L.A., Take 4

Yes, we went to L.A. again to see Nana and Grandpa for two whole weeks. Unfortunately, Nick couldn't take time off work and it was just Josie and I. 16 days is definitely too long when daddy isn't along. But we did have fun and Nana and Grandpa were thrilled. This is the longest I have been both in L.A. and away from Chicago since I moved here nearly 11 years ago. It was great to have plenty of time to spend with friends and family and we were even able to have tacos at Alison's birthday party and surprise Auntie Erin by attending both her baby showers.

One of the first things we did after arriving was join Aunt Michelle, Uncle Malcolm and Cousin Cashel at the beach. We walked from their condo and spent an hour or so on the sand. Josie wasn't really sure how to take the surf. Here she is experiencing it and then looking a bit shellshocked.


but she loved playing with her cousin in the sand


And then we all enjoyed a yummy lunch at The Shack. While the last time we went I had the Shack Burger (a yummy cheeseburger topped with a Louisiana Hot Link), this time I opted for the delicious Patty Melt. Soooooo good. Everyone was tired but in surprisingly good spirits.


We also went to a farmer's market on Sunday and the playground on many other days. It was an outdoor playground with these nice padded floors and great stuff for all ages. Some of the times we went everyone thought Josie was a boy. I can't imagine why.


We also took a trip to the aquarium in Long Beach. It was great. Josie got to pet some sort of ray, was mesmerized by sharks and kelp and had a great time watching her cousin get super excited by all the fishies. We even fed some birds, though Josie wasn't nearly as interested as Cashel.


Back at my parent's house, Josie showed us again what an avid reader she is


Took some piano lessons


Hung out with Cashel


Discovered child cabinet locks


Learned how to go up and down stairs



and slept really well


But perhaps most exciting, Josie took her first unassisted steps!


Of course, a visit to LA wouldn't be complete without a visit to the sushi bar


and now we are back in Chicago for a little while at least. No more LA until Christmas but maybe we'll visit somewhere else in California.

Jet Set Baby

Our travel season has begun. A few weeks ago Josie and I headed out to Los Angeles and Palm Desert to visit family while Nick headed to Jacksonville for work. The desert heat and sunshine was a welcome break from the April showers we have had here. Josie did fabulous on the plane both ways (though on the way back I thought I had her arms contained but the cup of water from the guy sitting next to us begged to differ).

We go to play with Michelle and Cashel:


Wear sunscreen and floppy hats for the first time:


Go swimming for the first time:

(this just might have been my favorite part of the trip. Instead of super independent I can do it myself baby, I got super clingly I'm scared I'm going to drown baby. She didn't want to let go of me. I love it.)

And hang out with family:


The trip was great fun, but we were happy to get home. Especially with two more trips looming in the next few months. Jet set baby.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was smaller than normal this year (only 18 people, including Cashel and Josie), but it was a lot of fun. Josie got to spend time with her aunt, uncles, cousins and even her great-great uncle. She was just happily passed from person to person, very curious about what was going on but completely content.

New Friend

We had a great time in LA. Thanksgiving was a lot of fun (pictures to follow) and Josie got to meet lots more family. She had a great time with her first cousin Cashel.I didn't expect it, but they were actually quite fascinated with each other. I didn't catch the really good staring contests on video, but here's a fun one...

1st Class

we took our first flight yesterday from Chicago to LA. Lucky me I had some upgrades and we were able to snag a seat in 1st class. As Nick said, it took him 30 years to get in 1st class (and me nearly as long) but Josie manages after 12 short weeks.

I tried to get a better picture, but was probably still distracted from the poo explosion that detonated shortly after take off. Thank goodness the air sick bags are designed to hold in wet, stinky messes. If the outfit weren't so cute, I probably would have thrown them out. They were that gross. The rest of the flight went really well. What a relief. Here's hoping the return flight (most likely in coach *sigh*) goes as smooth.