Llanes, Spain Sept 11-14

I am having problems with the internet, so a shorter post. We spent 3 days following the Vuelta (Tour of Spain, bicycle race). It has been a lot of fun, and exhausting. Here are a few pics.
This is our crew on Covondonga. We (mainly Josh) pushed the kiddos up this mountain part way. Let me tell you pushing 100 lbs up steep uphills is VERY tough. We are so sore. Despite the rain, we cheered on the Vuelta. The countryside here is beautiful, mountains right next to ocean.

Here are the kiddos cheering on the riders on the Cotobello mountain. Josh pushed the kids over 4k up the mtn and then a French man drove us the rest of the way up...God bless him! It was a fun day, but we were SO worn out afterwards.

Barcelona, Sept 8-11

Seems like 3 weeks ago, but only 3 days ago we started our trip. Here is Ty on the plane. He did great! I lucked out and got to sit with him. :) Josh sat with Marley, she didn't sleep as much and cried a couple of times but for the most part was good. Barcelona has been a lot of fun, with it's harbor, markets, playgrounds, beaches, La Ramblas (touristy street with lots of vendors), etc. We have really enjoyed it and it's food!

La Boqueria! There are markets all around Barcelona. Natural fruit juices 1 euro, all kids of fruit 1 euro, meats, fish, bread, veggies, and the list goes on. These have been very yummy!

Yesterday we had a delicious lunch at Ryans Beach. The food was good and the atmosphere was perfect. The kids have tried lots of different foods and so far they have done well. I bought a piece of bread this am, and much to my dismay it had fish on it. For breakfast...they put fish and olive oil on everything, even their chips!!

Here's the fam at La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family in Spanish, Cathlolic Church designed by Gaudi). This is the most popular tourist attraction in Barcelona. We have been there, we have eaten sardines, olives, tapas, vino, sangria, and paella. We are trying to live like the Spainards! Oh yeah, I will post a highlight of pics (more than this)on facebook when I get back.

Some of you may ask, how do they do it? Traveling internationally, 6 hr time difference, different language with a 4 & 2 yr old, etc. Well I think this pic says it all. :) The "candy store" is called Happy Pills. The kids LOVED it! Although after this we spent our 3rd night in Spain. We are all out of whack. The kids were up for a long time last night. Hopefully we will start to adapt to their time soon.

I think Ty really liked Marley's photo flip book from Disney because on this trip he has asked to get his picture made everywhere. This is along the harbor.

Tomorrow we drive to Llanes to see the Vuelta (Tour of Spain, bicycle race) and we are all excited to see another part of Spain and eat our picnic lunches (bread, cheese, meat, vino)! I will do another post when we leave Llanes (3 days). Adios & Love!

Spain - Sept 8th

Yesterday we left Signal Mtn. at 9 am and started our trip to Spain. We drove to Atlanta, flew 1.5 hrs to Toronto and then a little over 7 hrs to Barcelona, Spain. The kids are napping right now and hopefully we will go out on an "adventure" here in a bit. The kids have done good so far, but traveling with kids definitely adds a new dimension to traveling internationally. :)

When we first landed we were challenged with making a phone call, sounds simple but we had a hard time and then we took a taxi to our flat. Cost more, but definitely easier. I think one of my friends had it right when he said, "no matter what, this will a bonding experience for your family." Anyway stay tuned to see what is in store for us next! Hasta luego! Oh I asked for the bill today and some how ordered a bottle water instead.

Neighbors and Friends!

Happy 4th Birthday Hudson! Hudson is our neighbor across the street and we have loved watching him grow into a sweet little boy and friend!











Ty & Marley love watching our neighbor's dog Gracie.

Look Mom what I can do! Thanks Tessa for the tutu!!

It's football time in Tennessee!!

Our good friends the Grau's are moving to Nashville and we will miss them. Here is Ty kissing Anna Claire good bye...so sweet!

FRIDAY

After a fun week of going to Nashville to see Ray LaMontagne & David Gray in concert, the CDM and then hanging out the rest of the week. We had the Beard's over this morning which was a lot of fun and then went to the pool before a Seki Sui dinner. Here is Ty going in the pool! The Beard's lounging on the pool! Kids jumping in! Here is to a fun rest of the weekend!

Disney 2010...GREAT vacation!!

Last Saturday morning we left for Disney and just got back this evening. I had an absolutely great time with my family! It was so much fun to stay up late with the kids and do so much fun stuff. We even had rest days or water park days. Ty did great and loved it all especically riding all the fun rides with his dad. Marley did great even at 12:30 at night! She did get tired toward the end and started to have an occasional break down. :) Anyway I think we all had a "magical" time!!

Argh matey!

My sweet Tinkerbell!

It is always nice to have a good reminder of all of our blessings, especially our families!! :) Now let's get ready for vacation #2. If you want to see more pics go to my Facebook account.

Muscle Shoals

Monday after naps we loaded up to go to Muscle Shoals, AL (3 hrs from here) for Josh's work. The Beard's went with us and the kids got to ride with them, fun for them and for us. :) They like riding in the Odyssey so much that Ty asked me to put my mirror/visor down on the way back so he could pretend that he was watching a tornado on tv in our car.

Anyway we spent two nights and had a great time with the Beard's, while poor Josh was at work. We had 35 cent wings and ice cream and playgrounds and water fountains, and the list goes on. Here are the girls taking a break for a photo...cheese!!!



And here is the picnic!


Super fun trip and ready for the next adventure, DISNEY!!!