Carrie's first post from Europe

Buenos Noches to you all!

I am the only member of the Ross Clan not to have blogged yet, so here I am!

We have officially been traveling for two weeks, the time has been going so fast. We have seen so many things, been in three different countries (if you count Canada – which I do) and had some very memorable moments thus far.

I am amazed at how our kids have acclimated to every different country and situation we have come upon. They have tried everything from squid to lamb and really seem to enjoy it! Kalli has had her melt down moments, but has been a trooper, being a 6 year old traveling in another country. Isabel has been stupendous and seems to be learning a lot about the different places we have been. Eli is…. Eli, what can I say? He is loud and asks some of the most bizarre questions…. but he is Eli. With the European Cup going on right now, we have been watching a lot of soccer, which has provided some much needed entertainment.

Paris was nice, but not as I remember from our honeymoon – maybe because we have three kids now and it is not a real kid compatible city – especially with 3. I was glad to be on our way to Spain by the third day. We are heading back to France in a few weeks and I think it will be a whole different experience, being in the south of France.    

San Sebastian was beautiful and fun – but it rained and was windy, cold for most of the time. I was usually clad in pants and a sweater during our beach time days. There was no way I was going to get in the water and freeze my butt off! Although I must say, the way I have been eating out here, I need to freeze my butt offJ  I love the cheese and bread and knew going into this I would most likely put on a few – oh well – I am only in Europe for a few more months…. Yum! Yum!

I was very anxious, as some of you know, before we left and still have anxious moments now and then – but I am very proud of how open minded and “go with the flow” I have been. I think Josh would agree with me?? Maybe? Driving has been rather interesting  - Josh drives and I navigate, I am not sure what we would have done without the Garmin – she butchers the Spanish and French language but has gotten us where we need to be so far! I might be able to read a map, but am at a loss when it comes to the freeway signs and such. We have seen some beautiful scenery along the way, so it has been worth it!

Hiking above Brez, Spain

I have truly enjoyed Spain, the people are so nice and friendly, very different from the Parisians we encountered our first few days in Europe. I enjoyed the beaches, but being in the mountains in Spain has been spectacular – it is so beautiful and lush and green with a crazy amount of different landscapes all blending together. I know this sounds strange, but check out the pictures – maybe you will understand what I am saying. The little towns or villages are so small and quaint and the flowers are amazing. I have really loved this mountainous area, I guess there is a reason we live in ColoradoJ

Hotel in Potes, Spain

We leave Potes tomorrow for Madrid and a little town outside named Segovia. I am looking forward to seeing a highs school friend of mine that lives in Madrid. She is going to show us around the big city and hopefully we will do some shopping – Kalli is in need of some shirts, she has destroyed three thus far! I have been able to do laundry, but they do not have dryers, so I have been drying clothes on lines outside – so EuropeanJ I cannot seem to get out chocolate gelato (Kal’s choice of nightly dessert) from white t-shirts.

Sorry for the long, long blog – just have so much to say! Hope you all are well – I miss home and think about all you are doing daily, but am really glad to have this opportunity. Until my next blog… Hasta Luego mi amigos!!

Buenos Tardes from Potes, Spain