Real Beauty

Just found this interesting Dove video showing what it takes to create the images we see every day. Definitely worth a look.

Visiting Anna, Dell & Henry

Once upon a time I was sad and lonely in Wisconsin. If not for the Dunns, I would have never survived med school (seriously). Anna and Dell welcomed me into their life and for that I will always be grateful. They are amazing friends, and Henry is the kind of kid I hope Elijah grows up to be like. Anna chronicled our Texan adventures much better than I ever could, so check out her blog for the story of Elijah's first rootbeer float (don't tell Amiel) and more photos!

Henry & Anna outside the Alamo

Henry, Dell & Anna at the Riverwalk

Henry prepares to feast on Anna's tasty popovers.

Elijah at the Pottery Barn Outlet

Elijah & Anna at the Guadalupe River


We miss you, Anna, Dell & Henry!!

Three happy days

Life is good. Thursday, we joined Nicole and darling baby Peter for an outing to the Shedd Aquarium. Elijah enjoyed watching the turtle puppet show and climbing the stairs in the oceanarium. My favorite parts were the sea mammal (aka dolphin) show and the otter exhibit. On our way to the car, there was a mini-down pour of rain and that made the whole experience that much more fun. After arriving home, we switched to dry clothes, had some tea and then had a visit from Elijah's best friend, Jacob.

Jacob drives and Elijah rides shotgun

Is that rain?? I dunno, I think someone left the bath running.

On Friday, we hit a free kids concert in the morning and spent the rest of the day preparing for Shabbat dinner (sake drenched salmon, gingery asparagus, old-school rice casserole and braided challah). I was happy with the food, but the evening's vocal performances were truly memorable. Prior to his bedtime, Elijah started rolling his hands around, prompting a family rendition of Wheels on the Bus. After dinner, the sing-a-long included such favorites as There's a Hole in the Bucket, This Land is Your Land and Leaving on a Jet Plane. I haven't seen my Dad hold a guitar in years and it was quite special.

I should have let the challah bake for a few more minutes, but it still looked pretty.

If you've actually read this far, you deserve a special treat! Here is a video of Elijah, Nicole and Peter at the Oceanarium. As for today... We all went to Shabbat Shalom (adorable) and had breakfast at the city's best IHOP (Grace and Broadway). "An IHOP is an IHOP is an IHOP. Or is it? It seems like everyone who works here went to some special IHOP Academy for customer service." I just love that place.

Whiskers on kittens

Every child has their favorite things. In the case of Elijah, the list includes the toddler standards: keys, cell phones, shiny objects and pretty much anything that has been deemed off limits. Elijah also loves anything he can wear on his wrist. He started with rubber bands and shopping bags, but has recently expanded to Mommy's plum-colored yoga top. Another favorite is clocks. Many months ago, we started playing the "tick-tock game." Whenever we passed a clock, I'd slip my hands under his arms and swing him back in forth while singing "Tick-tock-tick-tock, he's the Elijah clock!" Now, Elijah is the one spotting clocks and singing his own song. To check out the song, click on the little triangle below.