Trip To San Diego, Meeting Uncle Mike and Cousins Turner and Van and Mr. Fussbuckets Likes His Marriottt Room

Hey All,

Well this past week Jenn, Graeme and I were in San Diego. I traveled on business and Jenn thought it was the perfect time for Graeme to meet his Uncle Mike and his Cousins Turner and Van. So let's back up a few days. Once my travel plans were locked in place Jenn and I started talking about whether or not this time made sense or perhaps we should wait until July, when I have to go back to San Diego. The long story short is that we decided to make the trip sooner rather than later. While the decision had merit I figured, well we're about to be back in the funny story business. I had vision of Graeme screaming his head off as we hit solid turbulence then stinking up the back half of the aircraft with a nice deuce in the shorts and sitting there helpless as the fasten seat belt sign laughed at us and our unsuspecting fellow travelers. Well wouldn't you know we had a familiar face in our row, my colleague Carolynn Augur and Graeme was absolutely perfect on all legs of his trans continental travels! It was pretty amazing, he did not let out a peep until we go to the hotel and again not until we got home upon our return. The only commotion he caused was amongst a few flight attendants that fawned over him. Apparently Graeme is already a seasoned traveler, as a result of his "charm" Mommy and Daddy got a free glass of wine on the return trip and had to turn down a second, our flight attendant even offered us to go cups!

The highlight of the trip without a doubt was seeing Graeme interact with his cousins, or more aptly how they interacted with him. Both Turner and Van couldn't wait to meet Graeme and kept telling us he was so cute and asking to hold him and touch him. I have to say makes your heart melt (until Van tells you he doesn't like you then you're back to reality) actually it's mostly heart melting. Turner and Van are really sweet kids and it was really great to see them being so kind and gentle with Graeme. We even had a n adventure at the San Diego County Fair with Graeme and Turner, sadly we forgot the camera, but we had a blast we met up with Ken and Stacey, I ate a huge (and I mean prehistoric like big) smoked turkey leg, Turner had a piece of chocolate covered deep fried bacon and Mike a fried twinkie. It was pretty intense as far as fair food goes.

During the day Jenn had hoped to lounge by the pool, get in a power walk or two and then maybe have an afternoon cocktail. You see after the light we were convinced this was going to be a breeze. Well after the initial meeting with Mike and the boys, we had a pretty regular night's sleep. I woke up, worked out then went off to work at about 7:15. At approx 7:17 I got the first text that Graeme was awake and hungry. Unbeknownst to us this marked the arrival of Mr. Fussbuckets, Graeme's alter-ego that is just one bottomless bucket of fussy, crying, spitting and sweating that scares you to death and will drive you to the end of your wits if you're not in the right frame of mind when he shows up. He is slow to get going sometimes, and that was the case this first morning. About 20 minutes after the first came the second message, he was still fussing, but Jenn felt like it was going to be over soon. Then another 20 minutes and the play by play started as Graeme had Jenn trapped int he room, he just wouldn't let up. Well suffice it to say that this went on and on until just before I came home err back to the hotel. He repeated this pattern on an every other day basis until we left the hotel and made it to Mike's for the weekend.

We had a pretty low key Friday night in preps for Mike's Blow-Out BBQ Bash!!! It wasn't quite that big, but Mike threw a pretty cool summer party. Jenn and I of course had a blast, we met a few of Mike's friends, got to introduce Graeme to Aunt Patty, I had like three Brats (that is always a good day) and we had a chance to swim and play with the boys. Oh yeah and we had lots of beer and wine. Thank God Graeme was a good flyer, the return trip would have been pure hell if he was crying away all flight long. Graeme was well behaved and my hang over that began to subside somewhere over Utah was all over with by the time I finished my McDonald's Southern Fried Sandwich and Fries. McD's fries are sooo damn good!!!!

Anyway that's about it for the week that was. Graeme's first July 4th/Garypolooza Birthday Weekend is next on the agenda, should be a fun time. Pulled Pork, Brisket, Burgers and Dogs how can we go wrong?

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Peace,

Quick Note

Hey All,

Well we're back from Cali. Graeme was an absolute dream on the trip, wait I'll rephrase that opn the plane. Like his Dad I think he just prefers the East coast.

Also we have started (and already missed one week) our 52 Weeks Of Pie Blog. Week one has already been posted and I'll upload our Father's day pie tonight. Check it out at http://52weeksofpie.blogspot.com/

OK we're off to Tally Ho for dinner with Mom and Gary.

Peace,
Will

Graeme Visits His Uncle Mike and Cousins Turner and Van

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Janice Visits Mid Week, Father's Day and On to San Diego!!!

Hey All,

Well another week down and happily not a lot to talk about! At least in terms of stories of Graeme. He is really pretty good!! There are a few melt downs like any 9 week old would have,but all in all nothing out of the ordinary. The big news this week was a visit from Janice, Fathers day dinner at Lil Alex, our impending trip to San Diego and we started the Year of Pie blog!!!

So let's start from the top, Janice dropped by on Tuesday night (I think). We had a fun little dinner and J had a chance to spend some time with Graeme. Check it out here is Graeme and his Grandma Rudy!



Not much else was happening around Lil Alex until the weekend. Of course this weekend revolved around Father's day. After we got all the Father's day calls to Dad, Bruce, Mike and Jay done we got down to preparing for a dinner with Janice and Gary. Jenn went way out of her way to make a GREAT dinner. She chose a Mediterranean/Greek theme. We had Spanakopita, lamb burgers, a yogurt sauce, and roasted potatoes w/ garlic and rosemary. It was a great dinner just check out the pics.



The last big news is that we are heading to San Diego tomorrow! We'll see how Graeme does on his first plane ride! Please pray for us! this could be the longest 6 hours of our lives!!!

It's late and I've got to sleep, bit one last note. Check out http://52weeksofpie.blogspot.com we are starting our pie blog. Check out week one and stay tuned for the review of this weeks pie, Banana, Chocolate and Coconut Custard Pie.

SO that's it for right now, our next post will come from San Diego, which us luck

Peace

Time To Catch Up

Hey All,

OK so you've got all the details through the Memorial Day Weekend. We had Monday to wind down as we awaited the arrival of Dad and Kath. The visit kicked of with Jenn and Graeme meeting Dad and Kath and them having a quick bite at one of our stand byes, Southside 815. Night one w had a quick birthday dinner or Kath at the Columbia Firehouse, we all had salads, I can honestly say that I can't remember a dinner when My Dad, Kath and I all had salads. Anyway, it wasn't the most spectacular birthday dinner, but we did have a few small gifts for Kath at home so it was a great way to start the visit. Dad and Kath were great with Graeme and letting Jenn getting caught up on sleep, get tot he gym and take care of some errands. They came through as well in the yard, taking care of pruning our roses and cleaning up after the Magnolia tree. I am sure they did a few other thing around the house that I am forgetting, they were great. Thanks Guys!

One of the highlights of their visit, was our trip to see my Uncle Gerhard and Aunt Louise. We had a great dinner, Gerhard made a HUGE fillet of beef! We have had this meal before and it doesn't disappoint (so long as you're a meat eater, which I am). Somehow we weren't able to transfer a picture of Gerhard and Graeme to the blog, but check out Louis and Graeme!


Graeme's been to see Gerhard and Louise a couple of times now, I think he and Louise are going to be best pals! We all had a great time, personally I love all the discussion we have about travel and food, two things Jenn and I love!

That was Friday night, Saturday Jenn and I took Graeme to Harold and Laura's for a lunch. Harold had met Graeme, but this was Laura's introduction to Graeme. Laura immediately went to the top of Graeme's list when she brought out a bag of gifts. Gift number 1, Sophie the Giraffe. Gift number 2 Graeme doesn't know because all he does is play with Sophie!! (actually gift #2 was book, that is very cool and that he will love). We had a great lunch with Harold and Laura. Food was great, Harold took about a million pictures and Jenn and I walked away with a few shrubs! After our light lunch Jenn, Graeme and I strolled down to the Georgetown waterfront for a quick bite and beer at Sequoia. Sequoia is a great waterfront spot, usually the view is better then the food, but always fun.

Our visit closed with our obligatory visit to the Old Ebbitt Grill. As always the food was excellent, the service pretty top shelf and the ambiance super. I did have one complaint, let me know how you feel about this. Dad and I usually get a Bloody Maryland ( a Bloody Mary with Old Bay and Big Ole Shrimp), so we each ordered one. The waiter asked if we wanted it spicy and we both replied "Yes". Now I usually assume that means they'll add Tabasco and some extra horseradish. When the drink came it was spicy, but sadly, it didn't quite live up to previous renditions, something was a bit off. So fast forward to the bill, and the Bloody Marylands are $12.00, not the usual $10.50. I figure I should let the waiter know the menu needs updating. Then I see it, the $1.50 up-charge for Absolut Peppar! Now it's not much,but I think that is crap! and it didn't help the drink out at all to boot. Let me know what you think.

Anyway,that was the end of the trip. It was great to have Dan and Kath here and we were sad to see them go, but we're also glad to be back in out regular pattern. Truth is things around here have been pretty uneventful and that is a good thing. Jenn has said she will try to get on the blog so it won't only be my point of view and tired humor. She should have some good observations since she spends most all day everyday with Graeme, so we'll see if she can get on the blog and get you all back into the day to day happenings at Lil Alex.

It's late and Graeme needs to get fed and get to sleep.

Peace

We're Not Going to Win Any Awards for Blogging (Yet)

Hey All,

When we last left off, nearly two weeks ago, Jenn and I were in the midst of an ant problem. I'm happy to report we, along with Triple S Services, have crushed the ants. So much for the animal revolution! We had also just finished a Memorial Day weekend that culminated in a party at Tucker and Meghan's place in Takoma Park or Silver Spring (we're not exactly sure where it is). We were riding a big time high, at least I was, fueled by a few Corona's and the exhilaration of winning a cornhole match with Jim Sauber. The two Michigan alums just flat out humbled Tucker and his ringer teammate (I forget his name, but he was from Arkansas). Jim and I came through in the clutch to win the series two games to one with some big holes in one down the stretch. So inspired was I that I may have just ordered my own custom Cornhole set from AJJCornhole of Cincinnati, OH. It should be here next week. Tucker, Jim lets get ready for the rematch! Now, the Cornhole victory would have made even the lamest party a good time,but let me tell you Tucker and Meghan have a great place, even better friends and threw a super party!! Do I smell an annual tradition in the making?? Graeme was introduced to Heidi Sauber and I think they had a pretty good bonding session. Heidi is quite possibly the most natural person with kids I've ever scene! Graeme was putty in her hands. Graeme had great time and if I had remembered the camera you all would see pictures that would support that claim.

One of the funniest vignettes of the weekend happened on the way home. Jenn drove (see above regarding Coronas) and I sat with Graeme. I must have been so exhilarated from the cornhole that I began to fall asleep. Here is a brief excerpt from part of our ride home

Jenn: "Is Graeme asleep?"
Will: Said in a have sleep induced trace "Not quite, but soon."
Jenn: "What"
Will: "Because they had a Catholic Wedding"
Jenn: "Are you falling asleep?"
Will: "Yes, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

Jenn is still giving me a hard time!

In keeping with the theme of the blog I should tell you that Jenn and I brought Jenn's Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad, It was a big time crowd pleaser, although she is quick to point out that my first plate was loaded with Bar-Be-Que and no pasta salad. Jenn is pretty good at summer salads, pasta, tomato and mozzarella and grilled veggies are all right in her wheel house and she kills them every time! I put together a mixed berry trifle, that we actually put in a big hurricane candle thing, since we didn't have a trifle dish. Okay, I actually bought it thinking it was a trifle dish until Jenn pointed out how thin the sides were! Hey I've always said this Jenn is the one the is MUCH MUCH better at the presentation and table scape stuff than I so it's no surprise I goofed that up. Anyway it looked great and most of it was gone when we left.

Well that is all for now, sorry to leave so abruptly, but we are off to dinner at Cafe Berlin with the Picks.

Peace

Dad and Kath's Visit

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