Masquerade

One of the fun things Kate got to do while we have been in Paris was attend a Masquerade Ball.  When Kate was in 10th grade, she had a girl, Aliénor, who was visiting the States from Paris, shadow her at school for a couple of days.  Kate met up with Aliénor when we arrived in Paris and our family went to her apartment for cake one Saturday afternoon in March.  While we were there, Aliénor gave Kate the invitation to a Masquerade for kids her age.  Aliénor is part of a group that is a bit like Cotillion back home and they were practicing their social skills at a big masquerade party.
After much tribulation, Kate found the perfect dress at Zara (of course) and we found a mask at the party shop near our church.  She dressed up in huge heels.  Much to her chagrin, she found the Parisians weren't as casual as Americans at parties and nobody kicked off their heels to dance.

Aliénor's Cousin, Elisabeth, Aliénor and Kate

Kate found other things different in Paris.  The parents provided alcoholic drinks for their kids at the dance.  And some of the kids also took smoking breaks outside.  She knew she definitely wasn't in the States anymore.

Where's Kate's Mask?

Despite sore feet, Kate had a blast dancing and chatting with the other teenagers.  She called us about 1:30 am and Andrew and I hopped in a taxi and picked her up (the métro only runs until about 1 am).

Kate and Aliénor

Kate had a great evening and we hope Aliénor can come this summer or next to the States for a visit.