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After lunch we stumbled upon this old beauty.  Can I just say "it was love at first sight".  From the beautiful entry door made of wrought iron that led us into the old building, the long  hallway with marble floors glistened as our feet touched it, the strollers stacked next to the elevator charmed us, the tiny elevator that took us to the fifth floor where our house met us with tall doors and shiny brass knobs beckoning us to come in. 

Once the realtor turned the knob, sunlight spilled into the outer hallway and called to me.  As I walked into the entry of the apartment, two beautiful old french doors with original glass stood wide open exposing the bright, sunny, frenchy living and dining room which had two large windows facing the front of the building with balconies.  The kitchen is right off the living area and quite large by Paris standards.  A long hallway took us to the bathroom and small office (playroom/guest room).  On the right was a lovely room with two twin beds and two end tables for the kids (sorry no bunk beds kids), a further walk took us to the master bedroom.  Wood floors creaked beneath our feet as we explored. 

This is the kind of place that I didn't dare dream of finding.  It is bright, open, roomy and in a quiet neighborhood.  It is in the 15th Arrondissement next to a school where we heard children playing at recess and a church bell ring on the hour. 

We are now in the process of getting "approved" by the landlord.  This apartment is our first choice and the small, dark apartment in the most amazing location is our second choice.  If only I could move this little beauty into the first apartments location.  Oh well.  C'est la Vie.

We will know in 48 hours which apartment we will call home.  Now, it's on to schools...........