different names for the same thing: To Market, To Market

Well, Friday night, Dave and I stayed up late looking for London apartments. It has been an absolute nightmare. We are so sad because we really want to go. We found great airfare, but need a place to stay! We got up early on Saturday and worked some more on the big search.
We decided to head up to the Marche aux Puces St-Ouen, an open market up in the 18th district. It was a VERY sketchy area and I think that Hayley was on guard the entire time we were up there. I completely understand why, though. We walked up and down the rows of goods. Dillon was cracking us up looking and these embroidered ganster-jeans the whole time. Unfortunately, he never found any in his size, so he had to settle on a studded belt. He is determined to go back and get some before we leave, though. Hayley found a couple of cute t-shirts for school. I found a cool ring and a couple of gifts. The girls were feeling really uncomfortable, and once Dave felt uncomfortable, we decided to go.
We got on the metro and headed down to The Opera Garnier. Walking out of the Opera metro station was like walking into a completely different world. It was amazing. The area is absolutely beautiful. The buildings, the stores, the restaurants, the people – all beautiful.
Dave found a recommended cafe in our guidebook. The place is called “La Ferme Opera”. It is an organic, artisan cafe. We just loved it! It was perfect for our family and everyone was pleased with their meals.
We headed up to the Opera Garnier. WOW!!! It was incredibly, amazingly gorgeous! (Have I over-used that phrase on the blog?? :) ) Really, though, I think it was more beautiful in parts than any of the castles and cathedrals that we have seen. Even the gift shop was lovely. It would be fabulous to actually attend an opera or ballet there.
Hayley and I went on a short quest for a curling iron, while the others headed home. It was hard to leave such a beautiful place. We had dinner at home tonight and then headed over to the park to play games. I totally forgot to mention Dave’s obsession the past few weeks. He has been hunting high and low for a French game called “petanque”. He really wanted it so that we could play it in the park. Well, on Thursday, he found it at last! He was so excited. He, Dillon and I all played it at the park on Thursday and had a lot of fun. We brought it tonight, but it got so cold, after a couple of rounds of cards, we decided to head home.
Tonight was a really rough night. Everyone was tired, crabby, and “fighty”. Our Kindle was accidentally broken, and that caused a huge amount of tension since it all of our “books” are in that one device. Just not a good night. It seems to happen once a week. Dave and I have a discussion about what we can do to help make things better for the kids, we re-adjust, and things always get better. So, I know that tomorrow, things will be better. :)