Sammy's milestones

Sam turned 18 months old while we were in Spain, and then turned 19 months old just a week and a half ago.  He has really grown.  In looks, he is losing his baby face, and we are having a HARD time keeping up with his blond mane.  He talks more than any 2 year old I know, and most of his words are very clear.  He takes one nap a day now, loves baths, still hates most meats, and loves books and to color with crayons.  He can count to 2 (over and over and over), seems to be able to identify "lellow" and pink, and sings along to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Old MacDonald." At his last appointment he was 33 inches tall (50-75%) and weighed 21.3 lbs. (5%).

He is a mess, but we love him so.

Saying "CHEESE" to Grandpa

"Colors" (as he calls crayons)

Espana, last day

On our last day in Spain, we woke up, had breakfast, packed up, and began a slow drive back to the airport.  We decided to stop to see the Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi designed Catholic church that is STILL under construction.  Construction began in 1882, Gaudi took over the next year, he died with it VERY MUCH UNFINISHED in 1926, and construction continues today.  And it's all based on donations and ticket sales!

It's ugly. There, I said it.  Maybe it's my dislike of modern art/art nouveau things, but I find it hideous.    I know there are those that revere this crazy, ongoing project.  And Kudos to them, but I am not a fan.  Oh well, at least I can say that I have seen it, right?

 You can see the cranes working on the spires.

 The newer parts are obvious--the white/not-faded parts are new.

 Like my new hat?  Me too!

Nope.  Still don't like the church.

And look what else we found on our way back to the car?

The Palestinian flag!

Espana, Barcelona again

We decided to stay an extra night in Barcelona after our week in Calafell.  We knew that one day trip into the city would not be enough to see this great city.  So after our last L'Anchora 2 lunch, we drove to our hotel, checked in, and headed out to explore more of Barcelona.

We spent the majority of our afternoon near the harbor.

We stopped at one of the many harborside snack shops and 

let the boys run around a bit while we enjoyed yet another sangria,

 which I took with me when we resumed out walk.

 We found this awesome bubble man.

 And this gigantic sculpture.

 And more and more cool architectural design.

This made my book-loving heart pretty happy.

We ALL loved Barcelona!

Espana, just ONE more coastal lunch

Before we left Calafell for good, we headed back to our fave restaurant for just ONE more lunch.

 Delicious beer

 tomato bread (for Geoff, obviously)

 tiny surf clams (my FAVE)

 tiny calamari  

(Or was this one my fave? Everything was just so heavenly.)

 Jamon (prosciutto type ham) on tomato bread

MMMMMMMMMM!

Espana, Calafell departure

The morning of our departure from our Calafell house, Geoff and Sam took one last wandering around outside, so Sam could get his wiggles out before the car trip to Barcelona.

 He found some strawberries in the garden.

After a bit of a tearful good-bye to our friends, the Saxtons, we packed up and decided to tour Calafell's castle before we left.

 This is the Santa Creu Castle, built in the 12th century in response to the Moor invasion.

We had a small hike around the old part of town to get to the entrance.

And then once inside, we had more hiking to get to the top.

Almost there!

There were some really nice views of Calafell and the surrounding hills.

 We tried to do a family shot.

Then we toured the small chapel before heading back down.

 It had a glass floor to see the old tombs below

Good-bye, Calafell!  Thanks for the memories!