Paris with a Preteen: Eiffel Tower Dreams, Seine River Selfies, and Fancy Fries

Ah, Paris. City of love, lights, and...my 12-year-old son, Enzo, who came to Paris with one mission: conquer the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower Euphoria:

Enzo, bless his prepubescent heart, had been dreaming of this moment since he was knee-high to a croissant. We get to the Eiffel Tower, shimmering with the Olympic rings, and Enzo practically bursts with glee. He whipped out his phone,not for Minecraft this time, but to capture endless selfies with the Iron Lady in the background. Mission accomplished!(Thank goodness for small victories.)

Haute Cuisine...Ish:

Dinner at Madame Brasserie was fancy, with a capital "F." White tablecloths, waiters who could pronounce "escargot" without a hitch, and a view of the Eiffel Tower that would make your Instagram followers weep. Enzo, however, spent the entire time trying to convince me his phone case was a vintage Chanel clutch (it was not). But hey, at least he was momentarily distracted from the Eiffel Tower.

Living the High Life (Sort Of):

We treated ourselves (and by "we" I mean maxed out my credit card) to a bougie lunch at Louis Vuitton. Fancy plates?Check. Ridiculously expensive water? Double check. Dessert selection that looked like a museum exhibit? Absolutely.Enzo, meanwhile, was more interested in the free monogram stickers they were handing out. Priorities, right?

Culture Clash (with a Twist):

No Parisian adventure is complete without the Louvre. We braved the crowds (and Enzo's constant questions about why people were staring at walls) to see the Mona Lisa. Enzo's verdict? "Meh. My Minecraft skin has a cooler smile." At least he was consistent! Later, we refueled at the Dior restaurant with classic steak frites. Because apparently, even a preteen can appreciate perfectly cooked steak (especially when slathered in ketchup).

Shopping Spree:

Paris is a shopper's paradise, and I may have gone a little overboard (okay, a lot overboard) on some new handbags. Enzo,however, stuck to the essentials: a light-up Eiffel Tower keychain (shocking, I know) and a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower made entirely of chocolate (a win in my book).

Michelin Star Mishap:

We ended the trip with a bang – a Michelin-starred dinner at La Scene Helene. Ten courses of exquisite food, impeccable service, and an ambiance that screamed "sophistication." Enzo, however, spent most of the time trying to convince the waiter his phone was a high-tech napkin. Classic Enzo.

Final Thoughts:

Paris with a preteen was an experience, to say the least. It was filled with eye rolls, misplaced phone cases, and enough "Mom, can I get this?"s to make my head spin. But amidst the chaos, there were also moments of pure joy, shared laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, I got a fabulous new purse. So win-win? Maybe.

P.S. The Mona Lisa may not have impressed Enzo, but hey, at least he has a lifetime supply of Eiffel Tower memorabilia.And who knows, maybe someday he'll appreciate a good smile (even a slightly mysterious one).