Kelly Rutherford -- Spends a Nice Holiday with Her Kids in France

Despite her crushing blow in family court recently, Kelly Rutherford was all smiles as she arrived in Nice, France to visit her two kids ... and TMZ has the photos.

As TMZ first reported, the "Gossip Girl" star was devastated after a judge ruled that her ex husband, Daniel Giersch, was allowed to keep their two young children living with him in France 50% of the time.

Kelly told friends afterwards she plans to challenge the ruling -- arguing that the difficult travel will make quality time with her children virtually impossible.

But on Sunday she looked happy as a clam when she arrived in Nice Airport with her brother ... while her kids greeted her with balloons and an awesome sign that said, "Welcome Super Mama."

Her ex was there too ... holding Hello Kitty balloons.