Paseando with Dani B.

Dani Barroso's in town visiting from Madrid! One of the great things about living in Barcelona is that we often have guests visiting this fabulous city, so we never feel bored. The temperature here has dropped, but the sun is still out. We're soaking it up as much as possible before we go back to California for (hopefully!) more sunshine.

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We took a paseo on Friday. We passed by bubble makers trying to make it in this economy.

Stop the madness! Bulls rights activists trying to gain dignity for this much-loved animal.

Fer, Dani, and Miss P (feeling camera shy) in front of the Palau de la Generalitat.

Dani enjoying a drink with Paloma.

Mom in the mix.

On Saturday, we headed to the beach to eat at Catamaran. Delicious smoked salmon salad that I think I'll try to make at home.

Fresh, tasty mussels.

Our waiter divides the paella dish with care so we don't fight over the seafood.

Ready to be devoured by me!

Group picture! Dani, his cousin Alvaro, and the fam.

Paloma chilled on the leather couch for a bit and soaked up the sun. Ahhh, this is the life...

Engaged in some moving conversation about the current global economic affairs.

We took a stroll back to Dani's cousin's house and found Fernando's street.

Funny face. Thanks for the fun visit, Dani!

Randomness from the Weekend

We spent last weekend with Fernando's Aunt Blanca and her family, who just recently moved to Barcelona. (Sorry, again, no pictures of these fabulous people. I, Justine, vow to document our activities better.) They live close to the new shopping center in town called Magic, which is sponsored by the Spanish professional basketball team, Club Joventut Badalona.

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Inside there featured an exposition of the NBA. Paloma chills next to an original jersey of Pau Gasol, her all-time fave player.

I couldn't quite capture the gigantoidness of the sneakers of Roberto Duenas, a retired Barcelona player. I think they were a size 82, but I could be exaggerating.

The two crazy kids outside the iconic basketball structure.

Cousin Jorge went cart racing.

See this blur? Jorge won first place. Break out the champagne!

My two favorite blurs in the stands cheering on.

Paloma didn't pass the minimum height to race. Next time!

On our evening Sunday walk, we ran into a festival in our neighborhood.

Milestone alert! Paloma can roll over completely one way. Then practiced it 5 more times today. Now if she could only roll back...

A Few Family Shots

Last Saturday, we took another trip out to Sant Boi. Fernando's mom, Juana, was also in town staying with Rafa and Katya. We took these fun pictures at a small park.

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Juana with her two wiggly grandchildren.

Three generations! The Ruiz Delgado bros with their kiddies and proud mama.

Moms rule!

Our superstars upclose and serious.

Visitors!

Two weekends ago, our very good friends Caitlin and Dani came from Seville to visit and meet our little one. (They are also recently engaged....New York 2010, woohoo!)

Two men and a baby.

The engaged couple in front of Gaudi's La Pedrera.

We found a quaint cafe in Gracia called La Nina.

To die for! We shared these fluffy cookies with thick, hot chocolate. Sinful! They also had lots of board games, and I got to play my first game of dominoes. I know!

Dinner time! Paloma singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler.

Girly shot.

Dani practicing for his future, future role. Hehe...

Little Miss was so tired, but Caitlin could keep her entertained. And Paloma looooves Caitlin.

After all the walking around that weekend, this girl was beat.

Major breakthrough. She found her fingers to suck on, and after this weekend, she can now fall asleep in her stroller. Hallelujah!!!

Feliz Cuarto Cumplemes!

Our baby is 4 months old! Is it possible to already feel nostalgic about a moment that you're presently in? I imagine myself in the future fondly missing these precious times we spend with her. If only I could freeze time...

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A soothing fountain by a park near our house. She fell asleep in her sling after this. Coincidence?

We're working on pushups.

Drooling on dad during swing time.

This is becoming their signature shot. Fernando takes advantage while she lets him.

Her growing hair catches wind.

She loves New York.

The smiles and laughs melt our hearts.