California in the Spring 2011 - 2

Second edition is up! I'm still going through the tons of photos that we took in the States. In seeing how many I took, I have (gulp), 1,000 photos! Luckily I'm very good at deleting, so I think I'll end up with 300 at the most.

We are back in Barcelona and have transitioned fairly easily back into our routines. To my surprise, we had our best flight with Paloma, since we had the most difficult one in going to the U.S. Lufthansa offered us bulkhead seats with a bassinet, so I was able to put Paloma down for a bit while I got a little bit of shuteye for once. Our suitcases are still full, our things are a bit strewn about the flat, and we're still suffering from jet lag a little. But the city has received us with sunshine, and this helps in what usually is an emotional time for me post-USA trip. Anyway, here are some photos to share.

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Date night! Which rarely happens! Fernando and I paid a pretty penny for some nosebleed seats at the Staples Center just so we could go watch the beloved Lakers.

Linda takes Paloma for a spin around Bella Terra.
Wheeeeeee!!!

Shopping is enticing when we're here. P tried on a scarf and some jewelry at Cost Plus.

It's rare for her to see me driving since we don't have a car in Barcelona. She wanted to see what it will feel like when she turns 16.
Goofing off at home.
Paloma tries on Lolo's shoes.We had some people over for dinner. Crab!
Men's hat club in the house. David, Grove, Uncle Cesar, and Uncle Abraham show off the latest hat styles.
I thought Grove was the best model of all.

Alex had fun riding the truck around the house.

Paloma couldn't stop laughing at him.

Mmm...pastries. Armilyn introduced us to Paris Baguette, a lovely little pastry shop with moist, fluffy, soft yummies. I hadn't had anything like them in a long time.

The decor is quite lovely too.

Lastly, my friends from my master's program and their families got together for a really pleasant dinner at Amy and Clive's home. I finally got to meet my friend's darling baby girl, River. She can pull herself up and stand at nine months!
Paloma loves kissing babies.
This is a memorable photo that I think I'd even frame. These girls are the best!
This one makes me smile too. Until we meet again, friends!
Third edition in the works.

California in the Spring 2011 - 1

Upon arrival, thinking that we would be hitting some gorgeous California weather, we landed into LAX with some light drizzles. Boo! As much as I can remember, rain = storm in southern California terms. And life just stops. So I took advantage of it to declutter my things here at home, which is a work in progress. We also tried to get some shopping out of the way, which is also a work in progress! The sales are never-ending and seem glorious when you do your dollar to euro conversions.

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Carpet! We love you, plush textile floor covering. For some cushiness underneath our bodies. Let's roll around!

Woo! Filipino old wives' tale says that if your kid starts doing this, he or she is looking for a smaller sibling. And we've gotten the hint from plenty of friends and family, thank you.
Now let's do it in the mirror.
Warehouse heaven at Costco. Fernando tries out a 3D television.I know this isn't that new, but I still find this technology in price tagging interesting.
Taqueria!!!!!!!!! This deserves those exclamation points. Tacos al pastor, carnitas, lengua... Triple slurp!
Mituswa. This is a Japanese marketplace that has a variety of groceries, appliances, books and an area of restaurants of your choosing. The faux food displays are a fun way to pick your meal. I miss this!
We met up with our friend Kim, who gave P an Easter bunny.
Then we went to the market side. Innocent, doe-eyed Japanese models try to sell you their hair color.
Roll cellulite out of your legs. Magic!
We also went to the American supermarket. Has anyone seen this? The variety of Cheerios.
What about the Dunkin' Donuts to make at home. Am I sounding too overenthusiastic now?
My dad likes taking shots of Paloma in front of the flowers in supermarkets. Here's Fernando's shot.
Back at home. Paloma exploring again.Sharing the housework too. How great!

Happy 21 months!

Welp. Better late than never. 21 months, and I already feel like we're in the terrible/terrific twos. It's on!

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Ohmigosh...these hugs are the best. They're a real wrap-around-the-neck tight hug.

Papa getting one. Two seconds before he says, "Hurry, take a picture of how cute we are!"

Paloma knows many parts of the body. Now to work on it in Spanish.

She loves shopping with a basket when we're at the supermarket. This kind of shopping skills teaching takes some time and patience on our part.

Looking at things and words.

Her favorite app is one that shows the animal and the noise it makes. It's amazing that it's become intuitive for her to use a touch screen. Thanks, Apple.

Lates!

Weekend Getaway: Tossa de Mar, Part 2

Here we are: Day 2 of our mini-trip. Could it be? Sunshine. Yes!

This interesting sculpture resides by the bus station.
La Iglesia de Sant Vicenç was constructed between 1755 and 1776. The clear blue skies help make it pretty too.
A moped against a pretty wall lined with vines. All it needs is an Italian woman in a full skirt to jump on it.
A statue of some interest.
Heading up towards the castle. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!
Looking back at that clear view again.
Not quite hot enough to soak up the rays half-naked yet.
Rocks. Still enjoying the no rain.
Crowds emerge from their hotels and outside cities to hike up the castle.
Choo choo! Or you could take the express train.
Lovely view.

More lovely view.

Going higher and getting perspective.
Sleepyface and I soaked it up.
A half-standing tower and half-standing church?
Water crashing on the rocks.
Now with mom and baby in picture.
We should make a code in my hometown in Orange County to make all the houses white like this one, so we can enjoy a view from above :-)
Lunch on the water, anyone?
Paloma perked up.
Fernando gives a bear hug to this statue of Ava Gardner. Here's the back story: In the 50s, shortly before mass tourism started, they filmed Pandora and the Flying Dutchman in this town starring Ava Gardner, thus a statue of the actress was erected.
Sexyback.
A little Fernando looking for Rapunzel.
Paloma now says, "chin chin", when she wants to propose a toast. To family. And LOVE!