me. It was so fascinating watching the machine dig. I was a little sad they were digging up centuries old stones, but my parents think they will reused the stones which is why they are trying to be a little more careful not to crush them.

This is one of my parents favorite restaurants in the Montmare district. Aside from the wonderful menu, it has live music every night featuring Edith Piaf's classics including their personal favorite, Non je ne regrette rien

The restaurant has an excellent reputation and was even suggested to my parents by the Four Season's Concierge.

I saw apple juice in this truck and asked for some but the driver just laughed and said something to me in French. I took it as a "no".

As we strolled down this street, a delicious smell was coming from the little green store to my left.

I just had to take a look and see what that wonderful smell was all about.

It turned out to be yet another bakery with lots of fresh goodies.

Papa and I went inside to look. I immediately spotted what I wanted.

uh oh..whew, nevermind, false alarm. Daddy was worried by the look on my face that I was due for a diaper change.

It was a delicious cookie filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread calledNutella.

It was yummy!

These are some neat postcards Daddy purchased at a nearby souvenir shop that he promised to have framed for my bedroom as another memorabilia to my trip to the Montmartre.

We're back on the underground leaving Montmartre.

I am so ready for my afternoon nap.

Here we are at Napoleon's tomb. Papa's trying to get me to turn around and pose for Daddy but I'm too excited and want to hurry and get inside.

George had my back and stood in for me for Daddy.

wow, he was a very special soldier to the people of France.

From Napoleon's tomb we marched over to the military museum next door.

This was the only room I was impressed with...a room full of miniature toy soldiers.

My parents weren't that impressed with this museum because it was only filled with weaponry, some costumes and paintings. There was no English interpretation literature available to us that afternoon which made it difficult for us to follow the exhibits.

Papa said this man looks like me on the subway earlier today after we came down from Montmartre.

Well, that's it for today's events. Thank you for taking an interest in my adventure and for following me. jusqu'à demain soir bonne!!!

Chapter 6-The Little American Goes To The Opera & Conciergerie

2010-02-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

bonne journée à vous tous une fois encore d'après le peu américaine! This morning, my parents are taking me to visit the Palais Garnier commonly known as the old Paris Opera House which was built in the late 1800s during the Second empire of Napoleon III. My parents both love the musical Phantom of the Opera which was fashioned after the original fiction created by a French journalist & author named Gaston Leroux. Daddy explained that the author was inspired by an actual event that occurred in 1896 when one of the counter weights for the theater chandelier fell and killed someone below. In addition, the cave-like subterranean lake that serves as the Phantom's home actually exists below the Opera.

So, these very steps were used by lovers of the opera in the 19th century. Here I am in the 21st Century, totally amazed by the artistry of the past.

Daddy couldn't stop laughing when he captured this pose. Papa says I look adorable. But, Daddy suspects I will make him delete this picture and any copies when I'm older.

The grand lobby staircase inside the opera house.

There again sits moi, atop the very same staircase taking in all the wonderfully intricate ornamentation. L'amore l'amore! No wonder my parents love it here.

Voila! The beautiful gilded and multi-chandeliered foyer at the opera house.

Daddy and Iwould love to create a tablescape in this room.

An amazing ornate fireplace at one end of the grand foyer.

Daddy took these photos of theater from one of the private balcony booths. I got us in trouble when I slammed the door shut after we exited locking the door. A nearby docent had to come and re-open it for other visitors waiting to take a peek inside. Needless to say, I was put on a time out shortly after. How many kids can say they were given a time out at the famous old Paris Opera house?

The ceiling was repainted byRussian-French Artist, Marc Chagall in 1964.

There was an actual opera rehearsal taking place on that morning.

The workmanship is just unbelievable up close.

The theater seats 2,200.

I just had to step outside onto the second floor balcony for some oxygen after my breath was taken away from the beauty in the Opera (and running up and down the foyer) . I couldn't believe what I had just seen. I was too excited after this much exposure to art and history to think about napping . Daddy said not to worry, he would make sure this exploration did not keep me from getting ~~his~~ my rest.

It began to drizzle a bit after my nap time, so I suited up in old yellow with umbrella in hand and marched off to our nearest underground metro to La Conciergerie where Daddy said one of France's most famous Queens, Marie Antoinette, was imprisoned and lived until her execution.

The exterior of the Conciergerie.

This used to be the kitchen for the Conciergerie palace.

I think it makes the perfect playground for running....

and hiding indoors on a rainy afternoon like today.

Like the kitchen, the rest of the museum did not have a lot of furniture or colorful and shiny things that looked breakable or important which is why I didn't understand why my parents still insisted I behaved quietly.

These are mannequins used to portray aristocrats that were imprisoned in some of the cells inside the Conciergerie.

The wealthier you were, the more privacy you were given to read,write and sleep.

My parents were saddened by much of this tour. They became especially sad when we arrived at the cell of Marie Antoinette. Her life story has captivated the both of them and the scene brought to life a history they have studied for years. I wondered why she didn't ask if she could stay in the kitchen since it was empty with lots of room to run around. Yes, Daddy was upset because I wouldn't stop talking about going back to the kitchen and play. I hope we go back there after this.

These are 2 soldiers that stood guard over Marie Antoinette in her cell.

Papa thought I was being reflective when he saw me doing this, but Daddy knew I was just getting impatient and wanting to move on.

After the Conciergerie, Papa insisted we visit the Sainte Chapelle next door which he thought would really impress me with all the beautiful stained glass work.

I must say he was right! It really did put a smile back on my face. I was giggling with laughter from the beautiful prisms filling the room and tickling my face.

I couldn't stop smiling even after we exited the chapel. Especially because I knew what was next...dinner time!!!! Well, that's it for today's adventure. Thanks again for joining me on this tour. I'm looking forward to sharing our next trip which is to the Carnavalet & Archives Nationales Museums in the city's Marais district. à toute à l'heure from the Little American!

Chapter 7- The Little American Gets A Lesson In Parisian History

2010-02-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

Pssst....over here

Come closer........

Lower......

Peek a boo!!!!

Bonjour! My parents told me to whisper so that I don't interrupt other visitors. Daddy also wanted me to apologize for him since he took so long sharing my latest excursion with you.
We are at the Carnavalet Museum this morning located in the Marais district. This museum is about the history of Paris. Daddy loves a lot of the furniture here but none look as comfortable and fun as this big stuffed round sofa I'm on. In fact, I asked if I could just play on it while my parents visit the other rooms where everyone is tip toeing through. Of course, they said no. Well, at least I won't miss out on discovering how Paris became the wonderful city it is today. They promised me it will be much more fun than running around on this big jumpy sofa.

I was really excited when Daddy picked me up to look out the window and showed me this great backyard with the fun maze. I wanted to go out there and explore and play catch with Daddy like we do at the playground. That's when Papa told me this was actually a very old botanical courtyard and it is important that everyone help to make sure that no one goes run around it and hurt the plants.

I'm sure the kids that lived or visited this house long ago enjoyed playing in this yard.

After we stopped looking out the window we started wandering around the inside. Daddy told me this museum, like many others in the city, used to be a home. In 1677, a famous aristocrat named Madame De Sevigne moved into the home and lived here for 19 years. She became famous for her letters she wrote to her daughter. Those letters became widely published and popular. Some of those letters are on display here at the museum. Daddy would like me to take up letter writing too... only not on the walls.

Papa wanted to find some of the many mementos of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI that are on display here.

There are even locks of their hair and games used by their children in prison. Too bad we don't have an English speaking tour guide to help us through the maze of exhibits.

I learned that the rooms in this museum were all decorated with furniture from other palaces and represented several different and defining periods.

My parents said the walls in this room reminds them of a popular pottery.

Daddy loved the wood floors in this room.

A beautiful staircase in the palace museum.

Well, we're at the end of our tour of the Musee Carnavalet. It's still a little too
early for lunch so Papa suggested we walk over to a small playground located near a historical tower. What a great idea Papa!

Well, its not the biggest playground but at least I get to run around and make as much noise as I want. Papa told me that the statue in the background and the tower are very important to the people of France.

It's called the Saint Jacques Tower and was part of one of the oldest churches in Paris. The church was taken down in 1797. This tower is all that is left. It's now an important monument. It's right on one of Daddy's favorite streets, the Rue de Rivoli, which is filled with lots of department stores.

Oh hey, there's another little person here to play with.

Bonjour mon petit!

Hmm, let me try again

Bonjour! parlez vous anglais?

Mon nom est Daniel alias petit Américain...Enchanté de faire votre connaissance.

My new French friend agreed that having the playground to ourselves was the best.

It was then that I realize that Parisian kids like the same things I do... pomme frittes, chocolate and playgrounds.

Well, Papa just said its time for lunch. I am so ready to eat.

Lunch Break

After the museum, my parents took me to one of their many favorite cafes nearby. We went to the Le Cafe Du Marche des blancs manteaux , whew...that's a pretty long name for such a small cafe. It's located on the Rue Vieille Du Temple.

Daddy asked that I demonstrate my ability to sip from stemware for my Uncle Tristan who commented in a previous post asking if I knew how....well, Daddy may have been slacking in getting me potty trained, but no one can deny he is getting me up to speed on handling fine stemware. As for the food, my parents loved their dishes. I ate my favorite, pomme frittes and hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise on them. The Parisians like mayonnaise as much as me! I also had a few bites of Daddy's club sandwich and Papa's Penne Cabonara. Yummy.

Naptime

After lunch, we headed back to the apartment for my nap. I was having too much fun and just didn't feel like napping. My parents reminded me of how important rest is for my little body and that napping will make me stronger for my afternoon play time. I am pretty sure I heard them snoring in the other room?

Nap time is over and we're off to the underground to visit the Archives Nationales Museum.

Hey! I believe the train we want is coming now....

George pointed out to me that the train I mentioned was actually on the other side of the tracks and going the other way. Sheep would never humiliate me like that.

Ok, here we are, on the streets walking through Le Marais again to the museum.

Finally, we've arrived!

I'm standing(on top of Papa) in front of the entrance to the museum.

This museum used to be someones home too. It was built for a real life Prince
and Princess like in my story books. They were Prince and Princess Soubise.

Now, it is owned by the government.

Let's go take a quick look inside.

The grand staircase of the museum.

Looking down the same set of stairs.

A peek into the princess's salon

a close up of the amazing walls and door way.

Most of this museum is about special documents from the famous revolution in the late 1700's which include arrest warrants for people that were against the revolution. You can also view expensive personal possessions that were taken from the prisoners like money,gems and clothes.

Now we stroll the 2 islands on the Seine river. The Ile Cite and Ile St. Louis.

This is the Seine and a view of the islands from the right bank.

We stoppped here for a late afternoon snack. It's called Le Flore En Ile cafe. Paris Perfect, the manager of our apartment, recommends Berthillon ice cream which is made on the Ile St. Louis and served here. Food critics have sworn is better then any of Italy's famous Gelato. That's a huge compliment.

It was just too cold for me to think about ice cream so I asked Papa to order me a hot chocolate instead. Boy was I surprised.

The waitress brought me a cup, a pitcher of hot milk and a small pitcher of melted chocolate and she let me make my own hot chocolate. Well, she let my Papa make my hot chocolate...but I tried before he grabbed the hot pitcher from me.

George enjoyed some of my delicious hot chocolate.

Now, I am ready for some more walking.

First, before we leave the island, a picture of George in front of the bridge to the Ile
de Cite.

George is in awe of the river.

I took George over the bridge for a close up of the river before
we head toward the Latin Quarter.

The sights were too much for George so I offered to push him the rest of the way on my Stroller.

The plastic is my snazzy rain cover. All the French kids have these
covers on their strollers too.

Back in the apartment and taking a nice warm bubble bath before bedtime. I hope you enjoyed today's sights as much as I did. I can't wait to share with you tomorrow's adventure. au revoir

Happy 4th Of July

2010-01-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Independence Day 2010 from The Little American and family!

Wishing you all a very festive and safe holiday celebration.

(From PBS.org)

History of the Fourth

"WHEN IN THE COURSE OF HUMAN EVENTS..."

Thomas Jefferson's Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence (Library of Congress)

"Taxation without representation!" That was the battle cry of the 13 colonies in America that were forced to pay taxes to England's King George III with no representation in Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell any signs of rebellion, and repeated attempts by the colonists to resolve the crisis without war proved fruitless.

On June 11, 1776, the colonies' Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia formed a committee with the express purpose of drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The document was crafted by Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer. (Nevertheless, a total of 86 changes were made to his draft.) The final version was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4.

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Kitchen Duty For The Little American

2010-01-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

Photos taken of the little American doing his share of cleaning at his very close friend Mimi's home.

The adorable little apron was handmade by Mimi's mother for her when she was a child. I'm already searching the world wide web for one for the little American. The best news of yesterday is that he went to the potty several times all by himself successfully.

The Little American Salutes The Navy

2010-01-09T23:41:00.000-08:00

Last week Daddy and I stopped into Old Navy to purchase a new pair of swim trunks for me. We were impressed with the store's summer collection. Of course, Daddy couldn't resist this shopping opportunity.

He thought I looked like a boy super model in this brown linen shirt with white stitching so I gave him my Zoolander pose.
However, we disagreed about the hat. It was a too much for my taste, but to please Daddy, I donned
the itchy bonnet for photos.

I do love the coordinating faux leatherl sandals but am a bit toe-shy. But, I wore them to rave reviews and several parents asked where I purchased them; the accolades made me appreciate them even more. My new seer sucker slacks with brown pin stripes are extremely comfortable and are the perfect trousers to complete my summer resort look.

Ahhh, much better without the hat. Here I am taking a five minute thumb sucking break after the photo shoot. Daddy can be stressful to work with at times.

I wonder if Daddy remembered he put me in pull ups for this photo shoot?

Here I am in the same style linen shirt in light blue.

I hope you enjoyed my domestic fashion show. I may not be in Paris...but with Old Navy, I'm feeling fashionably stylish at home in America.