Sunday, January 11, 2026

Cason - ready for the last half of senior year!

Life is back to normal now, which for us means 2 kids off to college and Cason at home! It's definitely a lot calmer, cleaner, and there's less to cook, but we sure did love having all of our babies home!  Cason jumped back into life, especially with powerlifting season upon us!  The day after we got back, he had his first meet in Abilene and got 3rd place in his weight division!  He squatted 425 pounds, benched 365, and dead lifted 405!  




He was also named one of the 2A D1 Defensive and Offensive Stars of the Big Country!


He also had an official visit with Howard Payne's football program!  I don't think he will go that route, but it was an awesome visit for him!








 
And of course, Valerie :)

Two Days in Barcelona

Our cruise began and ended in Barcelona, so we got to see the sights of the city over a couple of days.  It was a unique place and one definitely worth seeing!

The Christopher Columbus monument at the heart of the city.  He's supposed to be pointing to America, but our taxi driver pointed out that he is actually pointing the wrong direction! ;)

Corner market

More beautiful streets!

Our first night in Barcelona, we had a 2 hour, 5 course tapa meal at this little place!  It was great!


Walking the streets at night

Our first hotel - the view from our balcony! 

This was our first hotel, in the middle of the city!

Another view of the Christopher Columbus monument

Our last hotel had a rooftop bar with a 360 degree view of the city, so we watched the sunset from up there on our last night!  Blu found a friend...

Such a great end to our trip!


That hotel, Barcelo Raval, was fancy!!

There really aren't enough words to describe La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  It is still under construction (almost 150 years!) and is beyond breathtaking.  One side of the cathedral has stained glass in warm colors like reds and oranges since the sun sets on that side.

A door with carvings on it

The sunset side of the cathedral

The other side, where the sun rises, is more cool tones like blues and greens.

A FC Barcelona store!

A lunch stop for pizza and cappuccinos!

Parc Guell is hard to describe, but it's a place in Barcelona with parks and gardens, designed by Gaudi.  



View from Parc Guell


The Gaudi House, where he lived




La Sagrada Familia - more massive than I could even describe!


Barcelona from our cruise ship

Good morning Barcelona!


La Sagrada Familia through the telescope

We found a shawarma place for our last supper there!

Cold, but a beautiful day!

A magic square on the outside of La Sagrada Familia that adds up to 33 on all sides, standing for Jesus' age when he was crucified

Ending our night with a Coconut Mojito Zero and a gorgeous view!