May 2017

After waiting and planning for months and months, May finally came and Devin and I were headed off on our first International trip to Barcelona, Spain. 

After a long flight, we decided to stretch our legs and walk around the area that we were staying.  Our apartment was just down the street from the Spanish Arc De Triumph...

We then walked through Parc De Ciutadel where we saw buildings like this that are actually just schools...

And we got our first glimpse (and touch) of the Mediterranean Sea...

 We also loved just experiencing the feel the of the city and seeing all the amazing architecture.  Here we are in Passeig La Gracia where we saw some buildings created by the famous architect Gaudi. 

And of course, our first taste of the food was amazing!  Tapas are to die for! Especially the Hammon... that was an instant favorite.  

First try of octopus... I really liked it!

 Then we took a stroll through the famous Gothic Quarters and man, talk about architecture!  The buildings and streets were amazing! There were tiny streets, tons of plazas, and 2 Basilicas. Pretty incredible. 

We were able to go into the Basilica de Maria Del Mar which was built in 1329.  This was a great first impression of what was yet to come!

 One of the shopping plazas was built around some old ruins!

Day 2: La Sagrada Familia was by far the most amazingly intricate structure that we have ever seen. The enormous building was covered in carvings and statues that were all symbolic of the life of Christ and the Christian gospel.  This is Antoni Gaudi's most famous work which began in 1883.  As you can see it is still under construction today and is expected to be completed in the year 2025.  It was cool to see the difference in material, etc based on the time period each section of the basilica was built in. 

On the inside we were able to go up one of the towers.  We took an elevator ride up to the top of one of the towers where we were able to take in wonderful views of Barcelona as well as see more closely some of the structures on the basilica.  Then you walk down the steepest spiral staircase that we have ever been on that doesn't have a railing.  A little bit scary but so cool.  

 Then we attempted to go to Park Guell, another of Gaudi's famous architecture. However, we didn't purchase tickets beforehand and by the time we got there they were all sold out.  The surrounding park was beautiful though and we were able to see bits and pieces of Gaudi's work and also toured the home where Gaudi lived until his death.

We then took a tram up to Castell de Montjuic which is a castle that was built in 1694 as a fortress to defend the coasts of Barcelona.  The views from the top were incredible and the surrounding area was beautiful. 

 Then we walked down to the Museo Nacional and this was the scene that I had anticipated seeing in Spain... gorgeous plazas with fountains and columns! 

 They also hold a pretty cool water/light show that we were able to see one night. 

Day 3: We took a train out to see Montserrat which is a mountain range that is home to an abbey and basilica that were built right into the side of the mountain.  We took a cable car up to the top.  Montserrat square was built in 1565 and the basilica, Santa Maria de Montserrat, was built in the mid-1600's.  The basilica houses the statue Our Lady Montserrat, or the Maria Negra, which was discovered in a cave within the mountain range.  She was created in the 12th century. 

We even had the opportunity to see the Boy's Choir sing inside the basilica and it was so moving and beautiful!

 We were then able to take a the Funicular De Sant Joan further up onto the mountain.  Here we were able to see breathtaking views of Spain as well as hermitages where monks had lived before the Montserrat square had been built.   

Then we took the Funicular De La Santa Cova that goes below Montserrat square.  Here they built a shrine in the cave where Our Lady Monsterrat was discovered.  All along the path to the shrine were huge statues depicting the life of Christ and Mary.  We were very much in awe at everything that this place had encapsulated.   

 Because the line was so long we didn't think that we would have time see the actual Maria Negra. However, when I went to check the line while Devin used the restroom somehow there was no line and I and few other people behind me were immediately let in.  I still don't know why or how that happened but I tried getting Devin there in time but he didn't quite make it.  I felt bad, but I was the only one to see the Maria Negra up close.  

This was my lunch at Montserrat and it quickly became a favorite.  Nothing fancy about it... just the Hammon on a baguette... but it was so good!

Just drinking from the fountains in the middle of the night!  We were told that drinking from the fountains means you will return to Spain again... fingers crossed!

Day 4: Since we had been going non-stop to see all of the touristy sights we decided to take a day to really take in the culture.  We spent more time walking around the Gothic Quarters and were fortunate enough to happen upon La Festa Catalana.  Something we didn't know prior to traveling to Barcelona is that it is part of the Catalonian region.  So people in Barcelona do not consider themselves Spaniards, they consider themselves Catalonians and even have their own language (although they speak Spanish too).  They are very proud of their Catalonian heritage and it was fun to see a small part of it.  

 More of the amazing tapas that we enjoyed!  I had no idea what Cuttlefish was when I ordered it but I thought when in Spain.  This ended up being one of my favorites!

We then decided to walk down Las Ramblas... the famous street known for its shopping and street performers.  It is completely crowed with tourists but it was still fun to see what all the hype was about.

 We walked the entire street which took us right to the Christopher Columbus Monument down by the sea. 

Totally random but this was the door to the apartment that we stayed in.  Who puts the doorknob in the middle of the door?

That night we were able to go to Camp Nou to watch FCBarcelona play.  This arena holds 90,000 people and we were at the very top.  It was a long way up but such a fun experience!

After the game we met up with friends for the most amazing gelato!  They even make it look pretty!

The Arc looks so beautiful at night!

Day 5:  Our plan was to attend church on this day so we looked it up, found a branch fairly close to us, got up early, and took the metro to this location.  We were confused since we were looking for a church and here we were at a rundown building with graffiti everywhere that was locked.  Slowly, members started showing up and were confused as to why the building was locked.  Surprisingly, we were in the right place.  Come to find out it was Stake Conference and we would have to travel an 1.5 hours to get there and would be late anyways.  Well... we tried!

We also met up with our friends Jake and Hannah Oyler who attempted to go to church as well. 

Devin had heard about another Catalonian tradition of human towers and began researching it.  He found that there was a group called Las Castellers that get together in different cities to do this.  So again he researched when and where they would be during our visit so that we could experience this.  And it was one of the best experiences. Not only because it was cool to see, but we learned that this group is made up of families... grandparents, parents, children... that have continued to pass on this tradition to each other.  It was a true cultural experience and we could actually feel the deep roots of tradition and family.

This is the 7 year old girl that climbs all the way to the top.  We couldn't believe how brave she was!

 They even let Devin join in!  It's hard to tell but see the guy in the white and blue shirt... that's him!

After building a few towers they celebrate the success!

And then of course Devin starts up a game of soccer with a local boy...

 Afterwards we found an interesting place to eat lunch.  Totally inappropriate but when you are with this crew there are rarely times that it's appropriate.  It was so fun meeting up with Jay and Heather and their group of friends throughout this trip!

Later that day we decided to take boat tour of the harbor.  Any chance I can get to be out on the water I will take it!

On our walk home afterwards we happened upon the Picasso Museum and the Basilica Santa Maria Del Pi... another beautiful structure.  

Day 6:  We decided to take the train to a city called Tarragona. Its a city right on the coast known for its Roman ruins and influence.  We debated on whether or not to travel here on our last day and we are so glad that we did.   

 Roman Amphitheater was built in 200 AD.  What an incredible sight!

The "Old Town"was very reminiscent of Italy, and we just loved walking through small streets that were full of Roman ruins. 

The Tarragona Cathedral was another super impressive structure.  So much of its structure, statues, and artifacts were dated between 100-300 AD.

 We stopped at a little cafe in the "Old Town" and this was probably my most favorite meal: Open Salmon Sandwiches and Patata Fritas Con Crema.  

This Roman wall was built around the entire "Old Town" to protect it during wartime. 

 Amazing plaza in "Old Town"

Circ Roma:  This is where they held chariot races, etc.  This was also built sometime in the first century.  

 The Aqueducts... easily the most impressive Roman ruin that we encountered in Tarragona.  This was used as a way to bring the water into the city and again was built in the 1st Century AD.  Not only is it an amazing structure but its a working bridge that you can cross.  It was pretty incredible(and a little scary) to be walking on such an ancient artifact.  

 And then before we knew it, it was 3am and we were headed to the airport to return home.  This trip was such an incredible experience and we felt so fortunate that we had the opportunity to go.  

Almost as soon as we got home we were moving the girls from their shared room upstairs into their own rooms downstairs.  We surprised them one day when they got home from school after we had spent the day moving all their things into their own rooms.  They were so excited!

This girl just keeps growing on me.  She used to be terrified to cross these rope bridges at the Museum of Curiosity and would absolutely refuse to go alone.  And then one day...

 "Mom, take a picture of me!"

The girls brought home these cookies from Primary for Mother's day.  I just had to laugh!

 With Tess at home it has been really difficult for me to attend any field trips which I have been very disappointed about.  Tess and I were finally able to go on Addie's last field trip of the year.  They did a walking tour of Historical Lehi.  It was so fun walking all around Lehi with these cute kids and learning so much history about the city that we live in.  That is, right up until there was a sudden downpour.  Luckily we were on our way back to the school but we were pretty drenched by the time we got there!

 Oh my goodness... I love this kid!  And I will miss the day when she no longer wants to snuggle and give kisses all day!

 Tess has been doing gymnastics throughout this year and has really enjoyed it.  They had a Preview Night so that we could see all that they had been working on.  She was so cute!

And then just like that it was the last 2 weeks of school and we were jam packed with so many events.  First off Quincy's class did a reader's theatre where they acted out a story...

We were sad that Quincy was no longer going to be in Miss Russell's class.  She really was the most fun teacher and Quincy adored her!

Annual school Dance Festival...

 Took the girls to Thanksgiving Point Farm one Saturday.  It is so fun to see all the baby animals.    

Quincy started her baseball season and Addie started her first season of softball.  Both really enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next season.  

 After painting both of the girls new rooms downstairs (multiple times) I swore that I would never paint again.  And then I cleaned out the girls old room and realized how much they had messed up the walls.  I knew it needed a new coat of paint, so I decided if I was going to through the hassle I was going to paint it a fun color.  I am definitely a glutton for punishment.  

However, as crazy as it felt at the time, I am so happy with the end result!

So fun hanging out with this girl all day!

 We love when daddy finds fun festivals for us to go to!  The Polynesian Festival is one of our favorites!

And then suddenly it was the last day of school!  These girls were sad to say goodbye to their friends and teachers but so ready for the summer!

 We will miss our carpool buddy Hudson who moved over the summer!

She is just adorable... she got this turtle at the Polynesian Festival and placed it perfectly next to so she could "see" it while she sleeps. 

 One weekend I had the opportunity to drive down to Manti and do a session in the temple.  The temple is absolutely gorgeous and I am always in awe when I attend a live session.

On the way home I happened upon a Scandinavian Festival in Ephraim and stopped for a second.  I found a little cart that sold fresh Stroopwafels.  Devin and I had bought some packaged ones on our layover in Amsterdam and we loved them so I was really excited to try a fresh one.  It was amazing!

And when summer starts so do picnics at the park and swim days...

 As well as wearing the girls out so much that they pass out on the couch...

More summer days like this are sure to be ahead of us!  Wow... May was quite an amazing month for us!  We definitely were busy and we all were completely ready for summer by the time May was over!  Bring on the sunshine and lazy days!