We had a very nice trip to Phoenix and San Diego. The weather was just about perfect, and the kids did fairly well on the flights. What else could you ask for? Before we get to the trip, however, we have some other things to show.
Look at those pearly whites! Taken April 9th.
As you know I am a big fan of the electric cars. Our Nissan Leaf has been great, but it has some limitations. I have been keeping my eye on the Tesla Model S, and someone who works in my building bought one. It's not in our budget now, but perhaps one day.
April 9th also brought Eliot's one-year-old pediatric checkup. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but he is very close to 50th percentile and height and weight.
Future architect? Taken April 13th.
These were taken the next day. Obviously this is not the most becoming shot of Simon, but I still wanted to post it because of what he built.
The next day is the most important day of the year...my birthday! I wasn't feeling that great, but we still celebrated a bit with a nice ice cream pie. Thanks mommy!
And now to the trip. Mommy wanted to make sure she had hands-free as much as possible, so we had to bring out the old carrier.
We had just a tiny bit of luggage to bring.
Usually we're in front of the kids when they are in their car seats, so I think they thought it was weird/funny that this time we were behind them in the taxi on our way to O'Hare.
Here we are at curbside check-in.
Lots of free entertainment at the gate.
On the plane to Phoenix.
Now let's go get that rental car!
On the shuttle bus to the rental car area.
We stayed at the Squaw Peak Hilton in Phoenix, and would definitely recommend it. Very family friendly.
When in Arizona, you must take some pictures with a cactus. Taken April 17th.
Although Grandma Fran was at her conference, she had some time to hang out with us. We were in the pools and hot tubs A LOT.
Later that afternoon our old friend, Tara Patino, stopped by with her three kids. Sofia (now 12) is in the back, Amelia (now 7) is on the right, and Penelope (now 2) is in the middle.
The last time we saw Tara was in March of 2007 when I had a company trip to Palm Springs. I know it's hard to remember, but I did have hair and glasses at one time. Sofia is at the bottom right, Amelia is on the left, and in front of me is Tara's other child, Nicholas (now 15).
Now back to the present.
It's always nice to throw on a movie when you want kids to calm down and be quiet.
Now on to April 18th. Here's Simon showing us that he knows the letters.
Back at the pool.
Mr. Cool (actually he was Mr. Pouty that afternoon).
Now for the big dinner that night. Be careful when the three Brauer sisters get together.
Holy Sh**, She's everywhere!
Right before we left town on April 19th. I mentioned to some people that all of my biological aunts were in Phoenix. Lynda Larson, from the other side of the family, is eating breakfast with us in the second shot.
After we left Phoenix we took a road trip to San Diego. This was one of our stops.
We arrived in the mid to late afternoon and headed to Uncle A and Aunt Shauna's house.
With baby Ava.
Simon really enjoyed playing with Maddie.
A little smooch for his baby cousin.
Last Saturday morning at breakfast in the hotel. Fruit Loops and waffles -- can't do much better than that!
In the courtyard near the hotel's dining room.
The rest of Saturday was all about Sea World.
Gettin' ready for the Shamu show.
And now to the main event...
Lunch break.
And then off to see the Sea Lions.
We couldn't forget about the turtles.
It was such a long day that he couldn't even finish his snack before falling asleep.
Proud papa with his little girl.
There's a regional airport near their house, so last Sunday morning we had to go check out what was happening.
We needed a hat for Eliot. It's ok for guys to wear pink.
Later Sunday afternoon we went to the park near the house.
We both love our devices.
Monday arrived, and before we left we grabbed lunch and ate near the water.
We finally had to go home. When we got on the plane, the flight attendant let Simon go talk to the pilots.
And back to real life. This was taken Tuesday morning outside of gym class.
This morning Papa's 89th birthday was celebrated (sorry I missed it, Papa). The family had a nice brunch at Max and Benny's in Deerfield. Then mommy, Simon, Eliot and Mima went to Ravinia for a Solidarity with Israel event.
Our friends Aaron, Elisa, Hannah and Jordan were there as well.
As you know I am a big fan of the electric cars. Our Nissan Leaf has been great, but it has some limitations. I have been keeping my eye on the Tesla Model S, and someone who works in my building bought one. It's not in our budget now, but perhaps one day.
April 9th also brought Eliot's one-year-old pediatric checkup. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but he is very close to 50th percentile and height and weight.
Future architect? Taken April 13th.
These were taken the next day. Obviously this is not the most becoming shot of Simon, but I still wanted to post it because of what he built.
The next day is the most important day of the year...my birthday! I wasn't feeling that great, but we still celebrated a bit with a nice ice cream pie. Thanks mommy!
And now to the trip. Mommy wanted to make sure she had hands-free as much as possible, so we had to bring out the old carrier.
We had just a tiny bit of luggage to bring.
Usually we're in front of the kids when they are in their car seats, so I think they thought it was weird/funny that this time we were behind them in the taxi on our way to O'Hare.
Here we are at curbside check-in.
Lots of free entertainment at the gate.
On the plane to Phoenix.
Now let's go get that rental car!
On the shuttle bus to the rental car area.
We stayed at the Squaw Peak Hilton in Phoenix, and would definitely recommend it. Very family friendly.
When in Arizona, you must take some pictures with a cactus. Taken April 17th.
Although Grandma Fran was at her conference, she had some time to hang out with us. We were in the pools and hot tubs A LOT.
Later that afternoon our old friend, Tara Patino, stopped by with her three kids. Sofia (now 12) is in the back, Amelia (now 7) is on the right, and Penelope (now 2) is in the middle.
The last time we saw Tara was in March of 2007 when I had a company trip to Palm Springs. I know it's hard to remember, but I did have hair and glasses at one time. Sofia is at the bottom right, Amelia is on the left, and in front of me is Tara's other child, Nicholas (now 15).
Now back to the present.
It's always nice to throw on a movie when you want kids to calm down and be quiet.
Now on to April 18th. Here's Simon showing us that he knows the letters.
Back at the pool.
Mr. Cool (actually he was Mr. Pouty that afternoon).
Now for the big dinner that night. Be careful when the three Brauer sisters get together.
Holy Sh**, She's everywhere!
Right before we left town on April 19th. I mentioned to some people that all of my biological aunts were in Phoenix. Lynda Larson, from the other side of the family, is eating breakfast with us in the second shot.
After we left Phoenix we took a road trip to San Diego. This was one of our stops.
We arrived in the mid to late afternoon and headed to Uncle A and Aunt Shauna's house.
With baby Ava.
Simon really enjoyed playing with Maddie.
A little smooch for his baby cousin.
Last Saturday morning at breakfast in the hotel. Fruit Loops and waffles -- can't do much better than that!
In the courtyard near the hotel's dining room.
The rest of Saturday was all about Sea World.
Gettin' ready for the Shamu show.
And now to the main event...
Lunch break.
And then off to see the Sea Lions.
We couldn't forget about the turtles.
It was such a long day that he couldn't even finish his snack before falling asleep.
Proud papa with his little girl.
There's a regional airport near their house, so last Sunday morning we had to go check out what was happening.
We needed a hat for Eliot. It's ok for guys to wear pink.
Later Sunday afternoon we went to the park near the house.
We both love our devices.
Monday arrived, and before we left we grabbed lunch and ate near the water.
We finally had to go home. When we got on the plane, the flight attendant let Simon go talk to the pilots.
And back to real life. This was taken Tuesday morning outside of gym class.
This morning Papa's 89th birthday was celebrated (sorry I missed it, Papa). The family had a nice brunch at Max and Benny's in Deerfield. Then mommy, Simon, Eliot and Mima went to Ravinia for a Solidarity with Israel event.
Our friends Aaron, Elisa, Hannah and Jordan were there as well.
