Family and friends

Jake, Elise, and I recently returned from Cincinnati. It was Elise's first big adventure away from home and out of California, and she did really well. I think every time she woke up, she was in a new place -- and, for the most part, she met all the new faces and places with a smile on her face. As typically happens with vacations, time flew by. Although we were there for a week, it didn't quite seem long enough to hang out with family and friends there. I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I would have liked, but I did get a few. Here's a pic of Jake and Elise in her bear pram suit, which definitely came in handy on those few cold, snow flurry days in Cincy...

In addition to introducing Elise to my family back home, we also got to meet Elise's newest cousin -- Brianna Cailin Patrick born on March 19th. Here's Brianna and Nana...

Its amazing how quickly babies change and grow. At birth, Brianna weighed exactly the same as Elise and was just a quarter inch shorter, but look at the difference seven weeks can make...

It was exciting to introduce the two girls to each other. The next time they see each other, they'll probably be chasing each other around. We also got a chance to hang out with some good friends - the Hooks. Here's Cathie and Elise, followed by a pic of Jake, India, and Jacob enjoying each other's company too...

Overall, although bittersweet since we were in town for Grandma's memorial service, it was a great trip. As hard as it was for me to get up and say a few words about what Grandma meant to me, I'm so happy I was able to be there to do it. It also makes me very happy to have been able to introduce Elise to people I love and who are important to me. Now, Jake and I are looking forward to the time when we can take Elise to Cincinnati and introduce her to Skyline Chili!