Las carreras de caballos

Tonight we went back up to Sanlucar to check out what I have been dying to see for a year now.  We saw pictures of these races months ago and I knew we HAD to go when the opportunity arouse.  

We made it to the beach with just enough time to see the first race go by but not close enough to get a picture.  We then walked closer to the race, found a spot and waited for the next race to start (they had one about every 50 minutes).  

While waiting- the kids walked on the track by the water, Steve and Liam built a sand castle, the kids placed their bets for their horse, and we waited for the next race...

Let the races begin:

I am not sure why I cannot blog the rest of the pictures but when I figure it out- I will post the rest... I am really bummer because the next few pictures are the best!!

We absolutely loved it and are cannot wait to go back next year!  

Walking the beach

The weather has been absolutely perfect these past few days so this afternoon we decided to go take a walk on the beach.  Little did we know, it was low tide so the kids were beyond excited to see that we were going to walk the coral break-wall and the tide pools.  We feel so lucky to have this opportunity to live here in Spain and have moments like these.  It was great!

Sanlucar's Corrida de Torro

Tonight we went to Sunlucar's Corrida de Torro otherwise known as a Bull Fight.  

Before you continue to read or even look at the pictures, please understand that bull fights have been around in Spain since 711 A.D.  To some, it may be completely unethical and wrong to observe a bull entering a ring where eventually he will be killed by the torrero, but in Spanish tradition, it is very symbolic display of art, courage, and skill.    

Although we should have done our research as to what the symbolism meant; waving the white handkerchiefs, specific cheers, the dance, what each of the individuals in the ring do, the horses that come out, etc. we were able to appreciate the culture and the history behind what we were witnessing.  This was an event that I was glad to say we were able to observe while living here in Spain but I am not sure I will go to another one :).  

Once again: Please do not look at these pictures if seeing a man fighting a bull to the death will offend or upset you!  

 Getting the ring ready:

The architecture is amazing:

 Waiting in the shade... That sun was HOT!

 The fighters entering the ring...

 And so it begins...

During this process, the matador studies the bull while his team has them charge before he enters the ring himself.  

Just a warning: These next few pictures are going to be a little more difficult to see if you are sensitive about killing the bulls.  

Taking the first bull out of the ring (if it makes you feel better... they do butcher the bull right after the fight).

 This bull was a fierce!  

He took this horse down (I will not post those pictures)... but it was action for sure.

 After the 4th fight, Liam was DONE!!  He was not going to sit another minute so we left.  

But- not without one last picture!

Planting with Dad

Today we added to the backyard.... 

Steve and I can not move into a place without adding our own personal touch to the yard.  Although this place had amazing plants, rose bushes, birds of paradise, trees, and bushes we had to buy our own and add to the beauty.  So far, we have added a few hibiscus and colorful leafy plants to the back wall,  elephant ear bushes next to the pool and a grapefruit tree and lime tree in pots by the side wall.

Aydin helped with planting the elephant ears around the pool and Morgan helped with the trees.  missed taking pictures of Aydin planting but here are a few of the trees and after pictures.

Lime:

Grapefruit:

Finished:

I think they look pretty great!!  

We are almost done buying trees and plants and I thinkg next weekend we will be done.  

My favorite flower is a plumeria.  While in Hawaii, Steve and I bought a few tree cuttings and turned them into trees.  With the move, we had to find proper homes for our trees; we shipped two to Steves mom (who has them flowering again in Vermont) and two to my old boss/supervisor (I really hope he too is taking good care of them). 

So- imagine my surprise when we walked into the plant store here and saw that they had HUGE plumeria trees for sale!  Needless to say, we are going to buy two this weekend and have them delivered.  One will be going in the front and one int he back.  I will post those pictures next weekend!

Hanging out in the pool

We have a few pool pictures over the past few weeks... the kids just being silly and having fun.

 I LOVE THIS ONE!!!  Double cannon ball!

He loves to follow his older brother and sister...

 Catching a football...

 Right before he jumped... he yelled "ROCKET"