Our traveling bug took us to Barcelona this spring.  John had some work in London in May and, after that, we all met up as a family in Barcelona (I flew alone with Charlotte from UT – that was fun). We really fell in love with this city.  There was plenty to do and see for all of us – food, museums, cathedrals, parks, the beach, more food, and so on.  We were able to enjoy some amazing Spanish culture while keeping our toddler occupied with bubbles and slides.  We discovered that if we told Charlotte these cathedrals were actually “princess castles”, she became much more interested.  She was a real trooper and Spaniards are very tolerant, even loving, of small children.  The downside is that most good restaurants in Spain don’t even seat people until 8:30 and serve dinner even later.  So, I’m sure we missed some of the best food experiences, but that’s a great reason for a return trip some day.

Overall Barcelona became one of our favorites.  And maybe, just maybe, our traveling bug has been tamed until after baby Johnny is born in September.  Barcelona, we can’t wait to come back!

Our first day in Barcelona after a LONG flight.

Las Ramblas. It was loud and crowded and Charlotte said she was at “a party”.

Gelato became a daily occurrence.

Making friends.

This peacock joined our lunch at the zoo.

The Barcelona Zoo was incredible.

We were all fascinated by these bubbles in Plaza Catalunya.

More time on Las Ramblas. Charlotte is clearly ready for a nap.

Park Guell

Our first trip to Tibidabo – a vintage amusement park on the mountainside above the city.

Picasso Museum.  I think Charlotte has a few years before she appreciates art.  We lasted about 15 minutes.

The fountain at Ciutadella Park.

Barcelona Aquarium

Inside Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.

Outside view of Sagrada Familia.

We went back to Tibidabo on a sunny day.

The warmest day of our trip was spent on the beach.

Enjoying some music at the Spanish Village. Charlotte’s a dancer.