Sevilla Holidays 2009 - Part I

Oh my! It's the end of the year, so it's time to get one more post in before 2009 ends! Here are some captured moments since we've been here in Sevilla with Fernando's family.

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Tia Ana Celia and Tio Javier came by to visit.

She crocheted these tiny sandals for Baby Pau and Baby Paloma, but they were too small for them. For the next set o' babies!

Look at this handsome face. Have you ever seen gray eyes?

Luna guards a snoozing Paloma in the yard.

Tia Brau and Tio Fernando swung by to see the babes.

Abuela gives Pau some lovin'.

Sweet P takes the walker for a spin.

What time is it? Play time as usual!

Road trip! Falling asleep on the way to great grandma's house in Cordoba.

We've arrived! The paparazzi was notified beforehand.

Fernando's cousin Fernandito with our little one.

Cousin Rafael with little Pau.

Tio Javier and son Javierito jump with the tiny cousins and Fer.

Maria Blanca with double trouble.

We were lucky to catch cousin Begoña before she caught the train to Madrid.

We took a long stroll around Cordoba. What a glorious Sunday!

Hot wheels! La bisabuela between the bisnietos in sweet slumber.

What's this? Los Reyes normally pay a visit on January 6, but seeing that the family (minus Juan Pablo who's in Andorra) is together, they arrived earlier than expected and left presents next to our shoes. Thanks, guys!

The babies open their presents so they can eat the wrapping paper.

The abuelos with the nietos.

Pau relaxes on this morning after opening presents.

Our friend Borja practicing fatherhood before his little Alejandro arrives in early February. (Yay!)

Friends Juanan and Dani.

Valle and a very pregnant Sandra.

Me and Caitlin.

Some serious play.

Now, lucha libre!

Paloma enjoys the sun indoors on this rainy day.

More adventures to be shared as they happen. Thanks for tuning in!

Merry Christmas!

This Thursday, we're heading to Sevilla (in the beautiful southern Spain) to meet Paloma's other side of the family. Time to pack our bags again! This next one and a half hour plane ride will be a piece of cake!

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Eh, eh...not yet, kiddo!

Merry Christmas!

See you in Sevilla, people!

California Randomness

This is the last batch of pictures I'd like to share of our trip to California. They're pretty random, but I don't really want to cut them out just yet.

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The red hood crew.

Our gratuitous one-year anniversary cake, which we were finally able to enjoy!

We took a walk around my old neighborhood in Westminster. Paloma touches the warm, white snow.

And checks out a manger scene. Christmas in California. I, personally, love it!

Armilyn also showed us around an area in Los Alamitos, where there a few tiny boutiques and restaurants.

A koi pond.

We had a quick bite to eat at Shenandoah, where the waiters come around the tables to serve warm, fresh apple fritters.

Ooh..Paloma's first encounter with a snowman. Fake, that is!

My cousin Armilyn with Sweet P and Alex.

I love the French fabrics lining the chairs, lining the Christmas tree.

Paloma didn't quite appreciate the beautiful lights at this window.

Until next time, California. Love you, oh, wonderful home!

Feliz Sexto Cumplemes!

Paloma turns six months today. It's amazing to see a baby get smarter, cuter and funnier as each week passes. Am I a proud and doting parent? You betcha!

Since she's hit the six month mark, it was time for her to join the family meals and get a highchair. Why are they so expensive? We went the economical route and headed to Ikea yesterday. Chair and tray - 17 euros. Cha-ching!

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Paloma checked out the specs on this thing before we bought it. Good construction, she says.

Who was there at Ikea to greet the kiddies? Santa, of course! What do you think - is he convincing enough?
Lesson learned. We will never go to Ikea by public transportation carrying a load of things and waiting for a bus for 20 minutes. In 40 degree weather where you have to bundle your kid with multiple layers that she can barely bend an arm. And with a kid who missed her nap and screams on the bus on the way back. EVER. I'm over it! But the trip was worth it though. Look how happy she is in her new chair. Now somebody spoon feed this kid some solids!

On another note, today marks the three-year passing of my grandmother, Paula Valdez Ancheta. She was a spectacular woman who spoiled her grandkids and cracked us up along the way. A prayerful, beautiful soul, that lady. This is Fer with her in September 2006.

On our recent trip, my family and I paid a visit to the beautiful Cypress Lawn.

Little P says hi to great grand P.

How beautiful is the cycle of life?