Paris: Smash*book Style

Something I wanted to share with my fellow crafty peeps goes along with my previous Paris post. It's my Smash*book. If you've never heard of a Smash*book, it's a sort of junque journal with no real rules.They've really been around forever, but K&Company just made it pretty. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, each one offering pages specific to its particular design.

When we decided to move to Germany, I bought the travel book. Turns out I will be needing more than one to document all of our trips! It's a great way to incorporate pictures and mementos from your trips (or everyday life OR whatever you want), that would otherwise just sit in a drawer. I used to scrapbook when the girls were younger, and I found that that just took so much patience and every little thing to be right. I would get discouraged after one page (that took an hour), and eventually just quit altogether. You know what Sweet Brown would say...."ain't nobody got time for that!"

With this style of documenting, I can literally just glue something down, no rhyme or reason. Though, this book at least still has reason. But I can grab a pamphlet from a museum or a menu from a restaurant, and include it in the book. It just makes more sense to me this way. Plus, I now have the whole family looking for smash-able goodies. When Josh went to Turkey, he brought back all sorts of goodies! It adds something extra to the trip-like a scavenger hunt.

Today I thought I would just share with you a few of the pages I did for the Paris trip we took in July, that you can read about here.

How do you document your vacations or special occasions? Are you a photo album person? Maybe a traditional scrapbook? Do you Smash or mini album? Let's talk about it! 

Fourth of July weekend in Paris

I've never been the kind of girl that needed to go to Paris, but if the opportunity arises, you take it! So we did. For our first major (as in, leave the country) trip, we decided we were going to see what all the fuss was about. Paris--you did not disappoint.

All five of us-and Khloe-piled in our little Kia and drove the slightly over five hours from Wiesbaden to Paris. Surprisingly, there wasn't much to see on the way. It was so funny to see nothing for miles and miles and miles, and then BAM-a bustling little town. Then miles and miles of nothing again. We learned a few valuable lessons on this trip, and most of them were centered around the restrooms. Lesson 1: when we stopped to use a rest area somewhere in France, the toilet was a hole in the ground that flushes the whole room! Have you ever tried to teach someone how to use the bathroom like that? Add that to the list of mom duties I could live without. 

Lesson 2: Stop for gas when you are at 1/4 tank. Don't assume you can make it to the next one. There might not be a next one. We almost ran out of gas looking for gas. Someone (who shall remain nameless), didn't want to stop at the first one the GPS directed us to. He wanted to find one closer to the route. Needless to say, we ended up going 20 minutes in the wrong direction, paying extra tolls and getting totally frustrated in the process to find a station. But we did get to detour through an adorable little town on the way. Too bad the first station we came to, someone ran out to tell us “NO GAS” while waving their hands completely over drastically. We did end up with gas and no one had to push the car, so all's well that ends well. 

Once we got into Paris, we hit tons of traffic since it was rush hour.  Lesson 3: we learned that motorcycles do what they want. They were weaving in between cars and acting like the cars were at fault if they were in the way. I almost lost an arm hanging it out the window at 0 miles per hour. We tried to keep everyone entertained while we waited, and in honor of our French friends, we started singing “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. When we got to the line 'don't believe me? ask the dishes', instead of singing, “ask the dishes”, Jill said “ask the b*tches”. We couldn’t even stop laughing enough to act mad! Sometimes kids are just too funny to reprimand. (now, read my previous post and ask me if I still think it's funny...)

Instead of staying in a super expensive hotel where you have to eat every meal out or have vending machine snacks for dinner, we decided to do something different. Notice how I say 'we' as if I had a say in the matter. Josh decided to do something different, so all the credit goes to him. We stayed at EuroCamp International park. We basically went camping outside Paris. We stayed in a really nice two bedroom trailer with a kitchen and a deck, in a trailer park/camp ground. Another benefit was that Khloe could come with us, so we saved on boarding. Every park is different, so some have water parks, golfing, fishing, live entertainment, etc. Ours didn't have any of the bells and whistles, but we were in PARIS! Plus, how much time do you really spend in the room on vacation?? When we arrived at the EuroCamp, the girls were a little surprised. You could hear their gasps in the backseat when they learned we were staying in a trailer at a campsite. Despite their initial hesitation, they loved it. They got to sleep in bunk beds, so they were sold. 

We dropped our stuff and the dog and headed for the metro station, which was a few blocks away. Trying to figure that out was fun. We finally got going in the right direction around 8pm. We decided to head straight for the Eiffel Tower—man was that impressive! Peyton just kept saying “up, up, up”. From then on, it was named the Up Up Tower. I'm pretty sure at some point that night, I actually pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming about seeing this magnificent sight in person. We didn't end up staying out for long that night because everyone was a little tired and we wanted to be fresh for the next day. Plus, I reaaaally had to use the potty and (lesson4) the street facilities close after a certain time apparently. Imagine Josh and the kids' faces as I dragged them from street toilet to street toilet and every one says 'out of order'. I didn't see THAT info on TripAdvisor! 

 

The next day, we started by taking the metro out to the Eiffel Tower. From there, we boarded the big red bus and saw all the major sights of the city from atop a tour bus. We ate lunch at the Trocadero, where we had a perfect view of the Tower. We just ate at a little cart selling French foods. Josh had a Ciabatta sandwich with jambon (ham). Kyla and I both had a hot dog in a giant baguette stuffed with gruyere cheese. Jill had the croque monsieur (hot toast with ham and cheese topped with more cheese). She obviously hated it, since she barely ate any. At any rate, we can say we've eaten French street food IN France, with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. 

After lunch, we went to the Pont du Arts to ‘lock our love’. I had read about it beforehand, so I knew to bring a lock (and not pay the 8 Euro they were charging on the streets)! You are supposed to decorate it how you want, lock it, and throw the keys in the River Siene as some grand romantic gesture. When we tried to throw our keys in the river, they hit the bridge and came back at our feet- return to sender—OOPS! We did eventually get the keys to sink though. Later that day we walked from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. That's quite a longer stretch than we estimated, so by then everyone was exhausted and overheated. We headed back to the trailer, and after we cooled off some, we walked into town, Maison Lafitte, and got some pizza.

We started the next day at the Arc de Triomphe. Since we didn’t go to the top of the Eiffel, we decided we’d wait to go to the top of the Arc. What a great idea! We could see almost everything in the city, including the tower. Since we had Peyton in the backpack, we didn’t even have to climb all the stairs, they let us ride the lift! Bonus.

After the Arc, we walked down Champs Elysees. We had promised Peyton we’d go see Mickey to avoid a major meltdown on the Arc. By the time we got there, of course he was asleep! Peyton got his first Disney store shirt and the girls each got a bag with all the Paris sights (and Mickey). They carried them around for the rest of the day like they were little Parisian shoppers. Being on Champs Elysees, I knew we had to find the world famous Laduree-I was dying to try a macaron, just to see what the fuss was all about. OH. MY. WORD. They did not disappoint! I fell in love with the chocolate/coconut. I was ready to stock up before we left. The guy checking out in front of me spent 99 Euro, but at the time I couldn’t see why. My mind has changed. That macaron was worth the whole trip. While we waited in line, the girls were each given a free sample, which was really nice. The whole experience was just so cute and girly. The packaging, the storefront, the displays: this was what I pictured when I thought of Paris.

After macarons, we walked back to the big red bus stop to catch a ride to Notre Dame, which was about a thirty minute ride. When we got to one of the stops we had to wait on the bus for a while. One of the guys pedaling the mini Eiffel Tower key chains reached in and gave one to Peyton. I was pretty sure Josh was going to spike it back out the window at him, because he thought he was just trying to sell it, extra pushy style. It turns out he was just being nice. I had always heard how rude Parisians were to tourists, but we didn't really experience any of that while we visited. 

When we got to Notre Dame, we were all hot and tired (again), but determined to experience the sight. We started to make our way to the Saint Jean Garden around back. As we’re walking this guy comes running past. A minute later we see a cop car zooming down the dirt road towards us. We literally had to jump out of the way of the car. Jill said she was picking gravel out of her eyes an hour later. That made for some excitement. Jill had to use the restroom while we waited, and when she came out she said they were playing “Red and Black” from Les Miserables inside. Go figure my child would be able to recognize show tunes while she washed her hands! We decided to cool off with some frozen drinks, and stroll around the outside. The line to get in to the cathedral was ridiculously long, and we knew there was no way Peyton could handle that in the heat, plus the hour+ tour inside. We’ll have to put that on our next trip’s itinerary. After the cathedral, we tried to find the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, but that one eluded us, too. All the more reason for a next trip!

We ended up taking the bus back to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. We walked around and did some window shopping, then grabbed dinner at McDonalds. Or Les McDonalds if you will. That’s life with small kids: trade the fancy snails for chicken nuggets. 

So, we are definitely planning a return trip, because we didn't get to see a lot of things in detail like we wanted. My parents will be here this summer, and Paris is on the list of where we HAVE to take them (even though my dad has been before). Hopefully, we can stay longer than a few days next time, and maybe even see Disney while we're there. When we do go, we will be armed with all the lessons we learned the first time around, plus a few we've picked up in other cities so far. Our travel plan has definitely evolved, and I might even be able to offer up a few tips in a future post! 

Oh! Lesson 5: Let your children watch Disney. Everything I know about France, I've learned from Disney and Les Miserables. (And one line in Home Alone where Kevin's sister says he's "les incompétent") 

How's my parenting?

Something happened this week that really made me stop, think, and reevaluate myself.  I was feeling a little down in the dumps because I'm not some super successful lawyer or doctor. I don't have fabulous stories from my twenties. I'm a mom. Nothing special or fancy on top-just laundry folding, dinner making, sew this, find that, mom. But I think that if my family is going to be my life's work, then I need to be the best (for my family) that I can be.  Frankly, I feel like I was born to be a mom. And let's face it, I'm not like a regular mom, I'm like a cool mom. [Daily mean Girls reference? CHECK!]

Some days, I feel like I'm crushing this mom thing, and then things like this happen. One of my offspring said the F word. You know which one I'm talking about, too. The one Ralphie got his mouth washed out for. Mmmhmmm. THAT one. I was flabbergasted. My blood boiled. I was so angry, and hurt, and disappointed, and every other negative emotion that you can think of, and I didn't even hear the word. It was said at school to a friend during a 'game'. Honestly, I don't really understand what happened, but I know it was said. At least she was honest--10 points for Gryffyndor.

The thing that got me was that this is exactly the type of thing I tsk tsk tsk and shake my head about when I hear other kids do it. I hear the teenagers, as soon as they leave their parent's sight, saying all sorts of awful things that makes me want to tattle on them like I'm a four year old. I hear them saying things (that make me blush) about their boyfriends or girlfriends, and I think how angry and betrayed and embarrassed their parents would feel if they heard how their kids spoke when they weren't around. But I take comfort in the fact that I don't use that language around my kids. I console myself with the thought that they know right from wrong, they aren't ones to let people pressure them, and they are (mostly) pretty darn great kids.

But when this happened it felt like that foundation I built my trust and complacency on was shattered. Maybe I do need to be more strict. Maybe I should shelter them more and follow them to school and be more like those 'regular' moms. Maybe I'm just not doing enough somehow. Not a great feeling, my friends. I know every parent goes through this at some point. I also know that in the grand scheme of life, one little curse word is just a drop in the bucket. But I freaked at the thought that this was so easy for her to be swayed into wrong. All it took was a little pressure from her "friends" and she caved. So this time it was cursing, maybe next time is drugs or alcohol. My mind races, people.

Josh had to calm me and try and reason with me. He said "this just goes to show, you can only do so much." Maybe he's right, maybe you can only lead the horse to water and hope that it makes the right decision to drink. Maybe you can only set the example as best as you can, and put your trust in your child and in God that they won't be led astray.

But just to be safe, I'm gonna go ahead and finish one of these bumper stickers for each child....

Bavarian Vacation

Another action and fun filled weekend is in the books for the Stinson clan. We decided to spend Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in the Bavarian Alps. We had gone over Memorial Day weekend, shortly after we arrived in Germany last spring, and really enjoyed it. So it seemed a good choice for a winter mini vacation this year.

However, we did two things this time that we didn't do last time. 1) We went with friends and 2) we took ski/snowboard lessons. What better place to learn than the Alps, right?! 

We had an awesome time! The kids and Josh took ski lessons, and I did snowboarding. The first day it was the girls' and my lessons. They came home saying "my feet are a little sore from the boots". Meanwhile, I'm dragging my limp body around the room, popping Advil, and wishing I had brought the heating pads. My everything hurt. I spent more time on my butt/face/knees/back than I did on my feet. And I have the bruises and muscle stiffness to prove it. But I had a blast, and can't wait to go again. I'm thinking that's all that really matters.

one of the few times I stayed up! 

ski bunny one

ski bunny two

Josh had his lessons the second day and the girls continued theirs, as well. Josh of course was mastering techniques right out of the gate. Looking like he had been doing it for years. Natural talent is so annoying, but yay him. The kids actually got to leave "the backyard" and go up the mountain to the bunny slopes. They said it was a little scary at first, but they loved it. Kyla said she's a ski bunny now. We were so worried they would be worn out and over it by the end of the weekend lessons, but they were begging to go again. I guess we are going to have to move above sea level when we move back to the states! 

The pro skier

In addition to all the fun on the slopes (or icy hills), we had a little R&R. We hit up the pool-where Peyton showed us all he's a water baby-and we had a nice Italian dinner in town with friends. Then we headed back to the lodge for a very entertaining version of Minute to Win It, and fireworks. 

A very nice weekend with the right balance of action and rest (and Apollo 13). 

Peyton had a blast in the snow

Hello, Dark Side? I'd like my child back.

I think it's safe to say we are entering "terrible" territory. With only a few weeks until my boy's birthday, he has really ramped up the rotten. Screaming, climbing everything (today I found him in a window sill, saying "mommy, can you help Peyton?"), throwing, and just general bad boy behavior. I don't mind it too much. Partly because he's my baby, and I know I'll long for these days soon enough. And partly because he only does it at home where I can semi ignore it.

He could be acting like the biggest butt at home, but the minute we leave the house, he's angelic. I can't really argue with that. At least he's learned what's socially acceptable...

Unfortunately, we've spent the last two days cooped up at home. Wednesday was spent creating a model bird for a fourth grade project. In said fourth grader's defense, she did work and create the project herself. She even turned it in early! That's when she was told that it must be made of clay. So, mom spent the next day trying every clay recipe on Pinterest and constructing a model of the yellow shouldered blackbird. I hated birds before this, and I absolutely loathe them now. After the third try, I finally got it, though. 

Today has been a frantic packing day. We are taking a ski trip this weekend, and I  am usually tasked with prepping all the bags. I try to think of every possible scenario we might encounter while on a trip. I'm a classic overpacker. This time was a little different since we actually need a bunch of random things. Snow boots and swim suits shouldn't be in the same suitcase. And since we are home and the boy is in his comfy rottenness, it's been quite the challenge to get things done. And loud. If there's one thing that really tops my list of annoyances, it's the screaming.

Playing with the toilet brush is pretty high on that list, too. Yuck. 

I believe I can fly

Actually, I believe I will never fly again. Color me traumatized.

We took a trip this past weekend to the Technik Museum Speyer about an hour away, near Heidelberg. It was an awesome museum--probably the best I've ever been to. (And I feel like that's saying something, since I've been to almost all the Smithsonian Museums.) 

The Technik museum was all about transportation, including my favorite part: space exploration. Yes, it had all the things you'd expect to see at an air and space museum- planes, moon rocks, etc.  But what this place had that I've never experienced anywhere else, was a real 747. Not a life sized replica...an actual aircraft that they actually flew in to the nearest airfield, disassembled on the flight line, put on a truck to be taken to the museum, then reassembled IN THE AIR. That's right. The plane is "in flight", meaning it's tilted as if it's taking off or doing a slight roll in the air! It's really kind of awe inspiring and the best part is that you can actually climb about six flights of stairs to explore the inside of this massive aircraft. More on this later-first let me walk you through the rest of the day before I embarrass myself. 

After we meandered around the inside of the museum, we decided to go out to the huge courtyard that held all the aircraft (and a coastguard ship and a German U 9 submarine). We went in the helicopters and the ships and the cargo plane. Everything was fine. The kids-even/especially Peyton- were having a BLAST. I have to admit, I was too, despite the chilly weather. But, when we'd had all we could take of the cold, we had lunch and headed to the space building. 

This was where things got a little goofy. Why do the Germans have a giant-again not replica-Russian space shuttle? Or a lunar rover vehicle? Or "Neil Armstrong's" space suit? It baffles my mind and frankly makes me a little territorial, that there is a whole exhibit about the US space program in another country. But I digress. We walked around there for a bit checking everything out. And then the selfies started. I find myself doing anything I can to get my preteen daughters to laugh these days. So, selfies with the moon, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, the Earth, the space shuttle. You name it, I selfie'd with it. 

After the space building, we decided to explore the gigantic 747. We went back out to the courtyard, climbed sooo many stairs, and went in. Did I mention it's "in flight"? Completely tilted so that if you're not careful, you will go careening to the other side of the plane. And the Germans- they don't really do warning signs or safety gates. I guess they figure you'll sort it out. "Let them fall...I bet that'll teach them." It's bananas. 

Now...cue the hyperventilation.

I tend to be prone to anxiety attacks. I always seem to picture the worst possible scenario at the worst possible time. This time was no different. Did the plane just move?! Don't let the baby down. Girls-get away from there. Don't open that hatch! I was a lunatic. And I have a minor heart condition that causes my pulse to race unexpectedly and with no real reason. After all the stairs and the onset of my anxiety attack, I needed air quickly. So I stepped out the door clearly marked exit. What was NOT clearly marked was where I was exiting to: the wing of the plane. Boy that was helpful. 

So needless to say, when we were all safely on the ground and the aircraft did not fall on us after all, I decided I'm either staying here forever, or they'll have to ship me back to the States!