Sunday, June 12, 2011

Spain

What you have all been waiting for...

Connor and I got back a week ago from Spain. I know, exotic. Also exhausting! We saw so many amazing things. Our reason for going was to see Connor's parents on a mission in Mallorca- and Island off of Spain. But while we were all the way out there we also had to see Madrid and Barcelona. This is the short version (in pictures), if you want more pictures contact me directly :)

After not sleeping for 30 straight hours we drug our luggage to what we thought was an English speaking branch in Madrid. Never was I so happy to see the name of our church, even in a different language...
Well, it wasn't exactly an English speaking branch but we did attend the English speaking Sunday School. In our very small ward we did meet someone who lived in our current ward before we did!! We had a tough time staying awake in sacrament meeting due to the warmth of the room and the inability to understand what the speakers were staying combined with the lack of sleep. I am sure we were quite the sight.

I loved the adorable buildings in Madrid...
All of the places we stayed had cards, or in this case, gigantic metal plates, that activated the electricity in the room. Without it nothing would work. And next to it is a classic light switch...In case you were wondering, yes, there is a Hard Rock Cafe in Barcelona and Madrid. Here are Michael Jackson's red shoes and Madonna's awesome outfit...
I made Connor take me to see some Flamenco dancing. Behind us is a big group of Japanese tourists. Connor loves doing the white guy surprise by talking to them in Japanese...
Maybe I should take up this form of dancing next...
We met up with Connor's sisters, Cami and Jenny, and Whit and Will (niece and nephew) and did baptisms for the dead in the Madrid Temple...
We immediately flew to the Island of Mallorca. It was wonderful to see Roger there to welcome us. In Palma they had a beautiful Cathedral...
We stayed at the most quaint little villa. I would stay there for every vacation if I could, it was dreamy...

Inside our haven...
Our view was amazing, open farm land all around us...
We finally (after trying for the last 10 years) won a doubles match against Connor's parents. I won't mention their age, that makes me look bad. We played on Rafa Nadal's courts while he was away winning the French open...
The view from the top of Formentor, the mountains drop into the sea...The adorable, little town of Soller...
We flew to Barcelona for one las stop.

The famous Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's master piece that is still being constructed after 40 years...My favorite place we went was Park Guell, also by Gaudi. It was a magical park...

Behind me is the view Barcelona out to the ocean...
Our tiny little washer in Barcelona almost ate our clothes (it wouldn't give them back). Funny enough it also dries the clothes. It would be hard to have a big family living on one of these...
As amazing as it was, I appreicate my family more and I am so grateful for the blessings of living in this great country. Thank you to Kamrah who watched our 4 kids for 9 days with the addition of her busy toddler and 8 month pregnant belly! YOU ROCK GIRL!

13 comments:

Katt said...

Looks like a lot of fun! Your little villa was amazing. What a dream.

Carianne King said...

Looks fun!! And you are SO STYLISH, Michal!! Oh hey, and you were wearing that yellow scarf I gave you from England! ...glad you like it ;)

Jackie said...

What a great trip! Looks like a beautiful place.

Kendra Leigh said...

So glad you loved it! Both Matt&I served our missions there (I was in Barcelona) and we still haven't been able to make it back. It is a glorious country.

mks said...

thanks for sharing michal! i agree with carrie. you do look very stylish but im not surprised. you always have.

Jessica Brown said...

double thanks to the babysitter. looks like a great trip away! yeah!

KaraLynne and Andy said...

What wonderful pictures and views. I cannot believe how pretty it is there. So romantic! Hope you had lots of fun

Robyn said...

Yay! Don't you just love Spain! Where did you go to see Flamenco in Madrid? We saw it in Sevilla, right next to the bull ring. But of all the places we saw, Madrid was my favorite!

Rob, Brooke, Breanna and Ethan said...

wow! that all sounds so amazing! very busy, but what a trip of a lifetime! that is amazing that you got the opportunity to see so much and make great memories!

Marci said...

Wow Michal! What an awesome experience for you and Connor...and to be able to do it without babies in tow is amazing!! And yes, the kids and I are coming to Raleigh in a few weeks. If you are up for a short slow "run," I am totally game! See you soon!

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suzi said...

WOW! That looks like it was an unbelievable trip!! LOVE the yellow scarf pic...you are gorgeous!

Marilyn said...

wOW! You are always doing some new amazing adventure- and with four kids now, too! That is pretty impressive.