End of Winter Break

We're back! From a special weeklong trip to Seville, Fernando's hometown. Although it felt like a springtime holiday, I realized that we are still at the tail end of winter. But oh, the glorious warm weather!

If you don't know, I spent over two years (broken up) living in this quaint town, where I also ended up meeting the dude you would call my husband ;-) There's always too much to do here in so little time.

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Paloma really took a break from the almost-daily grind of playgroup.

 We spent some considerable time outdoors in the yard.

Paloma gets a live reading from her abuelo offline and off-Skype.

 

Practicing our ladylike skills.

We also went downtown where I remember spending lots of time admiring the mix of medieval and modern facades.

 

One of the oldest and respected pastry shops in Seville, La Campana was always a landmark in my mind.

 A few classic trajes de flamenca adorn the window as the upcoming Seville Fair looms next month.

 I love a traditional, wooden storefront.

The mustard colored accents against the white buildings line parts of the city to make it radiate under the sun.

I do love this color so.

 

Some typical elements that characterizes Sevilla: mantones (decorative shawls), images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, fans, and more religious figures.

While walking the streets, I couldn't help but gasp at the many girls parading the streets in their mini-uniform skirts. Straight out of the Britney Spears video. The irony!

We also got to catch up with a few more people like Rodrigo, the next-door neighbor and our unforgettable ring bearer for our wedding.

And here's Miss Thing - the newest addition to our group of friends, chubby-cheeked Violeta who's only five months old.

 We were also able to catch up with Valle and her one-year-old daughter Ana, who's just learning to get into everything she touches.

I haven't seen this girl in forever. Rocio, who actually made it to our wedding and caught the bouquet.

Back at the house. Paloma prepares a placemat for the guests who are about to arrive for an afternoon barbecue.

 

 Paloma plays with Diana, Damariz's visiting shih tzu.

 The photogenic Ana Celia barbecues some delectable chicken shish kabobs.

 Paloma and Luna wait patiently for the next batch of barbecued food.

The young uns, Damariz and Lorena, strike a pose.

 Paloma and I exchanges glances.

Alejandro and Nuria enjoy some R&R.

 Fernando's cousin breaks out his guitar and tunes in traditional style.

Many more posts from this trip to come!