Bulls and B-Ball

Photo from Architectural Review

Ever since bullfighting had lost its appeal in Catalunya, Barcelona's bullring became out of commission after 1977. The city decided to preserve the facade of the monumental structure and recently opened as one of the most anticipated building projects in Barcelona. Las Arenas Shopping Center is a stunning reborn mall. It's a four-story mixed-use center of upscale shops, restaurants, a museum of rock music, a gymnasium, and even a running track on the fourth floor.

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Outside is the Parc Joan Miró. Below is a 70-foot sculpture of undeniable Miró.

Nineteenth-century Moorish Spain is evident in the structure, with bits of modern commercialism exposed on the bottom floor.
The interior was gutted and excavated, and is meant to hold 1,250 cars on four levels and has 126 shops.

Can you imagine bulls being slaughtered here? While you're shopping, the Moorish ornament from the inside looking out reminds you of its history.

At the top sits a 360º terrace and walkway, overlooking the city and giving you spectacular views. This is definitely the best part of the mall.

Paloma and I take a moment to sneak in the frame.

A gorgeous view of the Plaza Espanya and the majestic National Museum of Catalunya behind it. Wait...is that a large basketball with the letters "NBA" on it? Must go down!We made our way to the trade show area and found that the NBA had a promotional tour taking place throughout European cities, inviting basketball fans to participate in tournaments, slam dunk contests, games, and other b-ball events.

A game of girls' basketball of a classic rivalry: Lakers vs. Celtics!

We even got to make our own trading card. We play as a team in this family, even though a certain someone wasn't being a sport.
Thanks for looking, beautiful people!

Rock On!

We're parents. And we're hip again! When I first heard of SonarKids music festival and the 18 euro price tag to enter, I definitely thought people were crazy to pay that much, especially during these hard economic times. But my friend Sophie showed me a cool little video of last year's event, and I was sold!

SonarKids is an annual music festival for funky kids and parents who can't go to the senior version of the three-day international affair in Barcelona. Its primary focus are the music concerts and DJ sessions, but it also has range of creative activities like skateboarding workshops, street dancing classes, art workshops, and other cool stuff. The event takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona (MACBA) and the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB). The upside to having it here is that you can enter in the museums for free while you're there. If only it weren't just a one-day gig!

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Well, looky here...straight from Orange County, it's Paul Frank. They had some screen printing, some games, and coloring activities for the lil ones.

First concert -- indie pop band from Valencia, Spain, called Polock. From their lyrics in English, I swore they were Brits.

The line to get in the event seemed never-ending. Parents and kids came to get down to the live music.

Fernando screams to the singer, "Take off your shirt!"

Paloma gets her groove on.

Totally in the zone. I even found myself dancing with my eyes shut at some point and craving that beer, which I should have had.! It felt really good to be at a concert.

On a stage in the museum, some Catalan rappers showing the kids how to break beats, yo.

If you can't learn how to dance funky on the rough streets of Barcelona, you can learn right here.

Paloma blends into the Chupa Chups store.

Skateboarding workshops too...this is all beginning to feel very California-esque for me.

One day, Paloma, one day. We'll be making some kirigami and pop-up cards like these older kids.

We took advantage and roamed around the minimalistic museum.

From the third floor, we enjoyed watching the crowds below in the play area.

Paloma makes a show of appreciation with her little smile.

Engineering sounds. Future DJs can experiment with and record new sounds with this fun equipment.

Back at the Paul Frank booth to take a break and have some water.There were lots of lounging areas for kids and parents to relax.
Paloma says, why not just go for it? First concert, first...tattoo!

Julius the Monkey etched in her arm...for a week.

Last concert - electronic dance music project from Portugal, Buraka Som Sistema. Super energetic and so much fun. They invited a few kids to dance onstage. How cool are they!

With so much going on, Paloma hadn't taken a nap allllllll daaaaaay. Sleepy time.

Getting funky with her buddy Leone. Party time again!

We can't wait 'til next year!

Rainbow Party

It's a rainbow party! I LOVE color, and I'm not afraid to use it! On Saturday, we had an intimate gathering at our flat to celebrate Paloma's beloved second birthday. It was really fun and special.

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This took awhile to do, and the streamers are still hanging in our living room. I don't want to take it down yet. It brightens my day!

I haven't worn a party hat in ages.

Which color of the rainbow is missing?

I had lots of leftover crepe paper for the gifts. Color, I love you.

Pin the tail on the donkey? No! It's pin the flower on Paloma. And the winner is Katya!

I think I found my go-to recipe for chocolate cake. In case you're wondering, it's Barefoot Contessa's recipe.

Paloma realizes she's at a crossroads in her life. The big DOS!

Paloma was really stuck on those pom-poms.
Now let the toddler fun begin!

A quick refueling before they get back to business.

My friend's son, Leone, tries on some extra large sunglasses.

Pau's turn!

Dress-up kind of scares Paloma (for now). She contemplates posing with the Hitler 'stache.

We made Paloma's room into a photobooth. Someone needs to get their overbite checked by a dentist.

Dali?

My friend Sophie sports the 'fro.

Laura can't avoid the sunglasses either.

Who's under there?

Which Ruiz brother is which?

Sisters-in-law unite!

A loving, romantic moment.
And yet another one.

Thanks for coming, friends and fam!