Park, Park, Park & Park

Here is C getting his haircut at the barbershop I went to as a kid. And now on display afterwards under the banner of my old high school.

Just before I left, Bells, the kids and my Mom ventured by train into Chicago. They took a water taxi along the river, through the skyscrapers, to Lake Michigan. And on their way back stopped off at Millennium Park - home to a recent re-development with fountains and great sculpture.

In the waning days of our time in the US, we found just a bit more Americana. C's Godfather Ubu took us to a diner where the food is served by train! That's him behind C, and notice his kids milling about in the background. Posted from O'Hare Airport.

D was christened on the 10th of May at the Church of the Holy Nativity. D was perfectly behaved except for the 1 minute while She was in Amie's (the priests) hands. And here is a collection of the attending Godparents- Nettie, (me), Mark Segal, Michael Anderson.

In the continuing search for More Americana for the dual citizens of the family, we tested SMORES while at the beach. Smores are campfire-toasted marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers all mashed together. We collected beach driftwood during the day, and made a small bonfire that evening, and the kids tasted their first smores.

We ventured to the other, lower section of Michigan for a few days. A friend of the family graciously lent us their cottage which is right on Lake Michigan. The beach, 40 feet from the back door, was a highpoint for the kids. And the weather was beach-worthy.

The primary reason for our trip to the US is to have D christened in the church that I grew up- CHN . D met one of her future godparents last week- a very close family friend Michael Anderson.

Next door to my parents in Hinsdale live a family with 4 boys. Some of them decided that a lemonade stand would be a good idea this past sunny Sunday. C contributed significantly to its profitability (through my pocket), and has started investigating global expansion opportunities in Europe on their behalf.

Another installment in the Americanization of C and D: We had a great pancake breakfast at C's godfathers this past Saturday- complete with maple syrup and bacon. A first for C and D, a regular occurrence for Godfather Ubu's kids Bobby, Anna and Will. To the right: Bobby, Anna, C, D.

Grand-dad and I were on our way out to our annual Derby pilgrimage, when we were shocked by a valediction from the smallest member of the family. "Bye-bye" and a wave. She followed it up later in the day with a dismissal of her water cup. Next up: a Shakespearean sonnet or dirty limerick.

While in the UP, D spent time with my mother's mother- her Great Grandmother Baldini. She made us a fantastic blueberry pie and special Finnish pancakes.

We just got back from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Bells, C and D got to meet lots of family from my Mom's side, where she grew up. One clear, warm morning we hiked up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain - here's a gmap view - with my Uncle John. The picture doesn't do the views justice.

She is a less sloppy eater than her brother- see here .