Look Who's Here!

My parents are here to visit!!! I'm beyond thrilled!

Here's a quick glance at a few things we've been up to:

Notre Dame

Mom and I were taking a quick peek at the Opera House from Galleries Lafayette

At the Seine. The Eiffel Tower is sparkling in all its glory in the background.

Invalides' Gardens

Chilling in the Gardens at Musee Rodin

The Loire Valley

We started our trip in the ancient town of Tours.

Our first stop on the chateaux route was Chenanceux.

But first we passed through beautiful fields of lavender, sunflowers, and vineyards.

Chenanceaux had a gorgeous chapel.

And beautiful interiors.

And lots of copper pots.

And lots and lots of Flemish tapestries.

It's nestled over the river.

And -- it is gorgeous!

And the small town it's located in oozes cuteness.

Small Town of Chenanceaux

There really is lavender everywhere!

Happy to be training in the Loire Valley

and

Happier to be arriving in Amboise!

Chateau Amboise

Leonarda da Vinci is buried in the Chapel at Amboise Chateau.

Just Chillin' at Beautiful Amboise

Isn't it stunning?

And the town was so charming, too!

We had these amazing crepes for lunch. Yum!

And found some fabulous chocolates for dessert.

The Loire River at Amboise & My Handsome Husband

Loving Life

Parmentier -- one of my favorite dinners so far!

When is the last time you had this for dessert???

Vineyards at the Amboise Chateau

Amboise had such a gorgeous view!

Tours was absolutely charming!

Tours Cathedral

Tours Square

Walking the Winding Streets of Tours

Absolutely lovely!

It's Almost 5 O'clock - So You Should Watch a YouTube Video

I kind of wish I had done this at my wedding.

Let Them Eat Cake & Marie's Other Delusions and Fancies

Versaille Day!

This is one of the first views you see as you walk up to the estate:

MBA was feeling not-so-impressed.

Until he got inside and saw this.

And all this.

And he changed his mind a bit.

I told MBA I want a garden like this one day. And by that statement, I mean that I like plants in square pots judiciously placed --- not that I need hundreds. Four or five would probably do it.

It was also a beautiful day!

Instead of starting with the palace (chateau) portion of the estate, we immediately headed to the gardens.

And there were tons and tons of gardens!

There are probably hundreds of statues strewn throughout the gardens of Versaille.

Here's a shot of just a small part of Versaille. That place is mammoth!

The gardens are endless!

Next we headed to Marie Antoinette's Estate

There were various rooms like this -- all immaculately adorned with every fringe and bobble imaginable.

Absolutely Majestic Bedrooms

Promenade with Pink Marble Columns

Pink is so fitting for her!

The exterior is pretty much all pink marble as well.

I feel a little bit awkward in pictures by myself but my mom likes to see my face -- so I oblige.

Matching wallpaper and fabric -- the French do this look so much better than anyone else.
(although I personally would never go for this yellow look. Ha!)

I'm sure you're not shocked - but I loved the regal, French interiors here.

Think: Balance and Harmony.

These intereiors weren't quite as extravagant as the Chateau itself.

Again: Balance.

Then .......

Marie's Backyard!

It's just a little ole' thang!

Kidding ........

It was really beautiful!

Next, we headed over to Marie Antoinette's "Country Estate"

It is a little bit French Country

But also a little not-so-country!

After touring the "country estate," we headed off to fantasy-land.

Where all of Marie's delusions came true!

One of our first glimpse of Fantasy-land -- where Marie played "peasant."

Despite thinking about how nutty she was, it was still pretty fantastic to see this place.

Scotty & MBA guiding the way

After touring Marie's fantasy-land, we all headed back to the front of the estate so MBA and I could view the chateau itself.

Walking and walking and walking to get back to the Chateau from Marie's fantasy-land.

Have I mentioned how huge this estate is?

Entering the Palace

Versaille's Chapel

Hall of Mirrors - It was as incredible as everyone says it is. Truly.

Despite the extravagance -- and keeping in mind the hardship the extravagance created for the French people -- it was still a treat to see Versaille. It definitely adds perspective to the French Revolution!