Technically we've been back for a week, but who's counting? I'd like to say it was jet lag that kept me from posting for a week, but honestly I was just being lazy. Oops. So, let's get started with catching up, shall we?
First thing's first - we had an AMAZING Christmas! Bryan and I were both very excited about hosting Christmas at our house for the first time. Don't get me wrong, we love going down to Brunswick for Christmas, but there was just something really exciting about starting some of our own traditions here in Atlanta. The family arrived on Friday, and we had a nice spaghetti dinner once everyone was in town. That Friday was also a special day for me and Bryan as it was the 5 year anniversary of the day he proposed. The two of us had lunch at a new restaurant in Decatur to celebrate. Christmas Eve was full of lots of fun. We started the day off with some delicious breakfast at Sugar Coated Radical (if you live in Atlanta, you MUST check this place out. Amazing.). Then we went over to the World of Coke. I hadn't been since I started work with Coke, and so it was just a fun thing to do with everyone. After that it was mani/pedis for the ladies while the men hit up Atlantic Station. That night we went over to the Klisch's for Christmas Eve dinner, and some Stillwagon Scattegories. It was a blast! Christmas Day was pretty much perfect! We all got up, and spent the morning (and some of the afternoon) opening presents. You see, we don't have the philosophy of just ripping open all the presents at once. Present opening is a very thoughtful process, and everyone goes one at a time. You spend so much time picking out presents, so why rush through the opening part? We even had "half-time" to get some snacks and take a break before we finished. The rest of the day was spent playing, and hanging out in our PJs. It was pretty awesome.
A family pic before the Klisch's move to Chicago.
And then for the REAL family pic
Christmas morning - we opened stockings first.
Christmas dinner - yes we're still in PJ's. :)
That brings us to Paris!!! Bryan and I flew out the day after Christmas, and spent 5 amazing days in Paris. I don't even know where to begin with how much I enjoyed the city. The architecture was stunning, the streets were beautiful, the people were nice, the food was unbelievable, and the city was especially romantic at night. Instead of telling you all about, it's easier to show you in pictures.
THE best bread in Paris. OMG.
The first night we got there it was so foggy you couldn't see the top of the Eiffel Tower. We still wanted to go see it though. Pretty good picture considering the lack of sleep at this point. :)
The first restaurant we went to had a sampler as a dessert option. I'm sorry - have you met my husband?
Believe it or not, this is a picture from the top of a department store. Quite the view!
We had one really sunny day while we were there. So we woke up really early to get in line for the Eiffel tower. It was totally worth it - amazing!
From the very top. Not gonna lie - it was pretty scary up there.
Like I said....it was a good thing we got in line earlier. This was the line only an hour after it opened.
Notre Dame.
A street performer. I just thought this was a great picture.
Arc de Triomphe - the traffic here totally blew my mind. I stood there for a few minutes in awe of how in the world they made it around that circle. I saw so many near accidents!
It was quite impressive.
Me with the Eiffel Tower.
Bryan's turn. This is what happens when you travel as a couple.
The Moulin Rouge.
We went on a food tour (that Bryan created) and went to this amazing chocolate store. This is the owner. She was completely quirky and oh so cute!! Loved it!
Okay, I have to admit. I don't like soft french cheese. This was brie....I called it stinky cheese. Yes I've had brie in the U.S., and yes I like it. No, I couldn't even eat one bite over there. Ugh.
Angelina's hot chocolate. OMG - it was like a melted chocolate bar. Yes please. I would also like to add that on this particular day Bryan and I wore our rain jackets. Are you aware that everyone in Paris wears black? I'm not talking about just a few people wearing a little bit of black. I'm talking about the entire city dresses in all black. We kind of stood out.
Embarrassing myself.
At least I'm not alone.
A cool shot Bryan got with the panoramic feature on his iPhone. We had a few people looking at us.
NYE at the Eiffel tour. Quite memorable, and a great way to start 2012!
A New Year's Day breakfast of champions. Everywhere was closed, and we were too cheap to pay for the breakfast at the hotel, so we ate what we had. Macaroons (b/c we totally ate our weight in macaroons while we were there), leftover champagne from the night before, and a banana from the flight to Paris. Better than nothing.
Needless to say, we had a ball on our trip. I fell in love with the city of lights, and can't wait to go back! There was so much that we still want to do there. And to think we were worried that we wouldn't be able to fill our time for 5 days. What a joke!
P.S. - be sure to check out Bryan's Photography page. He added a few of his best shots from Paris. (He's so talented!)
