Misc Florida Fun

The hotel provided a grill for our barbecue, but they neglected to provide adequate grilling utensils. So Toby and Steve improvised with a ladle and some knives.

The pool was the default destination for everyone - no big surprise there!

Waiting for the tram in Animal Kingdom.

Claire had fun in the car - living it up facing forward for the week.

Disney World

Toby and Steve treated the family to a week in Florida over spring break this year. Everyone enjoyed getting away to a warm (hot) spot.

The first day's activities included dinner at Epcot. Claire was most excited to see the icon of Epcot and pointed to it saying "ball!"

The second day included brunch at Chef Mickey's, where the characters come visit during your meal. Aileen and Jack loved meeting them all and getting their autographs. Claire was dubious.

Unky Boo

Hanging out with Great Uncle Bruce

Doubly Great

Claire met her Great Great Aunt Nancy this week in New Hampshire

Hooray for Aunt Simone

The pro helps calm Claire on this perfect beach day on the Jersey Shore.

Claire and Lauren in Action

We spent Easter weekend in Torrance with Betsy, Evan and Lauren. The girls had lots of quality time with each other playing on the floor. Frequently, Lauren would mistake Claire for a toy and try to put her in her mouth.

Spring Break, Part 2, Palm Springs

Phase two of our Spring Break vacation was 4 nights in Palm Springs at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. Toby and Steve joined us for this part of the trip (retirement suits them, and their travel!). We found a good deal on a 2 bedroom villa which gave us a living room and a large outdoor area with hot tub. Having the villa meant we could hang out at home base but not feel cooped up in a hotel room. The outdoor space was fantastic!

This trip marked Claire's first time in a swimming pool. She enjoyed lots of cuddle time with Mana & Papa and some great fresh air naps.

Claire loves bath time anyway, but this was even better because of the giant mirror!

The scenery is amazing. Matt and Steve played two rounds of golf on what they say are two of the most beautiful courses they've ever played.

Concerned look as she enters the pool. The water is not quite as warm as her baths!

A bunch of girls, age 6-8 I'd guess, were fascinated by Claire. At one point, we were surrounded by them.

After all the swimming, it was time to nap. Toby walked her around as she slept, noting that the bathing suit's hood made a great sleep mask. Perhaps we should always dress her in hoodies to block the stimuli.

I like vacation!

Ok, who put on this diaper?

Cozy after her second day of swimming

Saying her goodbyes - just 4 weeks until the next visit!

Steve's photos of the trip can be found here.

Spring Break, Part 1, Misc

Here are some more miscellaneous photos from the weekend in Torrance - they are too cute to keep to myself.

Pit stop en route to SoCal - side of the road burping

Lauren entertaining her self in her crib at the end of her nap - with one sock

(Safely) enjoying the warm sunshine in the backyard

Sun hats are all the rage for the under 1 set

Matt's trying to figure out what's so fun about lying down with arms up

Mom, I can't see!

Must. Get. Every. Last. Bit.

You have a little something on your face.

Spring Break, Part 1, Easter!

Easter Sunday found us with a flurry of activities. First, we had brunch after watching the girls play in their coordinating bunny ensembles. Then it was time for Easter "baskets" assembled by Grandma Cindy. After some more nap cycles, we all geared up and walked to the municipal pitch & putt where the men played a round and the gals walked a few holes and moseyed home. During this outing, the boys felt the earthquake as they waited at a tee, but Betsy and I didn't notice it at all walking home. After that excitement, we packed up and journeyed to Evan's parents' home in Rancho Palos Verdes for Easter dinner.

Would you like your sippy cup upside down?

Walking to the pitch & putt course

Lauren will mouth on anything in her path

Claire is in here somewhere, I promise.

Lauren fell asleep on the walk home, clutching her interlocking rings. She held them the whole way home.

Nga, Luke, Betsy, Lauren, Claire, me

on Sue & Terry's deck overlooking LA to Long Beach

Claire loved this mobile set up in Sue's kitchen so much, we searched for one immediately upon returning home - and got one free!