Category Archives: family

four (times two).

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Marie and Henry are now four years old…and I’m still in shock. We surprised them with two nights in Manhattan, and a trip to this Martin Creed exhibit which includes a room full of balloons. I first discovered it here, and immediately thought it would be fun for their birthday since we weren’t having a party this year. I wasn’t sure how they would handle it, but they loved it so much! These were the only decent photos I could manage while battling balloons and enjoying the moment with my family. Our time in the city was a bit of a blur (much like these photos), but it was full of fun, including an event at the CMA for Bastille Day, and an amazing suite with a view of Central Park (all of which I shared on snapchat: hutchsusan while there). I’m so proud of the people my children are becoming…they are thoughtful, playful, loving little ones, and I cherish each and every day with them. Happy birthday my beautiful babies.

a day in paris with kids

I’ve been saving this video for a while now–words cannot even express how much I/we treasure it. Last year, during our family trip, we had the good fortune of being in Paris at the same time as Jenner Brown. Having admired his work for years, I had reached out to him beforehand with my wish of capturing a day in Paris with Henry and Marie, and thankfully, he agreed to participate. I like to think that fate played a big part in everything aligning to make it a reality. Jenner joined us as we visited many kid-friendly places…we were a tad limited by the stamina of the kids at age two-and-a-half, otherwise we might have seen more that day. Regardless, we accomplished a lot and had so much fun while doing so. Sharing my love for Paris with my children has been one of my life’s greatest joys, and this video ensures those memories are treasured forever. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate our family trip (exactly one year ago).

a film by jenner brown

centre pompidou with kids

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I just discovered it’s Museum Week, and what would you know, I had this post drafted and ready to go! After many years of visiting Paris, I finally made it to the Pompidou last spring. I was excited to experience it for the first time with my family, including my brother and his crew. A Parisian fixture since it’s opening in 1977, the Centre’s “inside out” architectural design makes it stand out in the area known as Beaubourg. The iconic vents are my favorite design element, juxtaposed with the classical facades behind them. It was a gorgeous day, as you can see with everyone lounging out front…I wouldn’t normally recommend a museum on a sunny day, but it made for incredible panoramic photos up top.

 

paris-with-kids-pompidou

 

The Pompidou is wonderful for kids of all ages, with wide open spaces both inside and out, focused exhibits, a cinema, and boutique. The first thing we did was head to the first level to check out the Galerie des Enfants. Dedicated to children, the space has ever-changing interactive exhibits for littles. Henry and Marie loved the “lift the world” exhibit, with many moving parts encouraging them to play and learn. Since they enjoyed it so much, we spent a good bit of time there, and added their names to the collection of wishes for peace and love around the world before heading to the top floor!

 

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Let me preface by saying that reaching the top was extra challenging for me, as I’m deathly afraid of both heights and open spaces. After ascending the glass elevator with the stroller (gulp), we made it to the (all glass, double gulp) walkway. While it’s only six floors up, the glass walls make you feel very exposed, and stimulate vertigo. I literally had a death grip on either my brother, my husband, or the stroller until we made it to the galleries. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone with similar phobias, although the stunning views do help distract from the fear. While I may have had a minor panic attack while getting these shots, I still managed them. Facing your fears pays off, especially when in Paris!

 

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blizzard bliss

twins-in-snow

 

Would you believe that thirty (yes, 30) inches of snow fell here in Pennsylvania?! I’m still in shock – it’s like a dream come true for me (and us). Once the blizzard conditions stopped and the concern of losing power (mostly) subsided, we were able to have some fun! The sun came out, people emerged from their cocoons, and we headed out on an adventure. Our local park was a scene of fluffy white perfection, and we just couldn’t resist it. Despite explaining to Henry + Marie that they wouldn’t be able to use the playground, it required some demonstration. Let me just say that Mr. Fleurishing and I achieved our cardio goals for the day and are a bit sore, but it was worth it. These moments and memories are priceless.

 

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sledding

marie-in-snow

 

Marie was determined to swing (and actually did), but this photo is a great visual reference for the depth of snow. She’s not even touching bottom! We also had some fun around our building with the (still fresh) snow piles – they made for perfect slides. While I could have stayed out all day (and did go for a solo walk though town), the kids tired quickly of the cold and cried “uncle” (as referenced below). If you’re on the east coast like us, how did you fare with Jonas? Psst…all of this snow day action is still over on snapchat: hutchsusan, but hurry – it will self-destruct shortly!

 

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outfit details: kids (reversible) jackets | je t’aime hats

the gift of music

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We had a beautifully lazy, laid back, and musical Christmas! As it turns out Santa does read blogs…specifically, mine! The kids were bursting with excitement upon discovering the instruments (and more from their wish list) under the tree on Christmas morning. They immediately took to them, Henry bonding most with the violin, and Marie with the guitar ukelele (which I shared on snapchat). Santa gave them each their own “guitar”, and intended for the violin to be shared, but Henry laid claim to that pretty quickly. It was hard for us to argue with it – I mean, this boy has serious form + focus…

 

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