We decided last minute to take the train to Cologne to visit Bertram’s parents for an extended weekend.  On the train ride there, Bertram had something come up on one of his projects that needed immediate attention so he ended up returning to Paris and the boys and I stayed with Isa.  We had a relaxing time, played in the Rhine, went to the Zoo, took a boat ride up the river, and saw Bertram’s sister and her daugther Louisa (whom Lucas fell madly in love with at first sight).   When Bertram returned, we spent another day together there and then came back to Paris.

Paris is alive again, everyone has returned from their vacations, the kids are buzzing in and out of school and all the shops have opened up.  August is a strange time in Paris, you find a sleepy, empty, quiet city.  I love it in September, it is the best month; the weather is cool and beautiful.