When not supporting his intrepid wife, Al tracked down the best-looking homes in the area. He was really impressed with the colors and patterns the Germans used to paint their homes (see pictures from the previous trip to Germany in May). We had a great time together, but Diana was already thinking about the London marathon ........!!

A kiss for four-time winner Haille Gebrselassie (engraved on the back). You can find a few photos and a video if you type in her name or race number ('F7149') at the following site ( http://www.scc-events.com/events/berlin_marathon/2009/index.en.php)

One hour after the race, an ice pack and a foot massage from her husband/supporter/trainer

The runners passed through the Brandenburg Gate then ran the final 800 meters into the grandstand area. This is where Diana, who couldn't feel her legs below the knees, broke into a huge smile and forgot everything but the moment!

40,000 runners flooded the streets of Berlin during the race (Diana's not in this picture)

Still feeling good in front of the Reichstag an hour before the marathon

The morning of the marathon!

On September 18th, Diana and I travelled to Berlin so she could run the marathon and we could celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. The kids stayed home with friends as school was underway. Diana found time to relax in the center of Berlin the day before the marathon.

We really liked Barcelona!

The colors were stunning and the cool droplets of water were very refreshing after a hot day

We ran up on the grass and posed for pictures at the risk of getting ourselves and the camera wet

Hundreds of people circled the fountain and lined the walkways

On our last evening in Barcelona we took the metro to Placa d'Espanya with the sole purpose of watching the Magic Fountain. It was a 15 minute display of water jets timed with light and music.

We learned that our eldest greatly prefers beef over fish

The youngest tried a number of new things during the trip (we were surprised), but needed encouragement to eat shrimp!

..... but it eventually wore one of them down

The kids did well on the 'bus tour of death" on the third day that lasted 2 1/2 hours in the hot sun .....

An example of the unique architecture on the inside

Several of the collections of fruits and barley found at the top

Climbing down the steps of one of the towers

The church towers over the city and is visible for miles

The Sagradia Familia is Barcelona's most famous building also designed by Antoni Gaudi

We concluded day two with a visit to Tibidabo, a church and amusement park on top of the mountain. We left the bus, caught a tram then changed to a funicular that took us up the moutainside. The daytime and nightime views of Barcelona were awesome and we all loved the rides. Probably the highlight of our trip along with visits to the beach and the magic fountain at night.

The Usain Bolt pose. We watched the World Championships at the hotel and saw Bolt smash his world record in the 100m sprint

The oft-photographed ceramic serpent at the entrance to Parc Guell

The gingerbread houses at the entrance to Parc Guell

A brief rest at the terrace on Guadi's sinuous balustrade-cum-bench

A great view over Barcelona with the Mediterranean in the distance

The second stop on the bus tour was Parc Guell, designed by Antoni Guadi

The rooftop of Casa Mila

Another Guadi structure - the Casa Mila. We did visit this building after waiting a half hour in the queue.

Strange windows!

Casa Batllo by Antoni Guadi - one of the most unusual houses in Barcelona. This photo was taken from the tourist bus.

A great dinner after a lot of walking on the first day!

Returning from the Barceloneta beach

"We own this town!"

Walking back to the apartment through the old streets of Barri Gottic

At the Placa Catalunya at the eastern end of La Rambla

Good buddies on holiday!

La Rambla

One of the many "street entertainers" along La Rambla

The seaside walk toward the Christopher Columbus monument at the western end of La Rambla, the famous half-mile long promenade.

We spent August 18-23 in Barcelona, Spain. We chose this city for our summer holiday simply because Micah studied the architect Antoni Guadi in art class. It turned out to be a great trip with two visits to the nearby beach on the Mediterranean Sea.

The "Bandana Girls" on August 18, 2009 (Diana's birthday)

The boys tried various combinations to gain the highest strength and style points for the piggyback category

The girls got on real well......

The Showalter family visited during the first week of August, 2009. Buddy and Al met during their years at Virginia Tech. Buddy married Suzie and they now have two fine boys.

Replaying a moment in the life of Al Stewart, Sr