Sagrada Familia

We went to La Sagrada Familia a few days ago, Barcelona's most famous landmark. The Hinckleys have been talking about it since we got here, so our anticipation was pretty high and it did not disappoint. The cathedral has been under construction since 1882 and they have a completion date set for 2032. It is hard to imagine it taking this long to build, but the genius behind the project (Antoni Gaudi) died tragically in 1926 leaving no blueprints or plans. Since his death, architects have been studying his models and drawings in an attempt to complete his vision for the structure. The interior was recently completed and dedicated by the Pope.

View from inside the Cathedral





We took an elevator up to the top to see the architecture up close; it was so ornate and intricate, I had no idea that it looked like that from below.





We went over to a park afterward to let Owen run around; he loved swinging and climbing and being with Grammie.

Tossa

The day after Christmas we headed to Tossa, a little beach town outside of Barcelona. It was so picturesque, I loved walking on the beach (even if it was a little cold!) and touching the Mediterranean Sea. While we were there we saw an amazing live nativity. It was a perfect way to close out the month of December.

"Cheese"

Christmas

We had a fun and relaxing Christmas in Spain. Owen loved having grandparents to share the day with and has not stopped calling Santa on the pretend phone to see when he is coming again.





It was such a pretty day on Christmas that we took Owen to a nearby park, which he loved!

Montjuic

One of the first things we did in Barcelona was go to Montjuic; It was so beautiful and we could look out at all of Bacelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Owen loved having so much space to run and follow Pops around.

East Coast

Our trip started out great with the few days we spent on the East coast with Lizzie and J.T. We cruised Greenwich Ave. and caught a glimpse of Dillon Lauren (Ralph Lauren's daughter). She had a book signing at the amazing Ralph Lauren store on Greenwich Ave.; the ridiculously handsome models/ sales associates walked around the store carrying hot chocolate on silver platters for anyone who wanted one - I felt so glamourous! That night we went to Serendipity 3 and ate way too much dessert- but it tasted so good!





The next morning we headed back into the city and had Lizzie take us all around- it was so nice to be with there with someone who knew where they were going and the best things to do.



Rockefeller Center



Apple Store



We thought these ornaments were amazing!



Owen saw Mickey Mouse from across the street and was so excited to see him - but as soon as he got close, he would not uncover his eyes!



FAO Schwartz





Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery

Old Fashioned Parade

Last weekend was Lawrence's Old Fashioned Parade. Owen loved watching the horses and the wagons coming down the street. He would yell "Yee-haw" and "Giddy-up horsey" - it was a lot of fun, but so cold! Every year we have lived here we have gone to this parade and every year it is freezing, it is the first realization, for me, of a cold winter ahead!

Owen and Kate all bundled up.

Thanksgiving weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving with the Hinckley family - at least those that are here in the Midwest (plus CB, of course). We were so happy to be with family and enjoy such yummy food.

Then, Friday morning we went and got our Christmas tree and pulled out all our holiday decorations; it's always fun to play some classic Christmas songs and hang the ornaments on the tree.



Santa always comes to downtown Lawrence and lands on top of Weavers department store and then the firemen come and rescue him (it sounds silly for Santa to be stranded, but the kids love it). Owen was very excited to see Santa, but was ready to go home and watch Jayhawk basketball.



Owen was a little more excited last year for Santa...



But he seemed to understand a little bit more this year and hasn't stopped talking about seeing Santa.