Spring Break Part II

These pictures are from our camera.  I know it would make more sense to do these posts chronologically, but it would take more effort than I can handle at the moment.

Susannah had some awesome dress-up clothes.    They changed things up often, but most often it was Elsa/Susannah, Leyton/Anna and Ellis/Snowmonster.  Fortunately Ellis wasn't quite old enough to care about being a snow monster.

We frequented the bakery often.  Can't beat a German pretzel.  Leyton was also a big fan of all the beautiful baked Easter treats.

During this two week trip, the girls had authentic Japanese, Swiss, German and French cuisine. Not too shabby for two little American girls.

Bathtime and Angelina Ballerina were the perfect pair to wind down a fun-filled day.

Stuttgart trainstation.  Leyton was terrified of the pigeons.  The girls are posing in front of a giant stack of  Ritter chocolate, made in Stuttgart.

The highlight of our trip was the three days we spent in Paris.  Both Peter and Whitney speak French, and after living in Japan for over a year, it was SO refreshing to have companions that can effectively communicate.  Even for me, though I don't speak French or German, just being able to read signs at all was so refreshing.  It made me aware of just how illiterate I am here in Japan.  Oh, to read traffic signs... and restaurant menus... what a luxury.

For the most part, the girls liked the train ride.  And it was a cool, and quick, way to view some beautiful German and French countryside.  It reminded me a lot of rural America, actually.

Princess wands and the Eiffel Tower

We left Japan during the height of Cherry Blossom season.  But the grow in Europe, too, so we didn't miss out.

There is a little playground next to the Tower where we (tried) contained the kids while Mr. Peter picked us up some French cuisine for our dinner picnic.

The girls enjoyed a delicious French breakfast at the apartment before we headed out sight-seeing.   Leyton and Susannah got to share a room, which was very fun for them (and they actually slept too, which was nice).  Ellis and I shared a room, too.  I shoved two twin beds together.  It was her first time not in a crib, and it was.... interesting.  We EVENTUALLY slept.