Barcelona

 We started our trip spending a few days in Barcelona to throw off our jet lag and tour the city.  We were fortunate enough to have had a swim the day we arrived and a long 13 hour sleep.  Our first day started a little later and we had to venture out to find breakfast (as we missed the window at the hotel).  Jacqueline got a little sick to start out the day, I think it was the extremely empty stomach that set her back.

 Later in the afternoon we did a walking tour with a private tour guide. This was awesome as she took us by a place to get Spanish doughnuts which were a huge hit.

 We also saw a lot of sights and were able to keep to the shady spots on the hot august day.

 We had dinner by the beach and saw a double rainbow as there was a very slight shower.

 The next morning dad snuck the girls into the indoor pool at the spa. Girls were very excited to be able to enjoy the indoor water and I'm told they were quiet but I think that might require external verification to be sure.

 One of the first purchases we got was a pretty fan.  Jacqueline wanted to get red and black as she had her eye on a Spanish dress in the same colors.

 Our second day of tours were in a car and we got to get higher into the city which was fun.

 We visited a lot of different sites with majority of them about Gaudi.

and of course, at the end of the visit we broke down and purchased the red dress.  Vacation is about indulgence after all.

We are International Travelers

 Hair is trimmed, bags are packed and we are all ready for our big summer adventure to Europe.

 First we do a few races on the moving sidewalks to burn off some energy.

 Then we settle in with our new headphones and pillows in the nice seats Daddy splurged to get us (Premier Exec).

and lastly a transfer in Paris where we are really tired and yet not done with our travel.  Girls did a fantastic job on the trip.  Ashton got a little motion sick in the second flight but they both exceeded expectations on the LONG trip from SFO to Barcelona.

Lair of the Golden Bear

 Another 4th of July week at Camp Gold for the Bear family.

 Bonus that Sofia and Carina came this year.  Nice to have a buddy for the games.

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 and a Disco Bingo "look" that was unforgettable.

 Also a lot of swimming -- this year was HOT!  Jacqueline won a "belly flop" contest -- fearless!

 and even the meals were less painful now that she found out that there was an option for cereal in an emergency.

also some good times at the campfires were had...

All Star Softball

 Ashton made the C team for All Stars this year

 There were several tournament weekends with multiple games. 

 Her sister benefited from one of the tournaments finding an artist to paint her a custom batting helmet.

 Of course, they also had to help out staffing the snack shack.

 and to decorate the car for the trip to the tournament.

but mostly a lot a fun and skill development with good friends happened.

Walk-A-Thon

 End of school fund raisers are fun.

 Matching visors -- great planning is part of 2nd grade.

Annie

 Jacqueline was in an after school production of Annie Jr.  Her role was a "star to be" playing both a maid in the Warbuck's household and a cast member in the Hollywood show.

 She was really excited to be in the show and did a great job learning how to be on stage. 

Softball

Of course softball season had both Bear girls playing.  One was a Lucky Star and the other a Slugger.

The Sluggers were a successful team but the coaching situation was very stressful for everyone.