Viva Espana!!!

So Spain was ABSOLUTELY amazing! I don't know how to sum up ten days on one blog but I will just do a quick recap of our trip, touching on some of our favorite parts.

First of all, we went to a city north of Madrid called Segovia where this HUGE aqueduct is located. It was built sometime around year 1 and is still standing.

This was the castle located in Segovia. Spencer had been here a couple of times while on his mission but it was fun for him to take me here. It was a beautiful castle as you can tell.

We tried to stop at Valle De Los Caidos on our way back from Segovia but as our luck would have it, it is closed on Mondays, which happened to be the day we went. But I really wanted to see it so we went back the next day. This is a memorial/grave built by Franco who claimed that it was built for all those that fell in the war. But it seems that he wanted to built it for himself. It is absolutely HUGE, pictures don't even do it justice.

This is the Moreno family that Spencer taught while on his mission. The daughter, Eliana, was baptized in Columbia and when she came to Spain she took her dad to church and that's where Spencer met the him and the family. Now they have all joined the church, were sealed in the temple last year and are doing really well. I have to admit, this was my FAVORITE part of going to Spain, meeting the people that Spencer taught and loves, and seeing them interact. It was so rewarding and I loved it!

On our way down to Granada we stopped in a beautiful city called Toledo. It has the famous old town with cobblestone paths and beautiful European decor. There is a famous "Toledo" store that all the missionaries love. It has swords, armors, guns and just about anything boys love!
Then when we continued on our way to Granada, Spencer spotted the famous Don Quixote windmills in Consuegra and we had to stop! Spencer never had a chance while on the mission to see them and was SO excited! It definitely was one of our favorite things we saw! It was really neat to see five or so in a row.
Spencer couldn't wait to try out one of his favorite mission meals, a Doner Kebap...look at how happy he is.
We stayed a night in Granada and then went to La Alhambra, which is this HUGE palace and garden and when I say HUGE I mean HUGE! We took a million pictures here and this is one from one of the garden areas we were at.
We then went to one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Spain. It's called Playa Bolonia and was recommended by all of the members in Azuqueca. It was next to a ton of old Roman Ruins that we we're able to walk through. We went to the beach but after putting our feet in the FREEZING cold water we decided against getting it. Another cool part was being able to see Africa across the way :)
Then we went to another one of our favorite places. There was this old city built high on a mountain top called Vejar De La Frontera that is a city of all white pueblos. It was amazing, we walked up and down the streets just in awe at the beauty and the gorgeous European feel.
When we went to Cadiz we took a ferry over to Puerto de Santa Maria where we went to a well known fried fish restaurant ( I didn't eat much) but while we were there they happened to be watching the Lakers vs Nuggets game so we found a table near the TV and enjoyed our meal.

When trying to find the entrance to the ferry we ended up walking like miles (not literally but it was a long walk) to get to it. Well i didn't wear the best socks for the shoes I had on and I started to get a blister. Spencer, being the great husband he is, offered to switch me a sock. I still don't know how my tiny sock fit him but he didn't complain one bit and I didn't end up with a blister! Isn't he sweet!

This is the Batanero family that was more than generous to us, we stayed at their house both in Madrid and in Cadiz. They are such a great family! They are hysterical and our cheeks were literally hurting from laughing whenever we were with them. We just love them!


On our way back to Madrid we stopped in Sevilla where one of Spencer's mission buddies lives with his wife and adorable baby. They literally gave us an amazing tour of the city along with the history and everything! This is Spencer and I at the famous Plaza de Espana which was HUGE and one of the most gorgeous Plaza I've seen. There is a Plaza de Espana in every city and this one is the biggest one in Spain.
Then on Sunday we went to the Azuqueca Ward, this church was being built while Spencer served in the area. He was transferred one week before they finished it so it was really exciting to go back and see it. It was a beautiful church and the members were amazing and so receptive. They loved having us there!

Then on our last day we had to hit up a few things. I of course had to go to one of my favorite clothing stores in the world, H & M! I loved it and after a few hard decisions I walked away with some great outfits!
Then Spencer was in heaven when we went to the Chuche Factory (Spanish Candy). They are like gummies but taste better and Spencer honestly can't get enough of them. We definitely splurged on them but it was worth it.

And last but not least we were able to spend some time with President and Hermana Farnsworth who came into the mission when Spencer was working in the office. He helped helped them learn the ropes of the Spain Madrid Mission. They love him, of course, and it was great to spend time with them!

So there is a quick run down of our trip! If you want to see or hear more just let us know! We have a million pictures and even more stories to share!