Socializing with the girls

Haley and Mommy went to a fancy downtown restaurant for a birthday mixer for colleague.  Haley had the opportunity to practice her ettiquette and socialization skills.  And her "performance" was noticed and applauded.  

Traveling and customs

Very happy to be going home.  Handleing their own bags, going through security 3 times (yes....THREE times) and customs.  Few pix of the process (and it was, indeed, a process).  

History and Culture (relaxation and great food) in Barcelona

Columbus Monument

Our time in Barcelona was both very relaxing and very educational.  Since "a picture is worth a thousand words" I'll let the photographs tell the story.

Barcelona has a very rich cultural history.  We visit a few key spots while here including Guell Park and La Sagrada Familia - both works by Antoni Gaudi.  The children appreciate the classic mosaic design characteristic of Gaudi.

This is at Guell Park:

This is La Sagrada Familia - under construction even after 100+ years.

We enjoy authentic cuisine:  paella and tapas overlooking the wonderful coastline in Port Olympic. 

seafood paella

jamon iberico (tapas)

We visit the Museum of Barcelonian History and explore the Roman Ruins which are actually underground.

We walk La Rambla and feed birds in the Plaza.  We have lunch in Plaça Reial. And we shop for souvenirs which is always fun!!

We complete our Spanish Classes with Senor Victor.

And we enjoy small cultural differences such as cronuts (croissant, doughnut fusion).  

Of course there's time for family bonding, swimming, beach fun, and relaxation.  Its important to take time to nurture relationships, take a "time out" and just...chill.  

Swimming in the Mediteranean Sea and relaxing on Llevant Beach.

Barcelona, Spain

 This European Experience has been a fantastic opportunity.  The children have been exposed to French and Spanish languages and culture...and have enjoyed some relaxation as well.  Private Spanish language lessons, walks to the largest shopping center in Barcelona.  Walks to the Mediterranean Sea (Nova Mar Bella Beach).  Seeing topless (and naked) beach-goers was a new experience.  Learning limits (international safety, water safety, and non-verbal communication) have been high-lighted.  Finding sea-shells, building sand-castles, swimming in crystal blue waters, and eating (you guessed it) BURGERS and going to the local Diagonal Mar Park.

Private Spanish language class at the apartment in Barcelona