They're coming from America...

Just one day after we came home from camp we were back at the airport to pick up Alexa's friend Kara. I think it was the highlight of Alexa's summer to finally get to hang out with one of her best friend's from home.

 The very next day my friend Jenn and her family came in from California. They weren't staying with us but we made arrangements to do some tours together. Jenn found a great Chocolate class at the Museo de Chocolate.

 below our kids with Jordan and Jake.

 Joe had made a new friend by the end of the day.

 After our fabulous morning class we navigated the public transportation system up to Tibidabo...metros, trams and funiculars...

And Alexa and Kara took the Obligatory Tibidabo Photo...

It's seemed like no sooner had we picked up Kara at the airport that we were dropping her off again. The visits go by so fast. And then a few days later the Glovers came to stay with us. We put on our tourguide hats and headed back into the city...

 Luckily, Gracia, one of Barcelona's neighborhoods, was having their Fiesta Major. It's their big street fair, and one of the best in the city, when all the streets compete against each other for bragging rights to the best decorated street. Here are a few of the examples...

 Some were clearly scarier than others...

 We had a great time just wandering around the city...

and hanging out by the port...

 Finding ways for the kids to have fun...

 And looking at ourselves from different perspectives (picture of reflection on building)

Candy by any other name still tastes as sweet...

 After we said goodbye to the Glovers, Mary Weinstein and her daughter Ali came to stay with us. Andrea had been in Paris with them the days the Glovers were with us. And it was one more time around the city.
We learned that it doesn't matter how many times you visit the beautiful landmarks here in Barcelona, each time has it's own discoveries and moments of laughter with friends.
And so August flew by...and school was around the corner with new friends and new teachers and a brand new building too.