International Jet Wetter, Part 1

Dash 'n' Daddy tagged along with Mommy to Switzerland last week, returning late this past Saturday night. Mommy had a full slate of meetings (boo), while Dash 'n' Daddy were forced to play. Poor us, right?

After two flights and 16 hours, we arrived in Zurich, only to immediately board a train for Basel. We were clearly energized.

No sooner did we set our bags down in the Swissotel than Mommy dove into bed to nap, giving us boys some time to explore. Just a few blocks away was the Rhine, with old City Center across the river. That's the Mittlere Brücke in the background, the first bridge to cross the Rhine (in 1226, the same year St. Frank of Assisi kicked).

On the way back to the hotel, we were surprised to learn Basel isn't quite as civilized as we thought. (This one's for you, Uncle Older-Than-That-Bridge.)

Mommy slightly rested, we headed out for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant on the other side of the Rhine. The pizza was tasty, but of particular note was Dash's first use of a high chair. In the third photo, we see Mommy demonstrating how they toss the pizza dough.

Day 2 in Basel began promising, with Dash in his second high chair at breakfast.

With Mommy off to work, Dash 'n' Daddy were off to wander again. Unfortunately, Mr. Grumpus came along for the stroll, forcing us to return to the hotel for much-needed jet lag recovery.

As soon as Mommy returned from work, we jumped on the tram back to City Center for dinner at a restaurant the concierge recommended. In typical new parent fashion, Mommy and Daddy were forced to take turns eating and tending to His Royal Fussiness.

Dash conveniently (for him, at least) fell asleep the moment we finished eating.

The next day was Daddy's birthday. Mommy had an afternoon meeting scheduled before our drive to Buonas (about an hour from Basel), but we were able to squeeze in a meal (and a squeeze) together along the Rhine.

While Mommy toiled, Dash 'n' Daddy toured. We climbed up to Basel Münster, a Gothic church overlooking the Rhine, built between 1019 and 1500. It was creepy in a good way.

All photos ©2011 Garrito

Next up: Dash climbs the Alps, and more!

Hair apparent

Yesterday was haircut time. No, not for Dash. Daddy's curls were getting especially bush-like -- that family of blue jays nesting in there was a telling sign -- and Dash tagged along for the trip to Rudy's Barbershop. He was particularly calm the entire time, probably wondering why this person was attacking Daddy with scissors while Daddy just sat there helpless. Or perhaps he was just wondering if he was next. No worries, little man -- from the look of things, it'll be some time before it's your turn.

Photo ©2011 Garrito

Dash hearts Mommy

It was a nice first Mother's Day at Casa Colen-Blackadder. Daddy made Mommy brunch and Dash made Mommy proud.

Why, Dash was in such a good mood, he let Mommy cut his toenails while he was awake. If that ain't love...

Photos ©2011 Garrito

A message to one special grandmother

Dear Mom-

Happy Mother's Day to the mother who made me the father I am.

Love,
Gary

Humungous amongus

Today was Dash's 6 month checkup. Turned out to be a checkup, up, up, up. As you can see from Exhibit A, the boy is officially ready to earn an ironic nickname like "Benjaminny" (his middle name is...well, you can figure it out). Why, if he were able to stand, and if other babies could talk, they'd be asking him about the weather up there.

Photo ©2011 Garrito

Fatherhood

Photo ©2011 Garrito

Wife imitates art

Mommy and Daddy took Dash on his first picnic yesterday, to Council Crest Park (the highest spot in Portland, which isn't really saying much). After slathering the boy with enough sunscreen to keep him protected well into his teens, Mommy attempted (and succeeded!) to fling Dash around without him slipping away like a greased piglet.

All photos ©2011 Garrito