Time flies, and so do we!

The following pictures show how much fun we've been having lately. Sometimes I'm too busy, but I love what I do. So, let's see.
Mom arrived in early October. Rich had left for Barcelona already, so Oma, the kids, and I celebrated Siena's 7th birthday with dinner at her favorite sushi place, and banana cream pie at home. And presents, all of which were great! Next day I left to join Rich in Barcelona. Loved it! It was full of beautiful architecture, cathedrals, museums... It was brimming with stuff to do and see; and photograph! Totally enjoyed using my new zoom camera lens. My goal was to see some Gaudi buildings--we saw the amazing Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Casa Mila apartment building, the Parc Guell, and the outside of Casa Battlo (with the dragon scales). We also saw three other cathedrals, including the monestary of Montserrat. We rode the metro several times [what a great way to get around!], the double-decker tour bus, taxis, and the skyway cablecar. We walked up and down Las Ramblas and through the Gothic Quarter several times. Browsed a few shops. Saw 3 good museums: Picasso museum, City Museum, and one in Montserrat. They don't let you take pics there, of course. Did you know Pablo Picasso was a very talented artist before his bizarro cubist turn? (...not that he wasn't a great artist DURING his bizarro cubist phase...). Well, it was great to get away with Rich for a few days, and float on the clouds of travel bliss.

After returning home, it was time to prepare for Siena's bday party. Luckily Mom was still around to help out while I put together an awesome Cat-themed party for Siena and some of her friends. We had it in the park. I think it was a big success! They played games and won prizes and decorated cupcakes (like cat faces). Once this was over, and Rich and I ran off to someone's wedding; we only had one day left with Mom. So, easy thing to do, we went to the pumpkin patch. Oh, and during our absence you can see that Siena and Zack walked MANY laps in the Springer walk-a-thon. Zack wasn't actually earning money for the school, but we made sure he was rewarded for his enthusiastic contributions! Siena did, in fact, earn a bunch of money for the school. Best of all, they were really proud of each other. Aww!

Next up -- Halloween! I'm SOOOO excited! Costumes are nearly ready; candy ready for trick-or-treaters. ..

Carol