Because it is said that Paris is always a good idea. Even when you are packing for a transatlantic move.  Even when the tiny girl who wanted so badly to go may well not remember it clearly.  Even if it's bitter mid-winter cold.  Paris seemed like a very good idea before we left, at least for the girls.  

Tess has longed to see the Eiffel Tower for as long as she could ask to go anywhere. It was her particular bucket list trip.   We earnestly desired to make this happen but since we had already had a couple trip early in the Euro-adventure and no boys were quite as excited about the City of Lights, it became a short Dad-daughter road trip.   

It's hard to say what an 8yo will remember. I hope she remembers crepes and looking out over the city in the tower, and walking by the Seine.   If not though, I hope she remembers adventure and family and the importance of making dreams come true whenever we can. 

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Hemmingway

Ultimately this was the whole point of the past five years. The moveable feast. To instill adventure and curiosity and awe. To be brave and open and to say yes to the unknown.  It was never about a particular destination, but about journeying, about taking that fascination with people and places wherever you go. 

Time will tell how these years will shape them.  Us.  My prayer is that we meet each day with the same enthusiasm that little face radiates. Embracing it all.