California I

6,000 miles later and the Key West Griffins are back in Key West. That was Holden's fifth plane trip in his first year of life, which happens to be wrapping up this weekend! Please send cash gifts addressed to "Daddy". The California vacation was great and sometimes chilly. We experienced great weather in Carmel and during the Half Marathon along the Monterey Peninsula. Holden ate at Grampa Harry's restaraunt Cafe Stravaganza about a dozen times.

The kid loves to point

Veggies at Cafe Stravaganza, Carmel.

Holden's Great Uncles and Aunts

The amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium

Holden may have fallen on the sand after this picture leaving Daddy with a valuable lesson. Never sacrifice good footing for a photo.

Note Holden's head on Mommy, he was glad to see her.

Big Sur Half Marathon Finish

 Holden was constantly surrounded by relatives and friends all trying to teach, watch, hold, feed and play with him. Our trip also brought us to the Sacramento Valley to the town of Davis. Davis is the second most educated city in the US and has made much contributions to that state's agriculture. There, Holden had his first trampoline experience. He also ate many new Thanksgiving foods like Pumpkin bars, a recipe from Gran Gran Griffin but made by Mommy. Holden let Mommy and Daddy sample some of Napa's wines and spent a lot of time hanging out with Grampa Perry and Grandma Charlotte.

The next evolution prior to walking.

Holden was a big help for Thanksgiving. Keeping the floor clean of fallen food.

Holden enjoys sharing his food with almost anyone. Its ridiculously funny.

Holden's Aunts and Uncles

Fried Turkey!

Grandpa Harry

These ladies caught a winery's eye and they had them pose for their website. The wine was comped

Grgich Winery. The founder destroyed the French competition in the 1970's and put California wine on the map.

Mountains of SLC, Utah.

Flying with Holden may have set back some of our more firm rules. For instance, why not give him as many goldfish and cheerios as possible in order to maintain the peace at 30,000 ft? So, we did but now that we are back in Key West Mommy has put her foot down and decided no more "meh-meh" (breastfeeding) during the night. I know what you guys are thinking, "That means Daddy will have to get up for all night crying?". If any of you can talk to her I would appreciate it. Just so we all know the AAP suggests one year minimum, the WHO suggests 3 years and Holden suggests forever.


Well, its back to the grind and we are looking forward to holiday functions and travel as I am sure all of you are. Take care and Happy Holidays.