Morning Reading

They are like an old married couple.

Happy Birthday Toots!

Jetlag + the excitement of opening birthday presents = 3:30 am wake up time.

Rey's birthday present was so cool that Ella wanted to wear it.

Aunt Sarah and Will came by to wish Rey a happy birthday.

They brought Ella a soccer ball that she totally loved.

And Rey showed Sarah how well he is reading these days.

It doesn't take much to satisfy this 6 year old - pizza for lunch, presents, mac and cheese for dinner, and America's Funniest Home videos before bed.  Pretty mellow day, but we all loved hanging out at the house today.  We love you Rey!

Last Days in Madrid

We are back at home reminiscing on our wonderful trip to Spain.  Tita Yanni showed us what an awesome place Spain is.  We miss you already Yanni!

The Royal Palace

Walking in the Huertas neighborhood.

Here's the tree that's in Puerta Del Sol, the heart and literal center of Madrid.

Inside the Reina Sofia, Spain's national Modern and Contemporary Art Museum.  This is directly across the street from Yanni's apartment.

Roscon de Reyes, a traditional cake to be ate during the holidays.

Day trip in Espana

Roman aquaduct in Segovia. There is also a wall around the city.


Castle in segovia that was used by the royal family. King Alfredo the 13th used it for vacationing. It was a prison for 2 years. Walt Disney used it as his inspiration for cinderella's castle. This is 1/4 of the castle.

Location:Segovia, Spain

City of Gaudi

We spent most of the days in Barcelona walking around the city looking for buildings designed by Gaudi. Here's the family standing in front of Casa Batllo.

 On our last day we went to Casa Mila, one of Gaudi's crowning achievements.

The roof top was worth the price of admission.

We made it to Barcelona and figured out the internet on our last day.  Barcelona Day 1: La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's lifetime masterpiece. Here's the church from every angle possible.  

Hear's the first appearance of Trevor, Yanni's boyfriend.  He's been a great tour guide and family photographer.  Our trip wouldn't have been as educated without him. ¡Gracias Trevor!

Parque Guell, Gaudi's Park. Yanni and Rey giving senior picture poses.

Gaudi's signature mosaic work.

In front of Park Guell's Gaudi Museum.

The view from Parque Guell.

We have had some wonderful meals at the home base. ¡Chocolate y churros!

Chocolate mostachios.

Clothes pin fun!

Day two: Paella y la playa (the beach).

Playa de Barceloneta, a beach made for the '92 Olympics. The Olympics basically created the modern day Barcelona.

We have had an incredible trip.  More to come.

New Year's dinner - roast chicken, patatas, membrillo (fruit spread) on baguettes, and pomegranate and cucumber salad.

It's a Spanish New Year's Eve tradition to swallow 12 grapes at midnight.  Feliz Año Nuevo!