Every time my better half goes exploring the world, I pretty much hunker down with the beagles at home and just watch the world go by.
So I was excited as could be when, Rick decided to plan a trip for us. The plan changed quite a bit. At one point, it was going to include scaling mountains to see ancient ruins. I was ready to just be thankful for the trip, but he read between the lines and finally said, “I think France is probably somewhere you’d really like to go,” and, with tears in my eyes, I heartily agreed. So France it was!
We heard a lot of things when we prepared for our trip. One was that Parisians were unfriendly and wouldn’t help us. I’m happy to report that with only hopeful, pleading eyes and the words, “Bonjour. Parlez vous anglais?” we got around everywhere just fine, and found Parisians to be more than helpful when we were in any sort of need. We also found the word “Pardon” to be more than enough for subway bumps or when we were getting in the way with our touristy distraction.
On the way to the airport, bags packed, pups kissed, passport in hand, I became suddenly nervous. We had to pause the pop and sing some worship music for me to even be able to slow my racing heart. Once we boarded the flight, I was totally fine.
After leaving on Saturday morning, we arrived on what was Sunday morning the following day local time. We were red-eyed and disheveled, but ventured from our hotel to the heart of Paris to pick up our Museum Passes anyway. The excitement of being somewhere new carried us through the day.
After a bit of confusion and a lot of trial an error with public transport, we managed to make it to our destination (were I to give any piece of advice to a first-time traveler to Paris, it would be to take FULL advantage of the underground Metro. It was the best, most affordable, and often fastest way to get around town).
Everywhere I turned, I was dazzled by the architecture. Styles from many centuries mingled harmoniously. There wasn’t a detail that didn’t enchant me. I found everything from louvered shutters to lampposts to be exceptionally beautiful.
We had so many experiences that first day that remain undocumented by this jet-lagged pair, but the blur of wandering through Paris, seeing the Jardin des Tuileries for the first time (it brought tears to my eyes), getting caught on the wrong side of the street thanks to mobs of marathoners (we loved it), eating at a sidewalk cafe for the first time (and frustrating our waiter by not understanding how to order a breakfast), and deliriously checking into our hotel for a nap were things I’ll never forget.
We concluded the first night with a dinner cruise on the Seine River and grabbed these quick snapshots despite our weariness.
The next morning, we awoke refreshed, ready to tackle the subway system, and were greeted by a cool, hazy morning.
Our first stop was the Louvre. Forgive the photo quality; visibility was pretty low that morning (it was the perfect, chilly morning to spend in a museum). 
As incredible as the works of Art were, much of the building itself was just as impressive.
I can’t quite put into words the enormity of this museum. Had we been determined to explore it entirely, I imagine we’d have to dedicate many full days. We later explored Musée d’Orsay and found it to be much more manageable (and a treat for this impressionism-lover).
The Jardin des Tuileries was by far where I felt the most ecstatic in Paris. It just felt like the sort of restful, friendly environment where you’d want to spend the day. From the many fountains to children’s playgrounds, it was a delight to spend a couple of mornings in these gardens.
We spent the next few days exploring the city and its sites.
We trotted to Notre Dame in the pouring rain, and it only got heavier as we walked.
Just as we sought shelter in a quiet cafe, this procession of men mounted on horseback rode by. It was an impressive display.
We eventually reached Notre Dame. 
Another afternoon of walking around followed our visit to Notre Dame, and we were rewarded with the sun peaking out from behind the clouds.
Rick journeyed out that evening and captured so many gorgeous shots of Paris at night.
This photo is a favorite of mine.
I hate to admit that I twisted my ankle many times on streets just like this one.
The next day, we traveled to Versailles and were greeted by huge crowds and long lines.
The hallways and servants’ quarters were my favorite parts of Versailles.
While other tourists clearly preferred the more-is-more interiors full of gilded moldings, marble, and dripping with crystal.
More is more was certainly the philosophy for construction.
While we both found Versailles in June to be quite crowded and uncomfortable, we found the gardens to be delightful. In fact, we consider it one of our top five moments of our trip.
I preferred these organic paths to the perfectly-manicured grounds closer to the palace.
This goofy many posed like Hercules. He wanted me to know that Hercules copied him, not the other way around.
But I let it slide because he rowed me around in a boat that day.
And it was as magical as it sounded. I was sure to capture these hard-working hands that were so happy to treat me to a ride. 
Again, one of the sculptures. This man never stops. 
That evening, we traveled back to our first hotel and then walked to a cafe for dinner.
We set off for Nice on our fourth day. There was a great deal of uncertainty because, though we had planned to ride the TGV, we had to wait until the day before to book tickets thanks to an ongoing strike. Thankfully, we were able to book tickets and to travel on time (however, we were later unable to go to Giverny as planned thanks to the strikes).
We were glad to arrive in Nice. What a charming, vibrant city! After checking into our hotel, which was thankfully ready early, we hit the pavement and walked to an early dinner and then out for some preliminary exploration.
We found a path and spontaneously began quite a memorable hike. Can you spot the pigeons taking flight?
This guy is definitely our gas pedal.
And I am the brakes! I think I felt ready to read a book by the ocean rather than continuing to climb.
But our efforts were rewarded!
The stunning view of Nice and the coast of the French Riviera was a refreshment.
It revitalized us and carried us right back down.
The next day, I was determined to visit the open-air market and Rick faithfully navigated us there.
It did not disappoint! The charm peonies, lavender, and olive trees was all I could have hoped for after traveling through Provence. I would have loved to have spent more time in the region, particularly Aix-en-Provence.
After our morning at the flower market, we headed to the beaches soak up a rare glimpse of the sun.
Rick helped a couple of ladies out of the water; the rocky beach made it easy to slide back into the water.
We traveled into town and loved the fountain splash pad at the Promenade de Paillon.
Next, we ventured into Old Town, or Vieux Nice, and were absolutely enchanted by what we saw and explored. This was also a “Top 5” moment for me on our trip. The locally-owned shops, winding streets, clothes out to dry, and wonderful bakeries made the day one of my favorite afternoons.
Beautiful moments were at every turn (like these gorgeous public fountains). 
One of these baskets (along with a table throw and a pillow cover) came home with us. 
After some exploration, we headed to dinner and opted for the beach front.
We were surprised to eat one of our favorite burgers of all time in France! The waiter made us laugh by apologizing for it not being a big, American burger. But we assured him this was actually much better. 
We were so sad to bid Nice goodbye, but we’re happy to return to Paris.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower was a bit of a surprise to us; the park felt like a giant, relatively-tame, college frat party with a few families mixed in. There were people selling wine, beer and cigarettes all over the park, and we stepped on plenty of bottle caps and corks.
Everyone was festive and friendly to say the least.
We walked from the buildings you can see at the far side of the green lawn up a long ways for this photo. 
We climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe after a rather eventful trip down Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The spiral staircase climb upward was a bit taxing, and even dizzying, but we were again rewarded for our efforts with stunning views. 
We lingered for quite some time and enjoyed a sunset before a night stroll back to our hotel. 
The next day, we set out to visit Montemarte: the hilly, Parisian neighborhood of my dreams. First, though, we dedicated the morning to my favorite spots. I insisted we have a leisurely morning without cameras (well at least after grabbing the fountain photo below).
We stopped in a natural bath shop, and I was pleased to come home with a hand soap, bath wash, and perfume without artificial fragrances.
After a leisurely rest in the Louvre Gardens (duck watching was a must-do on my morning itinerary), we stopped by Musée d’Orsay and I soaked up all the impressionism my heart could drink in. While we didn’t get to visit his home and gardens in Giverny, I was still able to see many Monet paintings in person.
On the way to Montemarte, we encountered a fabled bridge. It’s said that if two people leave a lock on the bridge, their love will last forever. We embraced the whimsy. 
We symbolically threw away the keys. 🙂 
After completing our last detour, we hopped on the Metro and walked/climbed the rest of the way to Montemarte.
By this time, I was no longer surprised to see throngs of people concentrated in a touristy area like this, so we did our best to push our way to quiet alleys and the outskirts of the area as quickly as we could. 
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was the most notable landmark on the hilltop overlooking the city below and the area immediately surrounding it to the South and West were especially crowded. 
Street art was a theme all over Paris. 
I loved the view behind the restaurants, though just around the corner was a flood of fellow tourists. 
Cobble stones; multi-story, narrow homes; operable shutters and lush window boxes made this area feel extra French. 
Unbelievably, there was a vineyard called Vignes du Clos Montmartre tucked away in this hilly, urban environment. I snapped a photo through the chain link fence. 
Another aspect that delight me throughout our time in France was the plant life the pushed through every manmade crevice. 
Well-tended gardens and climbing vines galore added so much charm to this area. 
I loved this little pocket park, Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet,which was full of locals enjoying the park with friends and children. It is just North East of the Basilica, and was so quaint and restful. 
This guy does the best glare every time he reads. Here, we were navigating our way back to the hotel. 
After a day of zipping all over (from our hotel near the Eiffel, to the Louvre Gardens, through a museum, and Montemarte), we took a short rest in our room. Then, we grabbed dinner (more like sat down and enjoyed a meal; I’m not sure the American idea of quickly grabbing a bite to eat was something we experienced once) and Rick took us on one last adventure.
We bought tickets for the Montparnasse Tower to get a panoramic view of Paris at night. Rick was able to take the most incredible photos from this vantage point.
I don’t have the words to summarize our trip and what it meant to me.
I do know the world sure feels a lot smaller. I do know I love the idea of allowing travel to touch your heart, change you, and become a part of you. I learned how much I adore observing cultural difference, and I realized just how little World History I know.
I know I will treasure this experience forever. It was bittersweet knowing we may never come back, but that only grew my adoration for the trip. Not only was this, perhaps, once in a lifetime, I realize that some folks never even dream of a trip like this. I am forever thankful.
I also know I love this man, that I cherish alone time with him, and that every bit of our life together has been, and will continue to be, a grand adventure.
We filled the house with pretty details to mark the special occasion.
We knew Jenna suspected SOMETHING was going on for her 25th Birthday, but we hoped that seeing her friends as a surprise was enough to put her off the trail.
Doesn’t he look like a guy with a big secret?
We sang to the birthday girl, then we forced her to open presents in front of the guests so everyone could be gathered together in one place.
He declared his love, the joy Jenna brought him, and asked her to marry him.
Then it was time to take a LOT of fun pictures and celebrate!
The precious Galvins gathered with the happy couple for a photo op!
Jamie did a WONDERFUL job keeping the big secret. She was proud to remind us that she called their future marriage years before the rest of us. 
Then it was our turn to gather around!
The mommas. 
Then the friends! These two are certainly blessed with some good ones!
The ring is just STUNNING and I didn’t get to see it until after he proposed and she accepted. It so added to the surprise! 
I’m so thankful my brother is so happy and that this sweet one is joining our family!
Even though everyone had changed back into comfy clothes, everyone cooperated when I showed up (late) and asked them to halt dinner production so we could snap a few photos. 
Easter at Momma and Daddy’s house was wonderful. Jenna joined us after she and Brother brunched with her family. 
Jenna graciously swapped places with me so I could be in a photo, too. I still introduce this guy as my “little” brother. 
Momma set a simple, pretty table (like she always does). Magnolia at Target to the rescue.
These bunnies have been with us since the house on Branham Mill.
A neighbor brought my parents these cheery tulips. 
I laughed to see this little mouse keeping guard on the edge of the table. 
Happy Easter from us to you. Maybe next year, that man of mine will be with us.
It’s the limelights he helped you plant in the hard, unyielding soil, that you’ve carefully dried and set proudly on display.
Love is that room painted a little darker than I’d like and a lot more feminine than he’d choose because it’s ours.
It’s that pup drifting off on a chilly day on a bright, sun-warmed bed, abiding securely after being surrendered by the last family.
It’s the safest, most restful place to be.
It’s persevering and choosing to bless when it doesn’t seem to be deserved…
… But forgetting all about those faults and loving that bad dog anyway. 
It makes the domestic and mundane extraordinary. It’s the very best of all.
This handsome man made the day a lot more fun for our niece and nephews who came to play in the snow.
Believe it or not, this was his FIRST snow angel. 
He laughed. 
And got some unexpected help.
We declared it a success.
This guy had three desires: hit his uncle as much as possible with snowballs, tackle everyone, and go FAST on the sled.
Well, I’d be intimidated. How about you?
This guy got pegged once or twice… 
Or maybe more than once!
But I have a funny feeling he didn’t mind.
Now, I don’t want to leave you thinking there was only one victim. 
In fact, everyone got hit (besides me, that is; it pays to stand behind the camera)!
Even Harley Girl and Lucy Pup got in on the action. 
Sometimes, things got a little TOO rough.
But Uncle changed his mind.
Spending time with family we love (three of whom are growing up MUCH too quickly) was the best part of the day. 
So proud of this beauty.
So thankful for this sister.
So much love for this incredible man.
But, in addition to all of those things, none of us take ourselves too seriously.
I think this “Speak Out” picture may be a better representation of us than our normal grins.
Our larger guest room, which faces the front of the house, has been CRAMMED full with the addition of our oversized arm chair and ottoman. They had to be removed from the living room to make way for the Christmas tree. 
Pops of red (and a sweet little skiing mouse snow globe ornament) add some vibrant color. 
I grabbed these velvety shams at the Pottery Barn Outlet in Georgia. The duvet was from French Laundry Home and is good and HEAVY. It’s filled with cozy comforter, too. These things are musts for our guests because we keep our home nice and cool during the winter. The standard striped shams were also from PB a few years ago, and the quilted accent pillow was handmade and purchased at the Country Living Fair. 
This World Market basket is the perfect place to house a tiny flocked Christmas tree. The little frame is a welcome with our WiFi log in. 
Having a neutral backdrop has made it easy to incorporate vibrant Christmas reds in the tiny guest room. I even like the pale-blue Magnolia against the reds.
This red quilt is from target, but it’s just folded over a fluffy comforter. I added a little extra mattress pad over each bed, and I can now say these beds are truly comfy. Maybe next year I’ll add some flannel sheets to our winter bedding rotation. 
Wreaths from Magnolia add a little more festivity. 
And yet another felt mouse snow globe. He makes me grin when I pass by the rom. 
The Santa signs were handed down by my Mom and Dad. 
The other two fern prints that wouldn’t fit in the tiny guest room have found a home in our room. 
I sure hope Mr. S feels happy to be home when he walks in the door.
Harley has mastered the beagle sorrowful side-eye, a topic of conversation at dinner tonight. 
Sweet Shari on the right the oldest child in our “chosen family” with whom we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of our families moved to Tennessee and don’t have family in the area, so we’ve enjoyed a long-standing tradition of celebrating together. She and her husband have two beautiful girls. 
Momma and I stayed up WAY too late setting the table, but this is one of my favorite traditions that I cherish every year! We have such fun making a mess and being creative with the resources at hand. I’ve been hoarding Park Hill candles since before my time at Then & Again, so 4 of the 6 florals were plunked into former candle jars.
My sweet momma, Robb’s Mom, and Cindy. Two of Cindy’s girls’ and their spouses/kids are out of state this Thanksgiving. We’re so thankful to have some of the family here. 
Beautiful Rebekah just married Brad, and we’re so thankful she’s part of the Sample family now (and therefore, ours, by extension). 
Candles glowing, lake views, and fresh greens from the yard mingling with store-boought flowers brings me joy. 
The little girls could not wait to use the binoculars to search for critters hanging around the lake. I’m not sure if they spotted the deer, geese, or turtles which frequent Momma and Daddy’s backyard, but I do know this smart girl found a nest. 
Cindy and Dad, who I’ve just realized have been friends for around 18 years as we met them soon after making Tennessee our home through mutual friends. 
Momma made Special K, an essential treat in the Nelson household every Thanksgiving and Christmas (think chocolate+Special K cereal+peanut butter). 
This child never stopped posing and giggling and it delighted me. 
I tried to force a smile and photos out of Big Sister, but let’s face it, sometimes a girl really needs to go play and really doesn’t want to smile for photos. 
Adorably over it, but trying to comply. 
DELIGHTED with the special kids’ table. She kept exclaiming, “Is this for me? It’s so beautiful!” 
Rebekah kindly agreed to help me with making place cards and more than one laugh was shared. Not the least of which was over the world’s longest, most ridiculous pair of scissors of all time (there is a fabulous story about these, which I hope to record here one day). 
The little girls’ table. My sweet friend Wendy (
“Ooh! Make us RAINBOW!”
Overheard tonight:
We may be into silliness. 
Like, really. 
OK, extremely into silliness. It’s our love language in the Nelson-Sample Conglomerate. 
The only picture I have of Eric. Oops! He and Dad visiting like they do. This man is the gravy master every year! A big responsibility to be sure, but he always knocks it out of the park. 
Fun fact: Mom is almost always the chef, but on Thanksgiving, Dad is King of the Kitchen. He makes the same recipes year after year. Here, Brother and Dad carefully carve the bird. 
These girls and their dresses. Love. 
My beautiful Momma and I. She makes every occasion a celebration. 
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