Wednesday, May 1
Well, today turned out to be a rest day.  It is a major holiday (Labor Day) and so most places are closed.  There was one chateau in my guidebook that didn't say that it was closed, so our plan was to go there.  However, when the front desk called to check the status for us, we learned that they too were closed.  Our back up plan had been to go into Paris, but thanks to Le Pen, we had been warned to avoid Paris due to the demonstrations.  So we hung out in the hotel pool and ate dinner locally.  We all got naps and were in bed early.   It was a good thing.  We all needed to rest some.
 
Thursday, May 2
Good thing we rested yesterday!  Today was a huge day.  We spent the day at Disneyland Paris. (You don't think I could be this close and not go, do you?)  Although it was raining when we arrived, no one got overly wet and the sun came out before too long.
 
We started out in Discovery Land (AKA Tomorrow Land) because we thought that Michael would still be looking at things and not ready to get out of his stroller.  While Andrew went on his first real ride with Grandpa (the orbitron, little rockets that go around and up and down (like Dumbo)) Dave and Amy checked out Space Mountain: From here to the moon.  It was cool, although mostly in the dark.  Next was Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, which Andrew thoroughly enjoyed, especially the dog sneeze.
 
We then headed to Fantasy Land.  Our first ride was It's a Small World After All.  Michael liked it so much we went around again.  He was fascinated.  We then strolled over to a storybook ride, followed by Casey, Jr.  This is a kids roller coaster.  Andrew and Michael both loved it.  Michael sat up on the seat just like a big kid and grinned the whole time.
 
We checked out some of the other rides and attractions, before lunch and Michael's nap.  While he was napping, we stopped to see the sleeping dragon that lives under the castle.  He woke up and growled at us while we were there!!  We (Andrew, Amy, David, and Grandpa) then went to Phantom Manor (AKA Haunted house).  It is much longer than in Florida with added scenes.  Andrew wanted to get right back on.  Instead he, Michael, and the Grandparents took in the parade, while Amy and David tried to ride Big Thunder Mountain.  It broke down while we were waiting in line so we opted for Pirates of the Caribbean.  A very neat ride.  Again, longer than in Florida, with added drops and a restaurant inside.
 
After the parade, we rode Big Thunder (YEA!!) before taking Andrew on Pirates.  He loved it, and wanted to get right back on.  Instead we took a train ride around the park.  Michael loves "too, too twains."  We rode It's a Small World twice more while Andrew went to the shooting gallery.  After a ride on the carousel we ate dinner on the way out of the park.  A full day, but we all had a great time.
 
Friday, May 3
Because we had such a big day yesterday, we opted for a shorter day today, heading to Fontainebleau.  This castle was built by Francois I (him AGAIN!!) as his primary residence outside of Paris.  It is huge!!  We took a self guided tour through the castle.  It is pretty amazing.  The walls are painted everywhere.  Even the ceiling was painted with beautiful pictures.  Henry IV (from Pau) added on and redecorated some of the castle, and then Napoleon claimed it.  There was a sitting room where people waited to see the Emperor that was fairly plain (by Fontainebleau standards).  Then when you went in to greet him, you had to walk the length of this gilded hall that was covered with paintings and gold plating.  It must have made you feel like you were nothing compared to the Emperor.  We also saw the table where Napoleon signed his abdication papers, before giving a tearful goodbye to his troops and leaving for exile.  It was a pretty amazing place, pictures do it more justice than words.
 
We headed back to the hotel for an early dinner and bed.  Everyone is very tired and could use the rest.