Reims rhymes with France

I have to begin this post by thanking my terrific husband who made this all possible. For some reason things always seem to go wrong when daddy is deployed or away. There was one particular trip, a few months back, where I was covered in toddler, baby and/or dog throw-up everyday Bill was gone. One night while skyping, still covered in said throw-up, and having just finished scrubbing diarrhea out of the bathtub, Bill (while trying very hard to hold back the laughter) said, "I think we should find a time for you to get away with the girls," so that's exactly what I did!

A few weekends ago I cashed in on this offer and headed to the Champagne region of France with 3 friends for the weekend. Between the 4 of us we left 8 children behind with our very competent husbands (diaper bags were packed, outfits were laid out, schedules were typed). The dads did great and even got together for a barbecue where I am sure they discussed how easy it was going.

Reims (which does in fact rhyme with France, and whose pronunciation goes against all my phonetic instincts) was the perfect destination for a girl's weekend. Despite the chilly temps and occasional rain, we didn't let the weather get us down. We spent all day Saturday on a private tour of the area and several Champagne Houses. I think it is safe to say that Chris, our British tour guide, will never forget the time he gave a tour to 4 lactating moms!

Here are some highlights-

Julie, Cara, Chris (the guide) and Katy in the Vineyards. Unfortunately due to their harsh winter the vineyards were bare.

View of Reims from the Vineyards (this and the other really great photos are compliments of Katy!)

The perfect pour.

Reims at night.

Reims Cathedral, site of coronation of French Kings.



Tasting room at Nicholas Maillart Champagne House

Katy on the suspended bridge to get to the champagne bar in the trees.

The destination at the end of the bridge.

Epernay, France

Statue in the gardens where we stopped for lunch.

A fun group of moms.