Paris - Day One

Henry is bubbling with excitement as we arrive at Kings Cross Station in the early hours of the morning.

He studies the map intently to work out where to go next.

Having worked out the route, he sets off towards to Underground to catch the tube to Great Portland Street where we were to meet the coach.

We didn't have to wait too long once at Great Portland Street for the coach to arrive.  As we drove through London on our way to Dover we delighted in the Christmas lights.

Wonderful!

Aboard the Ferry - it was quite cold out there!

Back inside in the warm, Henry watches the sea.

Before long he settles down with this little car and Buzz to play.

No explanation necessary! ;-)

It doesn't seem long before we pull into Calais and have arrived.

The huge doors open and we are ready to drive off the coach.

I have to say driving round Paris was CRAZY!  This part wasn't so bad, but man oh man the round about system is incredible!  No lanes, cars crossing everywhere, crazy give way on the round about rules, so the flow of traffic is inhibited, I'm amazed there wasn't any accidents and can only commend our driver on how well he got us around Paris.

It was a foggy afternoon when we arrived at the River Seine for our River Cruise.  The top of the Eiffel Tower was barely visible.

Henry really enjoyed the cruise and was very excited about being on the boat and seeing all the sights!

Pretty soon he realised just how cold it was and donned his coat!

The architecture was amazing and the statues incredible.

We all thoroughly enjoyed this cruise.  The one and only time I have been to Paris before was day trip when I was home-educating my eldest son.  The River was flooded, so there were no cruises  possible at all, and it was absolutely dismal with rain pouring the whole day we were there.  My only memory of that trip is of being very wet and cold!

No, Henry didn't fall in!

Enjoying ourselves.

After the cruise we drove down the Camps Elysées  

The Christmas decorations were up and it was bright and cheerful.

No, we didn't stay here ;-)

Our hotel was much less grand!

Our room - rather small and disappointingly no tea or coffee making facilities, but otherwise no complaints.

We went out to the nearby Bercy Village and had a lovely meal in an Italian Restaurant...excellent service, menu's in English provided and lovely food.  

More to come...

Henry is getting ready for his trip to France

Henry has been busy today getting his gear ready to take to France.  I have explained we don't need a lot and what he does take he will have to carry himself.  

First of all he asked me if I could make a hat for him.  

What sort of hat?

'A French cap', was his reply.  Hmmm...not really sure what one looks like.

'A bit like Alistair's cap' (Alistair is a KnC boy)

Okay, I think I can do that.

Not sure if it looks at all French, but Henry is happy with it, which is the most important thing.

'Next I need a bigger back pack please, as my other is just too small to put anything but my passport and sunglasses in'.  Henry explains to me.

Never having made one before I made a proto-type, which will do for the weekend, but could probably do with a few refinements!

Henry put the passport in the front pocket, and pinned a couple of his badges on.

Looking at his badges I've realised, Henry collects badges!  Now apparently I have to find his Cornish badge and his Olympic badge!  No mean feat I can tell you...

The size is right, he should be able to put a couple of items of clothing in there.

At least one of us is getting ready!

Henry is going to Paris!

Late yesterday afternoon I received an email inviting Henry and I to Paris with my friend Jill...

"It would be much more fun in Paris with you and Henry than on my own"

 Well how could we refuse such a wonderful invitation?

Before I knew it Henry had dragged out a World Book Encyclopaedia 

And was studying the map of central Paris!

More Dolls for Sale

I've been making good progress with the reduction of my debt having only about a third left to pay.  It has been so hard selling my beloved Sasha and Gregor dolls, but I have made a point of really enjoying who I have kept and keep busy making things for them.  For example my cardigan project for the girls.

I have sorted some more dolls to sell so just in case you are interested they are on this page here   They are not Sasha dolls, but a mixture of 18 inch dolls, 11 - 12 inch dolls and a couple of mint in box action men.

A dress for Monica

Monica finally had a winter dress made for her today.  I have suggested that if she would like I could crochet a fine lace collar for her, but neither of us are sure.  I might do it anyway and then we could see what it looks like before I make it permanent.

The fabric is a really love soft needle/pin cord that a friend sent to me from the US.

Henry's blue cords are made from the same fabric.

It was dark this afternoon so I had to use the flash, but she has such beautiful hair that I just had to take this photo of her.

Bow down to the King

While sitting outside a souvenir shop at Windsor Castle with my friend Jill, my husband came out of it exclaiming 'Look what I have found for Henry, come see if it fits!'

Henry feels rather regal now...Bow down to King Henry!

Henry has been helping me organise and plan gifts for our role as Secret Santa in the Secret Santa Swap...we are both rather excited about it.

Hope everyone else who is taking part is enjoying it.

Henry at Windsor Castle

On Tuesday we went to Windsor Castle for the day.  The morning was bright and clear and we arrived in time for the Changing of the Guards much to Henry's delight.

Henry enjoyed watching the band and guards march by.

He was amazed by the size of the castle.

It really is impressive

I think Henry was rather awe struck by it all.

One of the wardens was delighted to pose with Henry.

Wow!  It is so big!  Henry exclaims.

These gardens much look really spectacular in spring and summer.

Of course all little boys like canons and Henry is no different.

We marvelled at the dolls house and all the wonderful accessories and Henry was amazed that the Princess's dolls also had their own cars...he wants one even more now!

Come on, can we go in now?

Unfortunately no photography was allowed inside.

Henry has another look at the guard.

My friend Jill enjoyed her day out with us.

I think this guard is eyeing Henry suspiciously!

Just before we left we spotted the perfect photo opportunity...Henry rushed over to stand with the guard.

He was very impressed I am sure!

A candid shot of Henry...not sure what he spotted, but it certainly caught his attention.

Henry also came home with a special something which he will show tomorrow.