A Pictureless Post . . almost

Will you still read our blog without pictures? I wondered if you would, and I thought you wouldn't so at the last minute I scrounged up some random pictures from this month that you many enjoy. My camera has died, and I'd rather write a quick post than wait to recharge my camera.


We've always wanted a puppy . . .



And now Renae acts like one. We'll keep her.

Anywho . . . highlights from this week include:

1.Meeting some new friends who are visiting this week. We went out to dinner and Flamenco with one couple and had a great time talking to them about our lives in Spain. I'm so sad they have to go back soon.

2. I got to see a Flemenco performance! I had been to one in high school, but that was a long time ago, and Jesse had never been to one. It was really cool. Again, my camera in my purse was dead, but it didn't matter because you can't take pictures inside anyways.

3. I've gained more confidence in driving! I am almost an expert horn honker, and I haven't hit any pedestrians in the crosswalk (they always have the right of way) so this was a good week. I enjoy driving Spanish style (fast and aggressive)


This is just a cool building at night. Sorry it's not another picture of Renae.

Renae's Ramblings-Part 9

So I am almost 11 months and I think I have this bus and metro system nailed down. It's pretty easy to get around town. Mommy and Daddy have had some interesting experiences but my time on the public transportation has been pretty good overall. I mean, what's not to like? I get to hang out in my stroller and stare at people the whole time. Mommy tells me it's impolite to stare but sometimes I catch her staring too. Plus, we've all noticed that it is completely acceptable to stare at someone for minutes on end, or to look someone up and down without even pretending to be looking at something else. So I stare at people as much as I want. It's pretty fun. Then people usually talk to me or making silly faces. Sometimes that's frustrating for me as you may remember. One very important thing you should know about riding the bus, is that my stroller can only be in one exact spot on the bus. It can't be a little to the right, it can't be a little to the left, it has to be just right. Or . . . the bus driver may come out of his cage and make sure you do it just right. So if you plan on riding on the buses in a stroller, make sure you know where park!

I'm showing you some videos Mommy and Daddy took of me last night. We took the metro into town and decided we would enjoy the night time view and took the bus back. I was really glad they decided that because they let me look out the window! You see, although Mommy and Daddy don't know it, I'm a GREAT tour guide! I have learned all of the important sites, and can tell you the history as well. So when we ride the bus, I pretend I'm a tour guide and tell everyone within ear shot (and a few a bit farther out) what we are looking at. I say things like, "On the left you see the Plaza de Cibeles which is . . . ." Last night our ride took us by many cool things but Mommy and Daddy were too distracted to pay attention. They kept taking pictures of me talking to them. What are they? Asians? Anyway, I'm posting this video to show you what a great tour guide I am. Please, if you have a minute, send Mommy an email and tell her that you understood perfectly what I said.




And this is a just a video of how cute I am. Mommy says I HAVE to post it.

Segovia

There are a few ways you can see the massive ancient Roman aqua ducts . . .


This way . . .


This way . . .


Or from way above . . .


Or even looking this way . .


But the best way is like this! (Masson's always make a picture better right?)

Segovia is home to a very old castle. I'm reminded of how old the place is and that I shouldn't touch anything by this very old knight.

Renae needed to confess some stuff at the castle's chapel.


Us coming DOWN the 152 stairs we'd previously climbed UP.


The view was worth it.


Cathedral where Christopher Columbus was commissioned by the King and Queen. (I think . . )


Daddy carries Renae at the end of a long day.

Birthday Bashes!-Updated with video!

It's been a week of birthdays around here! First, we were invited to a 5 year olds birthday party. We are friends with his parents. The food was really good, and there was lots of it!


The two coolest Massons.


Main Course . . . plus some sweets


Three birthday cakes and some more sweets.


The birthday boy.

Then we celebrated Jesse's 27th Birthday. Renae was a big help in opening presents.

Jesse blows out his birthday candles. (With some help from Renae)

The highlight of our day today was in the mail! Jesse received some late birthday presents (Dan in Real Life-yay!) as Nana and Grandpa sent us all a package of goodies from the states.



"What a great drum!"


"Ohhhhh . . . letters."


I will be making chicken tortilla casserole very soon!


Jesse's favorite cortisone cream. :)


"Nana, can you find our hidden message?"

Happy Birthday Jesse!

A day of numbers:

• 27 years Jesse has lived.
• 9 months Jesse's Mom had to have his big head in her. :)
• 5 years of celebrating my HUSBAND's birthday.
• 4 cakes I have made him (the 5th one is being made soon . . .)
• 5 hours of language class Jesse has today.
• 3 years it's been since Tom and Jenny haven't been able to be at the party. It's not their fault, they just moved from living right down the hall from us . . . :(
• 3 different houses were we lived when celebrating Jesse's birthday.
• 1st time we don't have family to celebrate with. Miss you all!
• 3 presents Jesse gets from Renae and I.
• 27 kisses Jesse gets from me today!

Jesse turns 23 a few weeks after our wedding.


Jesse turns 24.


Jesse turns 25. And has a very mature cowboy themed birthday party.


Jesse turns 26 and wife decides pictures aren't necesary anymore. This picture is from some other time last summer because apparently, I didn't take any pictures at this birthday last year!

Our Week in Pictures

Eating some pastries before we enter the "Bodies" Exhibit.


A statue of the dude that found our country!


I thought it was in 1492??


Renae and Daddy in front of 1 of hundreds of fountains.


What's up?


"Mommy, when will Daddy be home?"


"Well I'll wait here for him . . ."

I Love This Age . . .

Roma . . .

I'm finally posting some pictures from our trip to Roma. Rome was a cool (not literally-it was really hot while we were there!) place to visit. I had been there once before, but it was Jesse's first time. After our meeting, we stayed a few extra days so we could see the sites, enjoy time with our friends, and swim! It doesn't get much better than this.


Renae enjoying the pool at our hotel.



The pool was sooo nice to go to since Rome was soooo hot!



Jesse listening to the audio guide at the coliseum..






I'm pretending I'm there with my brother Scott since he had just been to Rome a few months before. I'm a nerd and want to photo-shop him in.







Who could have done such a thing on such an old building?
I think I know who could have done it . . .



Gelatto!!!!!! Soooooooooo gooooooooood.



Yes. We are maturing a lot here.



Jesse calls this picture "Popes in Training."



St. Peter's square or whatever it's called.



Jesse felt the need to confess at St. Peter's.



At the forum.



Outside view of the coliseum.



This arch is famous. But I don't remember the name.



We had some REALLY good pizza while we were there.



And we made a stop at the Vatican too.