valentine’s day nostalgia

Untitled-5

 

Today I’m feeling nostalgic and thankful for these treasured moments captured in Paris two years ago. I’m so terrible about printing images, but my sweet friend and photographer Ashley Ludaescher sent these to me. While I still have yet to frame them (soon), I stare at them often. My heart is overflowing with love for my children – so much so that it hurts at times. It’s incredibly cheesy but true. Their unconditional love for each other, and for us, is overwhelming. At times I don’t even feel worthy of it. I hope everyone experiences a love as pure and true as this in their lifetime.

happy valentine’s day | joyeuse saint-valentin 

mes petits valentins

henry-et-marie

 

These two melt my heart on any given day, but this particular moment from Paris just about kills me. I’ve never shared it before, but it is one of our absolute favorites. We were going for a stroll after our lovely brunch at Ladurée and stopped to plan our route. This moment is completely candid, believe it or not. Thank goodness Ashley Ludaescher is such an amazing photographer – not only did she see it coming, but she captured it beautifully as well. Henry and Marie are my forever valentines, but it warms my heart to know that they are also each other’s. Forever and always, a beautiful love.

bonne saint-valentin | happy valentine’s day

notre dame – part deux

fleurishing-paris-with-kids

twinslaughing

 

I’m finally getting around to sharing the colorful second set of photos from our beautiful afternoon in Paris. Taken by my friend Ashley Ludaescher, these images perfectly capture the joy we all felt. We made memories there that will never be forgotten – in fact, the kids bring it up all the time and ask when we’re going back. Someday I tell them….hopefully, someday soon. Check out part un (all black + white photography) for more about our day, and click through to see more!

 

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notre dame – part un

paris-with-kids-notre-dame

 

Our entire time in Paris was incredible, but this day…this afternoon in particular, was filled with some of the most perfect and memorable moments of our journey. After reading and learning about Paris since birth, Henry + Marie’s knowledge of the city is impressive – in fact, they can name more monuments than my husband! To finally see Notre Dame (where the gargoyles live) up close was a big moment for them. Upon reaching the cathedral, the kids were speechless, staring up at the massive structure in awe. I feel as if you could look up “awestruck” in the dictionary and a few of these photos would be there. If you think Paris is magical, try experiencing it with children. My Francophile heart almost couldn’t take it.

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an anniversary in paris

anniversarykiss

anniversaryinparis

 

While in Paris, my husband got down on one knee and asked me to marry him…again. As luck would have it, our anniversary (exactly one month and six years ago today) coincided with our trip. I had made reservations at my favorite restaurant, arranged care for the kids with a friend, and imagined us on a romantic midnight stroll along the Seine after enjoying an amazing and memorable dinner. However, between jet lagged toddlers, exhaustion, and not wanting to beg for help, we made the decision to cancel our plans. Our reality was not to be ignored, even in the most romantic city in the world. We chuckled at the stark contrast of it all, compared to the romance and freedom we have known in earlier years. On our anniversary eve, we found ourselves with oven pizza and wine after the kids went to bed. And you know what I realized? Our reality, and our love, is so much richer, deeper, and beautiful, six years later. I live life (and created life) with my best friend. So, in the shadow of Notre Dame, surrounded by our children, I said yes. Again.

many thanks to ashley ludaescher for capturing this unscripted moment!