Walls in Spain: May 2019

Monday, May 27, 2019

Walking to the beach

We finally had a good weather day on Sunday, after a couple of very yucky, rainy days, so Bucky and I decided to go out and enjoy it. We had never walked from our apartment to the beach, but knew it was basically a straight shot down Passeig Sant Joan so that was our goal.

We decided against taking India so we didn't have to stop every two seconds and we also wanted the freedom to check out things that were going on. We assumed there would be street fairs or something happening and we were not disappointed.

At the Arc de Triomf, we stumbled upon the Thai Festival, with stalls upon stalls of wonderful smelling food and people dressed in traditional wear. It was early into our walk, so we didn't stop to eat, but it was fun to "window shop." We then walked through Parc de la Ciutadella which was full of people picnicking, playing and enjoying the outdoors. It was a great place to people watch.

We ended up at the Barcelona Zoo and realized that we had to go around it (we didn't want to pay to go through it) in order to get to the beach. So, we backtracked a bit through the park and then headed down to the beach. We found a cute xiringuito, a little restaurant on the beach, and settled in for the afternoon. We ate and drank and enjoyed the view. We lingered there for a while and finally headed to the metro go go home.

The Thai Festival with the Arc de Triomf in the background

Wandering through the Parc de la Ciutadella.

The Barcelona Zoo.

Parliament building in Parc de la Ciutadella.

Some serious picnicking!

The tram headed into the city from the beach.

After our hour walk, we made it to the beach!

A few of my favorite things!

Our view during lunch.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Hola Lauren!

When we moved to Seattle back in the day, I was newly pregnant with Lucie. Bucky and I were fortunate to have some long-time friends living there who were also becoming new parents. One of those friends was Linda who is the oldest daughter of some of my parents' oldest friends. Linda and her husband, John, were in Seattle for his job and I was excited to have the connection. I was even more excited to be able to share our pregnancies together. We were just a few months apart so we shared lots!

Linda's firstborn was Lauren, born in a hospital in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in May 1997. Just like Lucie, Lauren is now all grown up and just graduated from college. Post graduation, she did what many new graduates do, and headed to Europe! Lucky for us, she was able to spend a couple of days in Barcelona.

It was fun to get to know her as an adult and reminisce about the old days too. Spending time with her made Bucky and me think a lot about her parents and the time we spent as young families in the Pacific Northwest. Nice memories and lovely people.

In the Metro heading to the flea market.

Now its my turn for a pic with Lauren!

Cheers to Lauren with Cava Sangria!

We had to show her the beach!

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Lucie's graduation from CofC

I should really title this blog, "Lucie walks for her CofC graduation," but it would not have the same impact. Lucie actually graduated from college in December, a semester earlier than planned, with two majors Cum Laude. The spring graduation ceremony, with women in white dresses holding flowers, men in white jackets and under the swaying Spanish moss of the College of Charleston Cistern, is pretty spectacular so she wanted to take part. We were thrilled for the excuse to head home for two weeks and were able to include a trip to Richmond to visit the Daubs. Kathleen came down from New York City for the graduation festivities and Barb and I even threw a graduation party for Lucie and Grace so we had a very eventful trip.

We spent time with my brother and sister and their families and even got a special visit from Bucky's sister, Duncan, to help us celebrate. We were able to squeeze in a little time for friends, but it was mostly a family-focused affair. The two weeks whizzed by, but thankfully, we have lots of pictures to reflect on!

To start of the celebrations, we did a double date to The Alley with Lucie and Clayton. Bowling is always fun!

These are some happy people.

Grace and Lucie (and the rest of CofC and their alumni) celebrated at the Charleston Affair!

Bucky and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary with lunch at Chick-Fil-A on our drive up to Richmond to stay with the Daub girls!

We got a little bit wild and crazy trying Elizabeth's and Chloe's hover boards. It was fun but we won't be doing it again any time soon.

Grandpa Bucky always treats the girls to Oreos for a healthy after school snack and Yucky Charms for a healthy breakfast!

They are loving their Oreos!

When we got back from Richmond, we had the pleasure of watching Skyler and her theatre group perform in their Broadway musical show!Here she is in Hamilton!

Another action shot of Skyler on stage!

Kathleen arrived from NYC on the Friday before graduation! I was so happy have my girls together. I took lots of pictures!

Lucie walked for her ceremony on Saturday afternoon, but most of her friends walked on Friday. So, she dressed up and did pictures with them and they turned out great!

Another shot of the graduate!

Can't resist another one!

On Saturday, before the ceremony, we picked up Lucie from her apartment and of course took lots of pictures! Lucie was allowed four graduation tickets so Tutu got to join us!