Happy Thirteen Months

I'm not quite sure how long I'll be posting these monthly updates, but I still find them pretty significant even after Paloma has turned one year old. So...on to the show!

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She's stretching vertically.

Playing some classic "peek-a-boo" behind the door frame.

Sweet P and her friend, Jack, meet up weekly for some playtime. The fun is just beginning now that these two are getting older.

Press button on black contraption and TV turns on. Learning cause and effect.
I gave Paloma a go with some crayons. Her first masterpiece on the flipside of my coaster. It's confirmed -- she has an artistic side!
Getting tangled up in my homemade kite.

Still working on those first steps.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas in July!

Yes, Paloma does get messy when she eats, but she is a very independent eater. It's fairly easy taking her out to restaurants. (Knock on wood!)

My cousin Margarita and her sweet friend, Eileen, stopped by for a few days to spend time with us.

Paloma gets a cuddle from Auntie Gi.

Moving on!

Animal Adventure

Last Sunday, we visited the Barcelona Zoo again -- this time with Pau and company! Ah, we love to see the animals.

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Big smile for the camera, Mr. Tiger.

There's a deep pit for the mandrills, which are a close relative of the baboons.

Pretty, colorful bottoms.

The peacocks run free throughout the zoo. You're lucky if you see a nice pretty fanned out tail.

The Baby P's check out the monkeys.

And see Baby M. Awwwwww......Attempting to touch his little head on the other side of the glass.The tons of rodents again. The zoo must have gotten a discount on these guys.

Checking out the critters from afar.

Lunchtime! Pau provides a few drum beats as background music.

The kids are huge explorers right now.

Pony rides!

I don't know...does this pony look happy?Hey, how'd we miss this before?

Goats you can touch. And they can sniff you too!

I think goats go "baaaaahhh".

Pau wanted to take Mr. Billy Goat home.

I've seen lots of see-saws around here, but this one has a real fulcrum!

White vs...

Pink!

Pau almost mounted this loggy pig by himself.

Riding the mousey.

We got the log sheep!

Pau had a blast on the tire swing while Paloma was a little concerned about safety.

Givin' high fives. Let's do this again!

Inner City Oasis

I keep finding out about lots of fabulous activities for kids in Barcelona. My American friend, Marie, recently introduced me to a paddling pool smack dab in the middle of the bustling streets of downtown called Jardin de Les Aigues. It's almost like a mini beach for kids so they can take a break when they're feeling the stresses of inner city pressure. This time, I was able to take Fernando along to check it out.

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Where, oh where, does this long hallway lead?

The entrance to the oasis.

Tap, tap our spot! Lots of room for shade.

Havin' a little snack before we hit the waters.

Changing tents. So classic and lovely.

The sandpits. The rocks are a little too fine for my liking. Once wet, it just turns into mud.

This is where all the real fun happens.

The water tower splits a shallow end and a slightly shallower end.

As an American, I'm used to seeing the bold "No diving" or "No running" signs. Well, this is about the only rule here. "The sand is for exclusive use of children's games".

Lots of kids visit all day. The water is clear, but....you know? Also, I see lots of babies and toddlers with no swim diapers. Now I know they're not potty trained. I suggest another sign: "No swim diaper, no service!"She can reach the floor of the pool for once.

Lovin' it.

Umm....where's the lifeguard?

Squeezing in a nap before another pool activity.

Refreshed! I didn't think they made goggles so tiny (or as Fernando confusingly calls them "googles"). But I'm excited to have her try them out in a real pool...in California!

Volleyball or swimming? Anyone?