We Messed With Texas...

And made it out alive! Not only that but we had a great time to boot.

As I mentioned in the previous post we went on a nice hike Saturday and here's some pics from the observation deck.













We had to put Simon somewhere as we packed up the car.



Sunday and Monday were gorgeous in terms of the weather, so we took advantage.

I am not going to tell you what this is (hint: it's also the name of a rental car company).



The Tower of the Americas, which was constructed for the 1968 HemisFair.







We ate lunch at the Chart House all the way up. Every hour or so the restaurant makes one complete revolution.



After about an hour of walking him around the restaurant we finally accomplished our goal.



One of the newest hotels in San Antonio, the Grand Hyatt. The top ten floors or so are luxury condos.



I have to say that we loved our accomodations at the Hotel Contessa. It's in a great location right on the Riverwalk. Even though it wasn't bathtime Simon still wanted to be in there. Therefore, we don't argue.





I wasn't feeling so well Sunday night, so the sisters and Simon went out on the town.





And what would Texas be without a little Feliz Navidad?



The Teether wanted to bite anything, including the window sill of our hotel bedroom.



Monday morning we took a boat ride through the Riverwalk.







As you can see someone was ready for a bigtime nap.

Teeth Trouble

We're having a great time in San Antonio hanging out with Aunt Robyn. We went hiking yesterday at Eisenhower Park and met Robyn's colleague and friend, Justin. We took a couple of photos from the observation deck and they'll be posted after we get back.

Simon's been a trooper but is really not feeling well, including a nice cough, runny nose and some scowls. We think it's all related to the four or so teeth coming in. Let's hope the pain (for all of us) ends soon!

Alamo Adventure

Later today we head to San Antonio to visit Aunt Robyn. We're very much looking forward to the trip, but it's the first time Simon's been on a plane since he was about six months old. Baby Benadryl will be nearby just in case we need it :).

Back to Work

After two weeks of difficult negotiations, the editorial staff and publisher have agreed to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, blogging can resume. As the publisher, editor-in-chief and head writer I was caught in the crosshairs. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and we're all drinking the Kool-Aid again.

A lot has happened since the work stoppage. Hanukkah has come and gone, but we always have photos to remember. Be prepared, there are A LOT of Menorahs.



Opening the first present.



Ooh, a fuzzy dreidel.



These are the two newest Menorahs.





Look at the concentration on Night Two.



Once they're lit and no housefires started we can rejoice!



This one is new, too.



Looks great in the hat. Thanks to Grandma Frances for this one.



And thanks to Mommy for this jersey. Being a Packer fan I know it was difficult for her to do it, but she sucked it up and delivered the goods.



And if you've been living in a cave the last four years and don't know who #28 is on the Vikings...



What a nice present from Nana and Saba.





Simon's got a new thing to practice his walking and driving thanks to great uncle Bunk and great aunt Karen.













Here's the new ride in motion picture format.



Of course mommy couldn't just put Simon in the Peterson top. Later in the day she had to include the Packer pants. Oy vay! The only people that can possibly appreciate this are the ones who are wearing the split Viking/Packer Favre jerseys.



Last Sunday late afternoon we had a small Hanukkah party at our house. The economy is not suffering when it comes to getting gifts for Simon, that's fo' shizzle.





Among the guests were great aunt Kate and cousin Brian Bosley.



And great uncle Scott.



Papa and GG were also there, but Simon and the pony were blocking GG in this shot. Sorry!



Here's all of the Menorahs lit up on the seventh night.



Ok, now to yesterday. First, it was mommy's #32. Happy Birthday mommmy!

Second, we decided to brave the elements (both natural and a weekend at Old Orchard mall during the holidays) and get professional photos taken. They were done at Picture People, and thanks to Dr. Eve and Mr. Brad Feinberg for their generous gift. Here's a sampling.

















And finally, last night Rachel and I went to the South Loop to Tommy Gun's Garage, which is an interactive dinner/musical set in 1929 Chicago. We had a good time as you can see.