2.01.2010

The train to Paris........

I thought since so many of you asked to see more




of the ....




"let's play cards in the snow while freezing our butts off"




photo session, that i would throw them here




for you to see.




I met up with my friend Traci { uber photographer}




on friday for coffee...




after i worked out at the gym.




















I am happy to report that i am officially...





down 3 pounds.





I have been a gym maniac...





the front desk girls know me by name...





which is okay by me.





I set a goal...and i have to really work





if i am to achieve it.





I'm not one to say...I'm gonna cut out sugar from my diet..





because for me...that's unrealistic.





I have to exercise..and as much as i hate it..





it's what i have to do.











Then on saturday i spent a lot of time on the computer....





doing a bit of hotel research...





for that trip to France.





ahem.





Then i went to bed saturday night...





and had nightmares.
















Nightmares you ask...





yes....





nightmares.





Because you see....after my friend Kimberly and i spend the first three





days is Paris.....





we head on a train down to the south of France....





to flea market.





We will spend three lovely days in Avignon....





hitting a flea market...





strolling thru the country.....





with our fifteen suitcases in hand.





yes...





you read that right.





fifteen suitcases.





















How am i supposed to go to the most beautiful





place in the world and only have one suitcase..





and three pairs of shoes?





That's not what i had nightmares about though...





nope...





not at all.





Because..i can clearly live out of one suitcase with





three pairs of shoes....





i mean....





really...




















no...





what i had nightmares about...





is that i will be taking the train back up to Paris...





all by myself.





me.myself.and i.





and then get off the train...





all by myself....





and get to my hotel for my flight out the next morning.





nightmares.





I dreamed that i missed my stop and ended up in Germany.





Not saying that Germany is bad...





i know a lot of wonderful Germans.....





but i am a french girl....





and i need to be in Paris.....





drinking a good bottle of VIN...





not in Germany...





drinking WEIN.





or eating weiners....





with schnitzel...





because i just don't have room in my suitcase..





for the extra clothing.



















No...we don't have a dog...





even though lola wanted





desperately





to bring him home.

























Sorry....





i hate to confuse you with dogs and weiners and schnitzel.





so....





i had nightmares about taking that 3 hour train ride by myself.





I know it'll all work out...





and i won't miss the stop...





ending up in Germany.


















I'm also thinking that 7 days is just not going to be enough





time.





I decided to add an extra day....





just one extra day....





let me run it by the family first..





i think it should be ok.

















The whole solo train ride got me a thinking...





to when i was thirteen years old.





I was thirteen and my friend was twelve when





our moms dropped us off at the airport





for a solo trip to hawaii.....





just the two of us...





on an airplane by ourselves.





We were headed to see her dad...





who lived on hawaii full time but also worked full time.





We leaned the bus system...





and took it everywhere.





From the beach to the laundry mat....





solo....single...young.





Can you believe it.





A full week...





and then her dad dropped us back





at the airport...





dropped us out front i tell ya...





before there was security...





literally pulled his car up to the drop off..





and dropped us off.


























I freak out now when i go to the airport....





even though i am an adult.





whoa...





where did i go with this?





I should be completely fine...





considering my solo travel history.





just fine.





deep breath.





breath.





in..





out...





in...





out.










I will not end up in Germany.













you still reading....

buehler...

hello?

good.

hello there.















I think i need to hug this guy...





how many guys will let a photographer..





go to town....


and get a bunch of solo shots...





I am gonna give him a big ole squeeze.










































































Did i mention my brother had his first baby?
they named him Preston.
Richard Preston


they might call him....putter.
they are big golfers....
hence the nickname putter.
I'm heading to see them the end of next week..
actually the whole fam is going..
and it'll be a ski trip as well.
I can't believe lola and fin have never been on ski's before..
so they will take a few days of lessons and then
the whole family will be skiing together.
maybe not me....
i don't like to ski...
i like to sit in the bar at the bottom of the mountain
drinking my hot buttered rum....
watching everyone in front of the
warm fireplace.
At least that's what i dreamed about
after the germany nightmare.
I guess i'll be skiing though.
xo



* a few months ago i had a name the baby contest..{here}

the two girls that nominated Preston are:

Allegra & Charity.

{No one nominated Putter.}

girls..I have a little something for you.

61 comments:

Unknown said...

LOVE the photos, and your quirky stories are so funny! ;) Congrats on your nephew!

Vana said...

you are sooo cute in all these photos. Ok, i got news for you...warm lemon water every morning...makes wonders. I can tell you more.

Preppy Mama said...

I totally get airport anxiety.
I had extended our honeymoon one day in Spain and guess what? No one understood a lick of the Spanish we were speaking and I was in panic mode, but it was all fine. We pointed and laughed and it all worked out!
You will be fine.

mimi charmante said...

by the time you head north again, you are going to feel so french that your only stress will be having to get on the plane to return to america!
we are going to have so. much. fun!!!
xx
ps. simone booked *her* train ticket yesterday!

Leah C said...

Love, love the photos! I could never travel by myself to Paris so, in my book, you are a brave gal:) I know you will have a fabulous time...you won't end up lost in Germany...and you'll come back from your travels with all sorts of wonderful stories to share with us! Here's to happy dreams, Kasey:)

Mande said...

Beautiful photos! If only I could get my hubby to sit for some solo shots....."sigh"...oh well. Your guy deserves a double squeeze for that. Hope you have the most amazing time in France. I have always dreamed of going there.....and to go to the french market....heavenly. Cannot wait to see the amazing photos and hear the stories. Hope your buttered rum ski adventure is a blast too!

Donna said...

I love that red dress and that white sweater...please do tell where they are from!

Simply Me Art said...

Somehow I think you can handle the Train on your own! I'm Not worried at all. As for the Suitcases, Im with you on that.. you may need to ship everything home. Your kids are too darn cute really!! xo Jamie

traci said...

your husband was a trooper - actually that deserves capital letters - TROOPER!!! definately deserves hugs. you are going to be fine traveling alone but if you still have nightmares, i would be more than happy to step in and be a wonderful friend and accompany you so you won't be alone. that's what friends are for, right? xo!

fawn said...

Gorgeous photos! I spy with my little eye a very cute pair of anthro tights. :) I can't wait to see photos this summer.

Unknown said...

...first off, LOVE the photos of your beautiful family! second, read "Eat right for your type" by Peter J. D'Adamo ~ I am not kidding!!! It is mind blowing and it works!!! third, there really are no "coincidences in life, just adventures that add wonder to our journeys!! so ~ even if you ended up in germany, alone ~ just think of what doorway is in front of you that would have NEVER been there had you not got on the wrong train!!! fourth, have a most awesome trip!! and finally fifth, take pictures, lots of pictures, so we can all have a glimpse of the most fabulous time you are going to have!!!!! xo

Anonymous said...

great pictures! funny post! i would be a little nervous too but you will be fine! i am hosting my very first giveaway! stop by for a visit!

Lou said...

I love your posts...you have 'stream of consciousness' down to a fine art, its a very Virginia Woolf quality! In Avignon please go to a restaurant... I think its called L'Epicure...its on a cobbled street behind the Palais de Papes and its just the most lovely French (not German!) place... x

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Love seeing more of the photo shoot & amazingly, No One Looks Cold~ Love the Train story, I am sure you'll be fine, But 15 Suitcases ~ you could not carry all of them.... Shipping Home is the Answer
Have a Wonderful Week
Cheryl

Jacque Ferreira said...

I have never considered or desired to travel anywhere but you somehow have peeked my interest and I look forward to seeing how your Paris adventure goes, who knows, maybe I will head to Paris next year! Your family pictures are wonderful, inspired again~thanks

vicki archer said...

Don't worry about the train - its so easy and you can't end up in Germany coz it only goes to Paris...the one from Avignon that is...and besides I will help you if you like...xv

Beth Gales said...

Great pics! Love the red and white....get your confidence back and head to Paris, with your new trim minus three pound body. You will do great!

Tami said...

I dream of a trip to France...it's on my bucket list...one day I will get there!! Beautiful pictures as always!!

Unknown said...

Great pictures!
You will be fine on that train. I went to Paris in the 8th grade on a school trip. Rode the train..slept on the train...lived to tell about it too! You will have a blast and stay that extra day...you wont be sorry~

Jboo said...

Love, love love those photos!! You'll be fine! I had to master the el-train system in Phila after living in a regular (bus only) size city my whole life. It was scary, but I mastered it! Have a great week!

Janet

Unknown said...

Firstly, I have to say that I think your husband is fantastic for doing this whole photo shoot - cos we all know that not all husbands would!!

LOVE love love the photos, the style is gorgeous. Love the one of Lola kissing you....doesn't she look like her Daddy!?

I am sure you will be absolutely fine on that train trip....I wish I could come and help you and just make sure you get on that plane okay though, it's just nice to have company sometimes. My first (and possibly only) solo flight was to NYC from London and that was a huge deal for me!

Great post!:)

Dandy said...

You're so funny! You'll be fine!

A couple weeks after 9/11 I flew to Paris and had to take a connecting flight to Florence. I was so scared I would miss a flight or something. But I made it :)

Em said...

I personally do not like skiing or snowboarding, or even ice-skating. I am not coordinated enough. I always tell people that I have a hard enough staying up on my two feet an walking on solid ground. I would much rather drink hot chocolate than be in the snow. And I would have nightmares too, but I know things will work out and you will have so much fun! My next place to travel to is Europe (still not sure which country though, would really love to see them all!)

Unknown said...

I took the train from Whitefish Mt to Spokane Wa from 9pm arr at 2am had to get cab to hotel and then get flight at 830am. I was very nervous. I worked in the airline industry for 27yrs and am still worried about missing flts and connections. And I don't ski, I sit in the bar while my family skis. I think this is all normal.
Beautiful pictures and no my husband would not hold still for pictures like yours.

bethchien said...

Buehler is still here...barely...


ahaha JK!!! Loved your story and totally understand the little bit of scared anxiety you are feeling! But, everything will be fine. say it with me...everything.will.be.fine.

Unless....


again, I jest! haha
you are going to have sooo much fun!
love the photos! :D
B

Kacey said...

Those pictures are all just gorgeous! I know you will do fine on your Paris trip - but I totally understand the nightmares!

p.s. I cannot believe your friend's dad just DROPPED YOU OFF in front of the airport!

Mac & Fitz speaks... said...

Wow...GREAT photos!!! Such a beautiful family! I dream of going to France and hitting the flea markets. Can't wait to hear about it when you return....I'll live vicariously.....

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

What lovely photos. It may have been cold, but everything looks amazing!

Oh my, I could never, ever, EVER travel to Paris by myself. Let me say it again; NEVER!! If I ever travel anywhere, I want someone by my side. Preferably my amazing sweetheart.

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

You cracked me up on this one... it goes without saying that the photos are darling.. but of course the commentary was hysterical. I love a good freak out. I can freak out like nobody's business, too!

Enjoy Germany. Er, I mean, France.

Auf Wiedersehen-Bon Voyage.

Brigetta Schwaiger said...

Beautiful photos. I once got stuck in (not Germany), but Spain and had to stow away on a sleeper train to make it back to Paris is time for a flight. But, I was twenty and you are much smarter and diligent than I am. You won't get stuck.

Danny & Desirae Sommers said...

The Photos are wonderful. Thank you for sharing! Thanks also for having the most fascinating blog!! You inspire me!!

Julie Harward said...

BEAUTIFUL POST...LOVED THE LOOK IN YOUR HUSBANDS EYES AS HE WAS HUGGING YOU=LOVE. LOTS OF GREAT PHOTO'S AND GOOD FUN WORDS...YOU'LL BE FINE, NO MORE NIGHTMARES!:D

littlebyrd said...

I would have nightmares too - I am so scared of getting lost and have horrible sense of direction. BUT! It's exciting! You will totally be fine. Ok, not to scare you but the first time I flew alone across the country I got stuck in Chicago. Snow storm, canceled flights, no money, no credit card. I ended up in Philly because it was the closest I could get to Allentown fast. Spent the night at the airport on a chair by myself. I then had to get my bottom to the greyhound station in a quite sketchy area of Philly and bus it for a couple of hours. I got where I was going just fine....finally!

littlebyrd said...

oh yeah, LOVE the pics :)

Cathi said...

Wonderful post,Kasey...You are going to have the time of your life in France with the girls!

Sometimes those little detours can turn into wonderful adventures....

Looking forward to your stories upon your return....:)

Wendy said...

You will be fine. But, you know, I identify. I freak out everytime I have a long way to travel...even by car. Didn't used to freak out. Think it just happened when I became a mom and had more to worry about than just myself. You know? But, you'll be fine. Really.

And great pics!!

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

let me tell you something.....(which I have before, I'm sure of it....so bear with me...) I spent an entire week - SEVEN DAYS by myself in Paris after I spent 6 weeks with a university in the south of France.

You. Can. Do. It.

Bags in toe, listening to the stops - you'll be oh-so fine. But I know the feeling. When you come home you'll feel so empowered...!!!

~Bisous~

Christi said...

What a fun photo shoot! Maybe if you let Lola have the dog, they won't mind an extra day in France? Would you share where you got your boots? Just love them!

Always enjoy your witty posts!

Simply Marvelous said...

Oh Kasey...I love the pictures! I didn't realize your hubby was such a hottie! Your children are all so adorable. Today, though, I just want to tell you...I just read your post on your little neighbor girl (don't know how I missed it before) ...you are ...so...marvelous! I know it's not easy taking someone under your wing...and the ones that need taking under our wing are sometimes not easy to love..you are inspiring me dear girl...to try a little harder...to be all that I can be...in so many ways. Thank you for that....my dear marvelous girl. Don't worry about the train...there will always be someone to help you...just as you always are there to help someone...

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

Lovely photos, Kasey! :) I'm sure you will have a blast in Paris...even if you do end up in Germany at some point. ;)

Smiles,
rachel

paige said...

silly
silly
silly

Farmgirl Chaos said...

Well, if you do happen to end up in Germany during your trip, I know a pretty sweet gal that could help you out. My sister!

And for my word verification, is it ironic that the word is 'pulter'? Almost 'putter'.

Laura said...

I am gonna be honest...
I stopped reading right after you mentioned Paris

I am in no shape over here to not only SEE your beautiful pics, but to HEAR about a beautiful trip

I am a jealous, awful, bitter, selfish woman today.

I will be better tomorrow. I promise. Tomorrow I will read it all.

Now I am going to go and eat the three pounds you lost.

(ha ha my word verif. is MOPIN..and mopin is what I am a doin'!)

Chris McGetrick said...

I loved the blog today - the pictures are great - The colors are perfect.

I know what you mean about worrying about ending up in Germany - I took a trip to Italy with my best buddies a few years ago and they was a lot of transporting to and from big strange places but luckily I was always with at least one person.

Anyway have fun

Martha said...

Love those photos Kasey...they are all just wonderful...and a good husband indeed to pose for those photos!!
Nightmares about travel ~ sounds like something I would do...BUT you are so funny to think you could possibly end up in Germany in your dream:)...

I cannot wait to see what you bring back in those 15 suitcases!!! So excited for you!

Sarah said...

I love the new pics, especially the full family ones! They are all darling!!!
Isn't it funny what we dream about at times? At least you can face your fear, you will be fine!!
I went to England and Paris and in both countries I purposefully chose to get lost and see if I could find my way back to my hotel...in retrospect probably not the best idea, but I found them both!! My advice for the train, try not to sleep! We did do a train in Spain and almost missed our stop, it was at like 3-4am, totally pitch black and someone heard them say a stop was coming and came running to the rooms and yelled for us all to get up, we had to move FAST!!! But we made it off the train!

Hope you have a wonderful time with your family and the ski trip! Wow, so many wonderful fun events this winter, you are so blessed! :)

Barb said...

I laughed when I read this because many years ago my son (10 at the time)was on a train to Germany while I was left standing at the train station in Zurich airport.

I was gathering our bags and trying to get him off the train. The doors shut (the Swiss are very efficient) and off he went. I was advised to visit the lost and found. I'm screaming that it is my disabled son and not a lost bag.
The Lost and found people were great. They contacted the conductor and when the train stopped (1 HOUR LATER), he was put on another and sent back to me.
We laugh about it now but at the time.....I was frantic.

I've rambled on long enough but if he can do Germany, you can do Germany.

hugs,
Barb

Jerri said...

Love all the pics!!...I have faith that you will NOT end up in Germany and I, too, have been having nightmares about a certain Cindrella's upcoming ball...can't wait 'til it actually gets here :)
Can't wait to see you there!

Julie Johnson said...

Adorable pics of one of my favorite spots in the the tri-cities. I'm just down the road in Batavia.
Julie
www.juliejohnsonblog.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

just lurking....
Jill

Janie Fox said...

You will do great on the train... just make a seat reservation. They are picky about that and it is a bigger pain once you are on the train. My twin sister and I went to Paris and Venice from Geneva last summer. We were based in Switzerland where her son lives and took the trains every where. It was fantastic and I had 1 suitcase with comfy shoes, not cute ones!haha

Mrs. Mama said...

I love reading your thoughts. And your pictures are too precious!

Meri said...

Reading this was a true delight! And the photos are amazing. Especially the ones with the five of you -- it's so hard to get everyone looking wonderful in a group shot.

Tamara said...

Beautiful pics! Oh and I am in LOVE with the 'highchair' your littlest guy is sitting in at the card table!!!

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

Great shots!! The red scarf on hub pulls it all together...must be nice to have a hub who doesn't mind being the fashion accessory to "pull it all together". My hub would rather take out his own spleen (with an oyster fork) than be fashionable...he's always that 6'6'' guy with the Levi's from High School.
You have a gorgeous family and she captured you well!
ox
L

lalala said...

i do hope you have a lovely time in paris! i visited england and france for two weeks in october and it was so so wonderful! i must say though- pack lightly if you are planning on riding the train. there isn't much stowing space and it is a horrible pain to be toting luggage through a crowded train station. i would hate for you to have as hard of a time as i did. have fun it is so lovely!! xo

a.love said...

delayed much?!! WAHOO!! I'm so excited. I freaking love the name Preston (Putter too ;) Yay for babies!! LOVE THEM :)

sanjeet said...

We pointed and laughed and it all worked out!
You will be fine.

How to make a website

nina@themissadventuresofnina said...

I have to respectfully tell you that Paul Walker got nothing on your husband. Very beautiful family. I love to travel, and since our family is mostly abroad I travel alone all the time...even with a 2 month baby. You are going to do just fine :)

Patina Soul said...

Beautiful photos! WOW! What a memory!

Um, Since you're so scared, I'll sacrifice time with the family and fly up to meet you at the train station. :)
I would love to visit Paris!
One day, one day!

Gaia said...

you are a great story teller! Your story are so funny!
I smile all alone at the computer ...

Have a great night!
Which will be the next nightmare?