Where to start? Simone and I left poor daddy at home to jet off for a whirlwind visit to the Northern Hemisphere. The visit was 13 years in the making (although it seems like minutes). Thanks to Isaac and Gabriel and their B'nai Mitzvah we had a brilliant reason to escape to summer!
First stop - Waiheke to see Mama Te Te and Saba. Simone - started some serious pulling to stand.
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| don't you think paper is fun too? |
Then off to Portland (which would not have happened without tana and charles helping us at the airport) for 36 hours with Sherril and Phil. Simone had her first experience blueberry picking. Including weigh in and weigh out. Plus a spectacular face plant in the dirt. As always Sherril took good care of us and even drove us around town (for ages) in effort to end a uncharacteristic bout of screaming on Simone's behalf.
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| more fibre please |
Then to Madison for the big event! Thankfully, we rendezvoused with Moneeka and Casey in route and they became our trusty travel companions/helpers. Isaac and Gabe nailed their torah portions. And, I'm pretty sure it was the first Bar Mizvah party with Laotian Food, African drumming and rootbeer floats. We had a terrific time. Madison is an awesome town and perfect place to catch up with friends. (these photos are spotty - andrew fortunately documented the whole wisconsin part of the trip beautifully - hopefully i can get some of his professional looking photos to put on here)
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| burley wilt |
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| new friends |
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| bubbles |
Roberta and Herb managed to get themselves by bus to Madison and join in the fun. We had a delicious day catching up on the Wasserman's front porch. They showered Simone with Grandparently affection and gifts - she loved every minute.
Next we headed off to the Cohen's cabin for a holiday at the lake. Lisa and her family were amongst us - meaning I finally got to meet the famous Miles her smiling baby (now seven years old). The lake was the perfect, summer family retreat. Nothing beats relaxing with good friends, swimming in the lake, ice cream and water skiing shows.
Back from the lake - just in time to see Woodpecker who made his way from steamy Florida for a few days with us in Madison. I think he was quite smitten with the town. We enjoyed walks along the lake to the Co-op and picnics with friends. Not to mention some good beer too.
Then back to Portland for a catch up with Harriet, Brian and Esther. I guess it will always be a mystery if Simone some how remembers or has a sixth sense about Harriet... Kind of cool to think that she might. It was just wonderful to see everyone again. Harriet and BK did some serious retail therapy with me for which they deserve a medal. I think Esther is set to be a famous artist judging from her treasure maps. On our last day we managed to have a summery Irving Park picnic with the Cipriano and most of the Cohen Crew felt like old times - ahhh.
One more stop on Waiheke. A lovely weekend of good grandparent time, frolicking with Zev and Sam, digging in the dirt and sunset walks. We think Simone may have had her first words here. Enamored with Betty Blue, the farm dog...she seemed to get out a staccato rendition of her name. Poor girl still seems to be looking for her out of our window.
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| note the Badger gear thanks to marc and sheila cohen |
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| good morning - it must be 5am |
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| sleeping with nosey |
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| onion man |
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| where is betty blue |
Eventually, it all had to come to an end and we headed back home to daddy. He had the fire roaring and big hugs awaiting us both.
