inspiration

Life is not about how you survive the storm..... but how you dance in the rain

Skiing in the Pyrenees

Winter is here, and it´s time to break out the skis! Ricardo and I spent a long 3-day weekend in the North of Spain (Baqueira Beret) to enjoy the snow a bit. The weather was spot on- though I can´t admit my chair lift abilities were! Luckily that wasn´t captured, but I got a nice one of Ricky showing off! We spent the last day in the village of Vielha to enjoy the beautiful mountains.

and then there was turkey....

a bit delayed, i know... but we did manage to get around to our Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, dressing- even some sweeeeeet tea! the house was like a makeshift restaurant... but was nice to share the tradition with my american friends here in Madrid.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It´s a cold November´s day..... and I´m craving Turkey and Dressing like you can´t imagine!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Celebrating with the family a few years back in Tennessee.

This was taken in 2004 when I lived in Italy. I love this picture with all my friends from the Genoa days.... I had just moved there and decided to attempt a Thanksgiving dinner for everyone. Did I mention that the only turkey we could find still had the feathers on it!! Even cuter was everyone wearing the Indian headbands! Such sweet memories.

Happy Birthday Grandmommy!

Happy Birthday Grandmommy! I hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration. Wish I could be there to celebrate with everyone.

Photo Tag

I´ve been tagged by Suzanne to post the 4th picture you have in your 4th folder and list 4 things about the photo.

4 things about this photo:
1) this picture was taken December 29, 2005 in Bilbao, Spain in front of the Guggenheim museum
2) this was my first trip to Bilbao to meet the "de Abiega Quintano" family (Ricardo´s last name)
3) i was living in Italy at the time, had spent christmas in Genoa and then flew to Bilbao to spend New Years
4) i miss that scarf! lost it the same night- and it was my very first gift from Ricardo.

i now tag: Katy Southern, Elizabeth Walters, Christy Odom, and Kellye Hinch (who never updates her blog- but perhaps this will inspire!)

Oh what a night!

I just wanted to share with my family and friends the overwhelming emotion that I have expressed today. We experienced this moment of history gathered around apx 2,000 people from all parts of the world in “Circulo de Las Bellas Artes” in Madrid. Regardless of who or what you support, I must share with you the amount of hope and excitement expressed today from friends, colleagues, and strangers from every corner of the world.
I am truly fortunate to work in such a global environment, and grateful to see so many wonderful souls touched by this moment.

Halloween Spanish Style

So Halloween isn´t a very traditional holiday here, but we managed to get everyone in the spirit. What I didn´t realize is that their view is that everything is scary. Thus the reason for some many witches and dracula´s! It was quite a fiesta though!

a few more cute ones.....

the family

the Goan´s: our extended family

she looks like a little doll!

with Wil at our 10 year reunion

Casey & Drew, Kellye & Cole

i love this face

having fun with Ricardo

a day at the park

lessons from the pro

Nikki and Sailor at Addie´s bday

splishin´& splashin

another "wink" pose

what a cute picture!

A nice long trip to Tennessee

I´m back after a nice little break to Tennessee. It went by so fast! Spending time with family and friends, celebrating Addie´s 1st Birthday, my 10 year class reunion, tailgaiting with the girls and the debut on public television! Oh- it was great to be back. I can´t wait until Christmas. It was sooo sooo great to see everyone! Here´s a little snapshot of the 2-weeks home. (more cute pictures to come....)

Kenz, Raph and Cabe met us at the airport! It was so great to finally meet him!

The Richards´ family celebrating Addie´s 1st!

with couzins Sissy and Annie- can we try to make this more often!!

Mom and I enjoying the park with Addie and Suzanne

Suprise appearance on Channel 12 Outdoors!

and Musical appearance by "Love Division"

pre-game with Rod, Suzanne and Addie- Touchdown!

"Say Cheese"- we heard you! =)

tailgating with the Adpi girls

spending a little time with little Gaines- Christy, I cannot wait!

HOT wings with the Bowman´s

my oh my I´ve missed you girls

RHS Class of 98´

Happy Birthday Addison Grace!

Happy Birthday Addie! I love this picture of you from when you were just a little bitty girl. We can´t wait to celebrate with you next weekend! Love Aunt LeeAnn and Uncle Ricky

Javi and Ani: La Boda

Last weekend was the wedding of 2 of our dearest friends here in Madrid, and the lifelong friend of Ricardo. So much fun! and such a beautiful event. Weddings in Spain are quite a bit different than back home. Since it was a catholic wedding, the ceremony lasted almost an hour. Afterwards, cocktails in the garden, a 6 course dinner, and then your typical D.J. party (but with lots of Spanish music!) Ricardo and Javi used to play in a band together and always talked about playing "live" for their weddings. Javi didn´t know, but Ricardo decided to suprise him with a special concert with all the guys from the band. It was amazing and such a special moment!

The Drive to Asturias

What a dress!

I thought these little girls were adorable!

Check out the hats! They were everywhere!

Pablo, Iratxe, Ricky, me, Alfredo, Elixabete, and Jon

An Asturias specialty, cider

The guys having a little fun

With the bride and groom

Celebrating with the Bilbao crew