We got an early start today to try and beat the rain forecast for the afternoon. Wouldn't you know that just as we got everyone loaded into the stroller, it started to rain! Well, we were not stopping - once you get this train in motion, you don't stop it for anything! Luckily the rain did not last and our first stop was Notre Dame - not only to behold one of the most magnificent gothic cathedrals still in existence but also because we heard there was a playground in the back. After taking the girls through the church, looking at the stained glass and listening to the choir, we went around back and found exactly 1 swing (occupied), one spinner, (occupied) and one inexplicable climbing structure that I'm not sure even Jack was tall enough to climb on! Hey, beggars can't be choosers and the girls patiently waited their turns and otherwise ran around and chased the pigeons. We walked home through the Marais neighborhood and landed back at home just in time to pop around the corner to Laudree for a cup of tea and a exquisite pastry! The girls each chose from the case and Jack tried their famous Rose Religieues (rose-flavored cream puff). We even brought a few macarons home for later!

As an aside, we have noticed on previous trips that Parisians seem to make a point of not noticing tourists - they brush right by in a cloud of cigarette smoke and Chanel #5 without a second thought. Well, we have discovered the secret to being noticed ... cruise the city streets while conveying your children in a Bob Duallie (for the uninitiated, this is the Humvee of double strollers). The locals not only stop and gawk, they elbow their effortlessly chic friend who promptly hangs up her phone so she too can give her full attention to gawking. It's not disgust as much as shock - they really just can't believe it! I just can't imagine going out with these kids without a big double stroller - what are we going to do when Natalie no longer fits in the Bjorn? Does Bob make a triple?!?

That's it for tonight!