puesta del sol

The sunsets in Madrid are incredible. And I live about 10 minutes away from the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. When Jessie was here we took a blanket, a baguette, and a bottle of wine and soaked up the last few minutes of daylight. 

perfection.

Happy Memorial Day

I had to be at work at 8 am this morning, but for all my friends and family across the pond, I hope you all have had a safe and fun-filled Memorial Day weekend! This weekend always means bbq's, beer, and kicks off the summer, but let's not forget the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day. A big thank you to all who have served or are serving in the US Armed Forces!

This Memorial Day weekend was bitter sweet for me, as I missed our annual Lake Tahoe weekend. But luckily I was able to skype with my besties yesterday and it was just almost like I was there. I miss you guys so much! Here are some highlights from the last 2 trips. Looking at old pictures really helps me when the homesickness starts to hit.

2010

pam hewitt's 

awkward family photo

bffs for like

2011 

snowing. in may

boys will be boys

it's snowing!

In 2010 we had amazing weather and then in 2011 in snowed the first night we were there! It sounds like this year they had snow at the beginning and then the sun came out. Wish I was there!

Lizzy

This morning I woke up to a very sad email from my grandpa. They had to put our sweet dog, Lizzy, down yesterday. We adopted her in 2000 and she was such a special part of our family. She had been sick for a while so I'm glad that she's not suffering anymore, but it's so bittersweet. Thank you for 12 great years Liz! You were very loved and will be very missed.

such a sweet face 

her favorite spot, in the family room with everyone

chocolate con churros

I've always been a fan of churros, but here in Spain they really love them. Churros are served for breakfast. With a cup of thick dark chocolate. I have to be honest, I'd only had chocolate con churros one time since moving to Spain. Enter: Chocolatería San Ginés. It's a Madrid staple that's been open since 1894 and is open almost 24 hours a day (I think it closes from 7am - 9:30am). All the guide books rave about this place, and since I'd never been I figured having Jessie in town was a perfect excuse! Last Thursday we walked into the heart of the tourist district and had ourselves a mid-morning snack. And we may or may not have stopped in again at 5am on Saturday morning on our way home...

i don't know why i look so angry

chocolate con churros!

My verdict: eh. Definitely not bad, but I can think of other sweet things I'd rather snack on. The chocolate is a bit bitter and the churros are a bit plain. But, it's still worth a trip, as it's located in a great alley for people watching. 

I Love Visitors!!!

My sweet friend Jessie got here yesterday afternoon and we've been wining and dining ever since! This week Madrid is celebrating it's patron saint, Saint Isidro, so there have been parades, concerts, fairs, and fireworks. Here's a little preview :)

rooftop tinto de veranos