My New Favorite Picture!

Christmas

Christmas Eve

New Camera

I got my Christmas present from Alan and Alex early--a Nikon D5000 digital SLR camera. I LOVE it and will therefore be posting even more obsessively as I take better pictures. Hope you enjoy these photos.

Hair!!

Alien Ayden and Alex

Singing and Dancing with Taylor

Skateboarding

Alan has skateboarded since he was in junior high. He has A LOT of skateboards. He has miniature skateboards for Alex. He hopes Alex will like skateboarding. So far, Alex thinks the board with wheels is kind of cool. I am terrified, however, of the idea of Alex skateboarding until he is MUCH older. Today, Alex got to "ride" for the first time. There were squeals of joy from both daddy and son and I just closed my eyes.

Favorite Words and Phrases

At 20 months, Alex talks nonstop. He sings and chatters, talking in English and Spanish every waking moment. I thought I would share some of the words and phrases that we hear from him most often.

Alex do it! (favorite thing to say right now, typically followed by Alex did it!)
Loco Pizza! (Thanks Aunt Nina)
____ there you are. (fill in the blank with anything: mama, monkey, luna, car)
Open dit! (Open it--we hear this all the time)
One, two, go!
Ready, set, go!
Playa (beach)
Mama shake! (for make me a shake)
Coooooookie (thanks Nanny)
Awethome
Alex potty!
Daddy guitar or Daddy drums!
Mama ok? Daddy ok?
Ball, basketball, anything ball
Ocho! (for some reason, ocho is his favorite number)
Mama, watch!

Alex Dancing to Albert Collins-Video

Brusha Brusha Brusha

Alex loves to brush his own teeth. He usually says "Alex do it!!!" if I even try to help. Luckily, he is getting the idea of brushing pretty well.

In a Tavern Near Tarifa, Spain

Architecture in Spain

More Churros, Please

Alex learned all about churros and chocolate on this trip and quickly became addicted. In this picture, he had finished off the last churro and was quite distressed.

The Roman Ruins of Baelo Claudia, Bolonia, Spain

On our last full day in Spain, we traveled to Bolonia (about an hour and a half from Alan's parents' home) to visit the Roman Ruins of Baelo Claudia. The ruins, which are amidst an active archaeological dig, are of a fish salting community situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains. The ruins are wonderfully preserved from the basilica to the theater. Perfectly arched walkways, artistically carved steps, and beautifully constructed pillars make you realize just how advanced the Romans were. The town was developed about 2000 BC as a maritime link to Tangier. The museum at the site houses much of the sculptures that have been uncovered, but the grounds allow visitors to get a glimpse of ancient life. Alex loved exploring, as did the rest of us.

Building Sand Castles with Nina--Video

Jerez de la Frontera Zoo

Medina Sidonia, Cadiz, Espana

Arcos de la Frontera, Espana

I believe that my favorite place to visit on this trip has been Arcos.

Castellar, Medieval Village, Spain

These photos were taken in Castellar de la Frontera in Cadiz, Spain. The Moorish castle dates from the 13th Century and many of the outlying buildings and casa rurals are occupied by squatting hippies selling their wares. The hippies began squatting in the castle in the 1970s and currently, the government is trying to reclaim the village. The castle has been somewhat reclaimed and is now a parador for visitors. The day we were here was clear and we could see Gibralter and Africa from the castle. We also ate at an amazing little bar. The road to get to the castle is long and winding, essentially big enough for a small car to maneuver the curves. However, we met three full-size tour buses on the road and were certain that we or the buses would be hurled over the edge of road at any moment. Lots of fun!!

Handsome young man

Ice Cream