Being in the city of love with the man I love, my sister, and my mother was an incredible blessing.  Though it may sound cliche, I realized this weekend just how important it is to have love as such a prominent part of one’s life.  Whether the love is romantic in nature or not, it is to be pursued as a verb, not just a noun.

I really lived that out this weekend–whether it was kissing A.J. on the cheek at the Eiffel Tower,

or holding onto my sister’s beautiful face,

or holding my beloved mother in my arms,

I made sure to love with a pure and Godly passion.

Our lovely itinerary for the weekend went as follows:

Thursday, October 14

-Walked up to Sacré-Coeur Basilica for a beautiful view of Paris

– Walked down to Moulin Rouge

-Ate at gorgeous Café for dinner, French wine, and dessert

-Headed back to The Crowne Point Plaza Hotel for some shut-eye (Compliments of A.J.’s generous, loving Dad)

Friday, October 15

-Slept in

-Headed to Le Petit Pont for croque monsieurs, croissants, and tea

-Walked one block to Notre Dame Cathedral

-Walked to the Musée du Louvre where we spent two phenomenal hours

-Headed back to Le Petit Pont for more French wine

-Dined with the group, courtesy of the program

-Indulged in créme brulée and mimosas

Saturday, October 16

-Breakfast at hotel

-Walked to L’Arc de Triomphe

-Walked down the Champes d’Elysee

-Walked to a boulangerie and ordered pastries and a baguette, to-go

-Made our way to La Tour Eiffel while eating baguette (wishes of my sister)

-Saw La Tour Eiffel, let its beauty speak to each of us, and documented our presence

-When the rain began, we headed to a café for some wine, cheese, and pastries

-Met our French friend, Cyrille, for drinks at another café overlooking the La Tour Eiffel

Sunday, October 17

-Had our last breakfast together

-Exchanged loving hugs and kisses with my mom and sister as we bid them farewell

Whether you are in the city of love or in your familiar hometown, it is so important to love.  Not the noun, the verb.