Happy Birthday Roman

Nine years ago today was a crazy, memorable and wonderful day in our lives. Roman Martin Levant was born at 9:08 pm in Dixon, IL. Bob and I were en route on the plane but arrived in the small town 2+ hours west of Chicago after midnight. We were then able to see and hold our son for the first time. The last eight years have been filled with extreme joy, laughs, much learning and adventure. Roman is our funny, creative, dramatic, artistic, smart and kind son. He is full of personality, of ALL kinds, at all times. We love him and appreciated all he has given to us and his wonderful brother Mabret.

Today in Barcelona is Roman's day. While he made a very specific schedule of how HE wanted to spend his day, some slight alterations were made.

On the real list was a walk around the main tourist area and right near our apartment, La Rambla. With the big night ahead no one really wanted to wander far. The plan was for Roman to search for an appropriate birthday gift, find the correct Metro stop for tonight, lunch of tapas and explore.

Roman was able to find the perfect jersey, Real Madrid with his name and number on the back. He just cannot wear it in Barcelona on game day.

We explored the Market La Boqueria.  A wonderful outdoor farmers' market directly off La Rambla. It's sights and smells were amazing. In order to keep the boys entertained, they were given the task of finding the most "unusual". Whether it be a fruit, meat, cheese, fish or candy. They did a good job. I could have snacked on all the fresh food forever, however Roman's sense of smell (fresh fish and meat) forced our departure. The displays nonetheless were out of this world.

After the Market we had our first official Spanish lunch of tapas and paella. The tapas were a mixture of various topping/salads/fish on a piece of bauguette and the seafood paella (seasoned rice, vegetables and seafood). Everything was good. As is the Spanish way, the tapas were counted and charged by the toothpicks left on the plate (one toothpick, one euro).

The Final and most important stop of the day......

FC Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano 2/15/2014 8pm

Camp Nou (3rd largest stadium in the world) 

Maximum capacity 110,000 Barcelona fans!

      Camp Nou (#1 tourist attraction in Barcelona - most visited Museum inside stadium)

       #10 Lionel Messi

Score when we left with only a couple of minutes left in the game!

Crowed but friendly metro ride to the stadium. The ride home was to crowed to even get out the camera.

A Happy Birthday boy!