JACOB!!!!

Jacob Alexandre Bougaieff arrived a couple of days early with absolutely perfect timing. Alex was supposed to leave for a three day road trip to the heel of the boot of Italy that morning. The team left without Alex, and we were able to enjoy Jakey's first three days without interruption.

7 pounds, 10 ounces (3450 grams) and 21 inches (53 cm).

Le Grotte di Frasassi

For Alex's birthday, we went to visit the caves of Frasassi, less than 20 minutes from Fabriano. We didn't take these pictures, as photography isn't allowed inside the caves.

The biggest of the caves we saw. The duomo in Milan could fit comfortably in here. The big stalagmite in the middle is over 40 feet tall.

The witch's castle. At least that's what the tour guide called it.


The white room.


Cool cave stuff. You can see the water beneath the floor.

Not sure what this is, but kind of looks like outer space. They could totally film a science fiction movie here, except you're not allowed to touch anything because the oil from human skin stops these formations from growing.

Barcelona

We took a quick trip to Barcelona to celebrate Alex's 30th birthday. Awesome weather: the sun was out and the breeze from the ocean was nice and cool.

Les Rambles. A collection of streets in the heart of town with pedestrian walkways lined with shops, vendors, street performers and restaurants/cafes.

La Boqueria. Huge open air market along La Rambla with vendors selling all different types of food, cooked and uncooked. Delicious and cheap.

Temple de la Sagrada Familia. You can't hit any city in Europe without visiting at least one cathedral. Construction began on this cathedral in 1882, and it is still isn't finished.

One of the entrances to Sagrada Familia.

The transcept.

Olympic Harbor.

Passeig de Gracia. Main street lined with shops and businesses. Reminds us a bit of the Champs in Paris, but with better prices.

The building in the middle is called Casa Batllo, designed by Antoni Gaudi, the same man who designed Sagrada Familia. It was built from 1905-1907. The house on the left is called Casa Amatller, built from 1898-1900. These two very modern looking houses are part of the Block of discord along the Passeig de Gracia.