J.N.W.T.

Jackson's first shave

2026-09-27T21:42:58.257-05:00

With a co-ed mixer looming, Jackson decided it was time to shave his "mustache!" Exact date was Sept. 23, 2026...

2026 July Italy & Switzerland

2026-07-22T21:40:06.925-05:00

We picked up the kids from camp and headed to the airport on Thursday. Our flight was scheduled for 6:30, so we were able to enjoy lounge access once again. The flight was slightly delayed, and we arrived in Rome around 12:30 p.m. The ten-hour flight felt especially long because it overlapped with our normal sleeping hours, and none of us slept very well.

After landing, we faced a long customs line and finally made it out around 2:15. Our host was waiting for us when we arrived at the apartment at about 2:45. He was incredibly kind and welcoming and gave us a tour of the apartment, which has two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and three bathrooms.

After settling in, we headed out for gelato. The gelato place Ernesto had recommended was on the other side of the Vatican. Along the way, we passed beautiful plazas lined with pillars and sculptures. We also stopped at a grocery store to buy breakfast supplies before trying a nearby restaurant that Ernesto had recommended for dinner. The meal was excellent.

After dinner, Jackson, Will, and I decided to walk to Castel Sant’Angelo to watch the sunset. We strolled along the Tiber River and admired the beautiful bridges spanning the water. Jackson marveled at how, less than fifteen hours after leaving camp, he was standing beside the Tiber watching the sunset over Rome. It truly felt like another world.

The first tour I had arranged was a guided tour of the Colosseum at 8:30 the next morning. We left early and saw the long entrance lines, but our guide led us to a much shorter queue and began the tour. Although I had visited twenty years earlier with another guide, I appreciated even more the incredible engineering and craftsmanship of the Romans, who built this marvel nearly two thousand years ago.

We visited the arena floor and the second level while learning about the Colosseum’s history and how it survived into modern times. Our guide explained that the site was not fully protected as a museum until the 1980s, and one of his friends had even played hide-and-seek there as a child.

After the tour, we explored Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. The views from the hill were spectacular. We then found a restaurant near the Colosseum called Nova and enjoyed another wonderful meal. In the afternoon, we wandered through Rome, visiting Trajan’s Column, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

It was one of the busiest weekends of the year in Rome, and crowds seemed to be everywhere. Around three o’clock, we returned to the apartment to relax before heading out again for dinner at six. Our restaurant was located alongside the secret passageway the popes once used to escape to Castel Sant’Angelo when necessary. It was a charming place with an engaging waiter, and after dinner we climbed a nearby hill to watch another beautiful sunset.

On Sunday, I had planned a high-speed train ride to Naples and a guided tour of Pompeii. I had passed through Naples once before on the way to Capri, but that trip had involved a four-hour bus ride. This time, the high-speed train would take only an hour and twenty minutes. Traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h, it saved us a tremendous amount of time.

We arrived at the meeting point right on schedule, where a bus picked up about twenty people for the tour. Pompeii is only about thirty minutes from Naples’s train station. Our guide, Francesca, was wonderful. She led us through the back entrance, avoiding the long lines at the main gate. The rear entrance is near the amphitheater and the training grounds.

After seeing the casts of the victims and hearing their stories, we came upon a beautiful stone street lined with ancient houses. It was an incredible sight. For a moment, I felt transported back two thousand years to a bustling Roman city. We stopped at several excavation sites and saw artifacts that had only recently been uncovered.

What impressed me most were the remarkably preserved frescoes on the walls and the intricate mosaics on the floors. It was amazing to see how much care the ancient residents put into decorating their homes. Walking against the flow of the crowds, we eventually reached the forum, the center of the city, before exiting through the main gate.

The harbor that once connected Pompeii to the sea now lies far inland. It seems that centuries of volcanic activity have raised the land, causing the shoreline to recede from the old city walls.

After returning to Naples, we grabbed a quick lunch and wandered through the old streets. As we explored, we came upon the Duomo, Naples’s magnificent cathedral. The building was beautiful and full of history.

Following our original plan, we headed back to Rome and arrived home around five o’clock. Will wanted to visit Castel Sant’Angelo, while the other three of us stayed at the apartment to rest.

Will managed to explore the castle without buying a ticket and also witnessed an Italian Air Force flyover celebrating the conclusion of the Rally di Roma. He returned with an amusing story: he thought he had spotted one of my Chinese coworkers from Texas Instruments. Vivian and I tried to figure out who it could have been, but in the end, we still had no idea. Although I had no intention of posting anything on social media to investigate, I remained curious.

On Monday, I was fortunate enough to secure tickets for a 10:30 guided tour of the Vatican Museums. By logging on right when the tickets were released, I was able to get a perfect time slot that let us sleep in and avoid waiting in line.

Our guide was a cheerful red-haired woman whom we immediately liked. Although I had visited the museums twenty years earlier, I was still surprised by how crowded they had become. At times, there was barely enough room to move. Fortunately, our guide carefully selected the highlights, allowing us to appreciate the most important works of art.

I especially enjoyed the classical sculptures and Raphael’s paintings in the Vatican rooms. By the time we reached the Sistine Chapel, however, all of us were ready to escape the crowds. The chapel itself was magnificent. We stood there admiring the astonishing realism and beauty of Michelangelo’s paintings while listening to stories about the rivalry and collaboration between Raphael and Michelangelo—history I had never known before.

After the tour, we rewarded the kids to stop at our favorite gelato shop, Gelateria del Monte. Their flavors were excellent.

We were very grateful that our host allowed us a late checkout at three o’clock, giving us time to return to the apartment, eat leftovers for lunch, and pack. We left around 2:30.

Thinking I had come up with a brilliant idea, I bought tickets for a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus so we could enjoy one last tour of Rome on the way to the train station. Unfortunately, when we reached the bus stop, we learned that suitcases were not allowed onboard. Even though we had only one suitcase, the rule still applied.

So we split into two groups. Three of us boarded the bus, while Will carried the suitcase to the subway station and rode the metro to Roma Termini. In the end, everyone got what they wanted: he experienced Rome’s subway system, while the rest of us enjoyed the views from the top deck of the bus.

We arrived at Termini about an hour early, waited for our train, and then boarded for Florence.

We arrived at Florence Campo di Marte station and, after waiting a while for a taxi, decided to take the bus instead. The bus ride was longer than expected, making about fifteen stops before reaching our apartment.

The apartment was on the fourth floor and had three beds, with one in the loft. After checking in, we walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner since it was already after seven o’clock. Dinner was a little slow but, as always in Italy, very good. By the time we finished eating, it was around 8:30, so we strolled along the Arno River to catch the sunset. The river was beautiful in the evening light, and the bridges were crowded with people enjoying the view. We did not make it all the way to Ponte Vecchio that night and instead headed back to shower and get some rest.

The next morning, I had booked a bike tour through Tuscany with Giovanni from Fiesole Tuscany. We took an Uber back to Piazza Mino, where we met him. Giovanni was kind, gentle, and wonderful with the bikes. He was especially patient with Norah, who was still too small for an adult-sized electric bike. Her smaller bike had less assistance and was noticeably slower.

Tuscany is full of hills, and our tour began by winding through parts of Florence that still preserve traces of the ancient city. We saw Roman roads, the remains of an amphitheater, and old bath house. Giovanni led us along quiet back roads and pointed out Monte Ceceri, where Leonardo da Vinci is said to have experimented with his flying machines in his fifties.

As we climbed one hill, Giovanni pointed toward the homes of Dante and Beatrice, his first love. Near Dante’s house, he stopped beneath a fruit tree. I noticed black, pink, and yellow fruit hanging from the branches and asked what they were. He told us they were plums and picked several for us to try. They were the best plums we had ever tasted, growing wild along the roadside.

We continued to a church associated with Dante’s writings before stopping at a small farm to buy fresh bread, mozzarella, tomatoes, fruit, and vegetables. We then cycled to another farm surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and kiwi plants. There, Giovanni prepared a picnic for us beneath the shade of the kiwi vines.

It was one of the highlights of the trip. We enjoyed a salad made from cucumbers, carrots, basil, and tomatoes, along with caprese sandwiches filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The local wine completed the meal. It was such a special experience, and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We all learned to use olive oil generously.

Afterward, we went to a hill overlooking Florence from Giovanni's recommendation. We walked to bus number 7, rode back into the city, and then took the tram back to our apartment to rest.

Later that evening, we headed back out for gelato before walking from Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria, where we saw the replica of Michelangelo’s David. We also stumbled upon an outdoor symphony performance. The square was bustling with people who had gathered to listen to the music.

From there, we walked toward the Duomo. Tired from the day’s adventures, we stopped for dinner and waited for the evening light to soften. After dinner, we wandered around the cathedral square, where crowds had gathered to watch a soccer match between Argentina and Egypt. The excitement of the game energized the city.

As sunset approached, we climbed all the way to Piazzale Michelangelo. A talented street musician was performing an impromptu concert, and we sat on the steps listening to her sing while Florence slowly glowed in the fading light.

The Duomo towered above the city, dominating the skyline. Very few buildings rise above four stories, making the cathedral feel even more majestic. Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo became one of our favorite experiences in Florence and is something we would highly recommend.

We were unable to find a bus back to the apartment and ended up walking another two miles home.

The transit day was the one I had been worried about for weeks. Because of construction work on the railway between Florence and Domodossola, we had to abandon the straightforward route and instead take slower trains with several connections.

Our day began with a thirty-minute tram ride to Florence’s main train station, followed by a high-speed train to Milan. We had an hour to wait at Milano Centrale, which is the most magnificent train station we have seen so far on this trip. We grabbed a quick lunch at Wagamama, where I had rice for the first time since leaving home, and it tasted surprisingly good.

From Milan, we boarded a regional train to Novara. The region around Novara is famous for its rice fields, and from the train windows we could see vast stretches of farmland covered in water. We had about forty minutes before our next train, and while Will walked to a nearby church, the other three of us enjoyed ice cream in the town square.

Our next train carried us from Novara to Domodossola. Along the way, we passed a beautiful lake that had a quiet charm of its own. Although it is only about one-seventh the size of Lake Como and far less famous, it looked absolutely lovely. We also saw smoke from a fire burning on a mountainside near the tracks. The scenery outside the train windows was spectacular, though much of the route wound through tunnels.

We arrived in Domodossola at 3:45 p.m., and the connecting bus to the next station was scheduled to leave just three minutes later. We grabbed our bags and sprinted through the station. At one point, someone ran toward us asking whether we knew where the bus stop was, but we did not think much of it until we realized that we ourselves were on the wrong side of the station.

After asking for directions, we took off running again. Just as we reached the correct bus stop, we watched the last blue bus disappear around the corner. We waved desperately, but the driver did not stop.

The next bus would not arrive for another forty-five minutes. We waited in the blazing sun. Although we were already in the Alps, the elevation was still fairly low, and it felt surprisingly hot.

Eventually, we boarded the bus to Spiez and then continued by train to Kandersteg. By the time we arrived, it was already 6:30 p.m. We had spent ten hours in transit, traveling on seven different segments of public transportation, and everyone was exhausted.

Kandersteg immediately struck us as beautiful. Our apartment was conveniently located just a few minutes from the train station, restaurants, and the supermarket. We headed out in search of dinner, but because it was high season, our first choice, Restaurant Ritter, was fully booked. Instead, we found a nearby Swiss restaurant, where we enjoyed our first traditional Swiss meal.

We ordered cheese fondue and soon discovered that Swiss fondue really is just melted cheese and bread. We ended up ordering extra vegetables as well. More importantly, we discovered Swiss cider and an incredible chocolate dessert. The meal turned out to be a wonderful introduction to Switzerland.

The next morning, we started late, leaving around nine o’clock after breakfast in the apartment. Our plan was a warm-up hike to a mountain hut that had just reopened after renovations earlier that year.

The hike from our apartment to the hut took about two and a half hours. The scenery was dramatic and spectacular. Towering rock faces rose thousands of feet above us, and wildflowers of every color lined the trail. We noticed dark purple droppings along the path and wondered what the animals had been eating. Waterfalls were everywhere, and we passed several of them as we climbed.

When we finally reached the hut, I was amazed by how comfortable and well equipped it was despite its remote location high in the mountains. I asked one of the staff members whether they had an English menu. Smiling, he replied, “No, ma’am—this is a Swiss hut.” Then he helped translate the German menu for us. It was the first country I had ever visited where I could not rely on either English, Spanish, or Chinese and truly needed help understanding the language.

We ordered cider and pastries, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Three pastries and cider came to only twenty Swiss francs. Curious, I asked one of the staff members how they transported supplies to the hut. He casually answered, “By helicopter.”

As luck would have it, while we were descending later that day, we actually saw a helicopter landing beside the hut.

While we rested, one of the staff members asked whether we had discovered the little pool just fifty meters away. We had not. It turned out to be a small basin formed by damming a mountain stream, perfect for soaking our feet in icy water.

Another staff member suggested that we continue twenty minutes farther to a viewpoint overlooking Oeschinensee. Since we had missed the lake on our earlier hike, we decided to follow her directions. The extra detour turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. Looking down from high above, we saw crowds gathered around the turquoise lake while we enjoyed the panoramic view in peace.

These unexpected discoveries made the hike especially memorable. On the return trip, we chose a different route through another part of town, bringing the total hike to about nine and a half miles.

Along the trail, we saw mostly German families with young children, along with many groups of Scouts. Curious, I asked where they came from. Some were from America, while others were from Paris. Kandersteg is home to an international Scout center, which explained why Scouts seemed to be everywhere.

Back in town, we stopped at Coop to buy groceries. It was packed with hikers and tourists. The day before, we had managed to secure a reservation at Restaurant Ritter for seven o’clock. After half an hour of rest, we headed there for dinner.

The food was phenomenal. I loved how beautifully each dish was presented. I ordered rösti with liver, Jackson chose schnitzel, Norah had pasta with meat sauce, and Will ordered a salmon poke bowl. Every dish was excellent. We finished the evening with ice cream, which was rich and delicious.

The following day, we chose a hike near Selden. Because the trailhead was inaccessible by public bus, we had reserved a private shuttle in advance, and they accepted cash only. We caught the shuttle at 8:50.

The small bus wound through tunnels and past waterfalls before dropping us off in a spectacular valley. We had two hiking options: one recommended by our host and another described in walking hiking website that led to a large glacier. We chose the glacier route.

The valley was surrounded by towering waterfalls, including one particularly impressive cascade fed directly by the glacier above. The beginning of the trail was relatively flat, but the final section climbed steeply up a rocky slope.

At the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the enormous glacier. In the distance, we could see mountaineers using ropes and crampons as they made their way toward the mountain huts above.

It was one of the best hikes of the trip. We encountered very few other people, and the silence made the valley feel wild and remote.

Although we had originally booked the 5:10 shuttle back, we were able to catch the earlier bus and returned to Kandersteg ahead of schedule. After some rest, we headed to dinner at the Ruedihus.

Ruedihus is a beautifully restored three-hundred-year-old farmhouse that now serves as both a hotel and restaurant. Outside, there is a Ricola herb garden showcasing the plants local farmers once cultivated for medicinal purposes.

After dinner, we enjoyed one last stroll back through town before returning home.

On Saturday, we started our day by checking out of our condo. The apartment had been perfect for our trip, but checkout was at ten o’clock, so we packed up and left around 8:30, storing our luggage at the hotel in front of the apartment.

We headed to the Allmenalp cable car and rode the steep lift up the mountain. As we climbed, we spotted people scaling the cliffs on the rock face. This is what the locals call a via ferrata. Once at the top, we took a short hike across the valley. The scenery was magnificent: towering mountains, high alpine meadows, and the constant music of cowbells echoing through the air.

Paragliders seemed to favor this spot as a launch site. We watched one man carefully prepare his equipment and then effortlessly glide into the sky. Soon afterward, several more followed. It was amazing how easy they made it look.

After finishing the hike, we took the cable car back down. We had hoped to ride another cable car to Gemmi Pass, but the bus had just departed, and the next one would not arrive for another forty-five minutes. Instead, we walked back into town and had lunch at Restaurant Ritter once again. I loved the restaurant so much that I could not resist returning one last time.

Over lunch, we reassessed our plans and decided to continue directly to Zurich and explore the city there. After the meal, we picked up our luggage and headed to the train station.

Our original plan had been rather ambitious. We intended to travel to Spiez, take a boat across Lake Thun, continue onward, and eventually make our way to Zurich. When we arrived in Spiez, we found a bus heading toward boat dock.

Unfortunately, once we reached the dock, we discovered that the boats departed only every two hours, and the next sailing was still an hour and a half away. Once again, we had to change our plans. To make matters worse, we now had to drag our luggage uphill from the lakeshore to the train station. We hurried as fast as we could and managed to catch a train just in time.

Eventually, we arrived in Zurich and checked into the Hyatt Place at The Circle near the airport. After settling into the hotel, we looked for ways to make the most of our brief stay in the city and decided on a short boat cruise on Lake Zurich.

Even that small adventure involved some confusion. We had to switch trains and find the correct tram platform, but we could not locate it until the tram suddenly appeared. We ran after Tram 11 and jumped aboard just in time to reach the boat dock.

The boat ride was delightful. We saw people swimming, relaxing along the shore, and enjoying the lake from every angle. Watching so many locals spending time in the water made us decide that next time we visit Switzerland, we should definitely set aside time for a swim.

After the cruise, we stopped at a nearby ramen restaurant for dinner and then climbed Lindenhof Hill to watch the sunset over Zurich. As darkness fell, we walked back to the Hyatt and settled in for our final night abroad.

On Sunday, our flight was delayed by two hours. Surprisingly, the delay worked in our favor, giving us enough time to enjoy breakfast in the Primeclass Lounge. Thanks to my American Airlines card, we were able to get in.

And just like that, our trip came to an end.

Over the course of the journey, we explored ancient ruins in Rome, wandered through the streets of Florence, biked through the Tuscan countryside, crossed northern Italy by train, hiked among glaciers and waterfalls in Switzerland, and watched unforgettable sunsets over cities, lakes, and mountains.

There were crowded train stations, missed buses, language barriers, and long days of travel, but those challenges became part of the adventure. Looking back, what I will remember most are the moments we shared together: soaking our feet in icy mountain water, listening to music in Florence, marveling at Rome’s history, and discovering places that felt impossibly beautiful.

Another year of Rough Creek

2026-07-21T22:28:09.728-05:00

In June, we went again to our annual get together at Rough Creek. It's fun as usual except we added in Jackson's last baseball tournament (about 1 hour away). Will and I took turns to drive the boys to the games. We had to wake up early! Taking notes as we need to make sure not to overbook the next summer.

Norah's Teachers

2026-06-13T22:06:52.319-05:00

Here is a list of Norah's teachers, starting with Pre-K at Greenhill

Pre-K: Greg Browne-Nichols (GH '34 parent)
Kindergarten: Catherine Huynh and Alicia Smith
First grade: Kathleen Prentiss
Second grade: Tara Wettreich (GH '34 parent)
Third grade: Karen Dzialowski
Fourth grade: Greg Krauss

A Summer Kickoff in Washington, D.C.: Family, Cousins, and a 250th-Birthday Celebration

2026-06-02T19:34:16.564-05:00

When I heard on the radio that America is gearing up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Washington, D.C. suddenly seemed like the perfect destination for a summer trip. We also had another reason to visit: we were eager to meet baby Sylvan, the newest member of Mary and Huasong’s family.

As we planned the trip, Mary asked what we most wanted to do while visiting. I checked with everyone in the family, and surprisingly there was only one firm request: Jackson wanted to see the Washington monuments. Will and I had visited D.C. several times before, so we didn’t have any major sightseeing goals ourselves. For us, this trip was more about family than landmarks.

Wednesday: School's Out, Vacation Begins

Wednesday was Jackson’s last day of school. He got out around noon, giving us just enough time to finish packing before heading to the airport for our 5:30 p.m. flight to Washington National Airport (DCA).

One unexpected highlight of the trip was my new credit card lounge access. Being able to bring the whole family into the American Airlines lounge transformed airport travel from a stressful experience into a relaxing one. We enjoyed dinner, comfortable seating, and a quiet place to unwind before boarding. By the end of the trip, both kids were already talking about wanting a credit card with lounge access when they grow up.

We landed on time, picked up our rental car from Avis, and drove to Mary and Huasong’s house. The drive surprised me. Despite being so close to Washington, the roads wound through heavily wooded areas, and we got lost a few times navigating the rural-feeling neighborhoods. It felt far more remote than I expected.

We settled in quickly and headed to bed.

Thursday: Shenandoah National Park and a Vineyard Surprise

Since both Mary and Huasong had work that day, we found ourselves with a flexible schedule. After breakfast, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and drive to Shenandoah National Park.

We hiked both Mary's Rock and Stony Man Trail. The Appalachian Mountains are very different from the Rockies. They aren't as dramatic or rugged, but they have a lush, endless green beauty that feels timeless. The forests stretched in every direction, and the overlooks opened up to expansive views of rolling mountains fading into the distance.

The wind was especially strong on the ridges. We climbed over rocks, stood on ledges overlooking the valleys below, and enjoyed one of those perfect spring hiking days where the weather seems custom-made for being outdoors.

On the way back, we stopped to visit our friends Tarek and Chu, who live in Virginia. We planned to arrive around 5:30, and when we pulled into their neighborhood, I realized they didn't just live near a vineyard—they lived in a vineyard community.

The development consisted of only a few dozen homes, all nestled beside a working vineyard. They even have a lifetime membership to the winery, and some of the wines share names with the neighborhood streets—or perhaps the streets were named after the wines.

The vineyard sits near a historic Civil War battlefield, and the entire area feels wonderfully untouched by suburban sprawl. Open fields stretched into the distance, framed by vineyards and rolling hills.

We walked through the vineyard, enjoyed a glass of rosé, and had dinner outside under the beautiful evening sky. The kids ran around the grounds while adults relaxed among families and friends enjoying the perfect weather.

As we sat there, I couldn't help thinking: this could be my dream home.

After saying goodbye, we made the drive back to D.C. after a very full day.

Friday: Rock Creek Park, Museums, and Adventure in the Trees

Friday was a slower morning. Since Sylvan didn't have daycare, we spent time together before heading out for a walk in Rock Creek Park.

This park completely changed my perception of Washington, D.C.

It's enormous, incredibly beautiful, and somehow feels like a wilderness preserve right in the middle of the city. We hiked to a community garden and wandered through wooded trails before returning home.

Later in the afternoon, once Sylvan was down for a nap, we headed downtown.

Jackson needed to complete some Scout requirements, so we visited the U.S. Capitol to learn more about its history and government functions. We enjoyed the small museum inside before walking toward our car.

Since we had parked near the museums, we made quick stops at both the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. The museums were impressive, though both kids—especially Norah—quickly reached their museum tolerance limit.

That evening, Mary had planned something completely different: an outing to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.

The park features zip lines, rope courses, climbing elements, and balancing challenges spread across the forest canopy. We've done similar adventure parks in Colorado Springs and Rough Creek, but this one was on another level. There were courses for every skill level, and as darkness fell and the lights came on among the trees, the entire forest looked magical.

We spent hours climbing and zip-lining through the trees and somehow managed to avoid getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. We didn't leave until nearly 10 p.m., exhausted and happy.

Saturday: Strawberries, Soccer, and Golden-Hour Biking

Saturday's big adventure was strawberry picking.

After breakfast, we drove to Larriland Farm in Maryland. The strawberries were enormous, sweet, and perfectly ripe. The farm was packed with families, all enjoying one of the peak weekends of the season.

We spent the morning filling baskets while sampling berries directly from the fields. By the end, we had collected two large boxes and probably eaten a significant percentage of our harvest before ever reaching the checkout stand.

From there, we drove to the Baltimore suburbs for lunch with friends at a Chinese seafood restaurant. After a leisurely meal, we stopped for ice cream before splitting up for the evening.

Norah and Will joined Huasong and Zephyr to watch a professional soccer match at Audi Field.

Meanwhile, Jackson and I hopped on bikes and rode from their house all the way to the National Zoo.

The timing couldn't have been better. Golden-hour sunlight filtered through the trees as we followed the creek. Families picnicked along the trail, children splashed in the water, and cyclists and runners shared the path. It was one of those simple experiences that ends up becoming a favorite memory.

Everyone returned home happy from their separate adventures.

Sunday: Washington Monument and the Journey Home

Sunday morning was our final chance to explore D.C.

I had reserved tickets to climb the Washington Monument at 11:30 a.m., so we left around 10:45 and headed downtown.

The view from the top was spectacular.

From above, we could see construction projects and preparations taking place throughout the city ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. The National Mall looked busy and crowded, but seeing the city from that height provided an entirely different perspective.

Afterward, we walked over to the Lincoln Memorial.

Oddly, despite several previous visits to Washington, I had never actually made it there. Standing beneath the massive statue of Lincoln, I spent time reading excerpts from the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address engraved on the walls.

What struck me most was not the monument itself but Lincoln's writing. His words remain remarkably powerful and beautifully crafted, even more than a century and a half later.

Soon it was time to head to the airport. DCA is incredibly convenient—less than ten minutes away from the National Mall. We enjoyed one final lounge lunch before boarding our flight home.

That evening, while eating dinner back in our own kitchen, Norah suddenly remarked:

"Isn't it crazy that this morning we were at the top of the Washington Monument?"

She was right.

Reflections

This trip packed an incredible amount into just a few days: mountain hikes, vineyards, museums, monuments, strawberry fields, soccer games, bike rides, and adventure parks.

But the real highlight wasn't any of those things.

It was family.

Watching the kids spend time with their cousins, seeing Zephyr's energy, and getting to know baby Sylvan—with his infectious giggle and endless smiles—made the trip special. Those moments of connection are the ones we'll remember long after we've forgotten which museum we visited or which trail we hiked.

As summer begins, I can't imagine a better start. Here's to many more adventures ahead.

Norah graduates from Lower School...and wins an award

2026-05-25T21:42:59.287-05:00

On May 21, 2026 Norah graduated from Greenhill's Lower School. It was a beautiful ceremony mainly led by the students themselves.

The ceremony itself was a bit of journey. It started with the attire; Norah's first concern was whether she must wear a dress. Her teacher, Mr. Krauss, assured her that a dress was not required as long as she dressed nicely. Another girl's mom in a similar situation reached out and we shared our plan. Then Norah realized that not wearing a dress would attract more attention than she wanted, so she wanted a dress after all. Norah and Mom settled on the outfit you see below (and the other girl ended up wearing a dress too).

Several weeks before the ceremony, the school asked the fourth graders to nominate fellow students for the Helen Misura Award. Typically awarded to one girl and one boy, it honors the fourth-grade students who best exemplify the qualities of scholarship, citizenship, sportsmanship, and leadership. Norah would frequently, but casually, mention how much she would like to win the award. Normally adverse to the spotlight, this felt like a new aspect of her personality.

About a week before the ceremony, Norah came home saying she had some really awesome news to share, and our thoughts jumped to "was she selected for the Misura award?". But no, she had been selected to read her essay on a lower school experience (full text below). We couldn't wait to see Norah read in front of all her lower school peers and their families (I think I was more nervous about it than Norah!). However, we felt a bit disappointed for Norah because we doubted the school would feature the Helen Misura Awardee as a presenter too. After describing the award and the process for selecting the recipients, our hearts skipped a beat when Mr. Simpson announced "Norah Leven!"

Open remarks by Mr. Simpson, Head of Lower School

Norah proceeding onto the stage

Time to read her essay

Norah reciting "The Magic of Confidence"

Lee Hark, Head of School, presenting the Helen Misura Award

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The Magic of Confidence

By Norah Leven

The first thing I noticed was the white table filled with props, including an animation book that I made myself. The desks were arranged like I was the star of a show. Everyone’s attention was on me, and it made me feel nervous, so my words seemed to catch in my throat. I had dressed like a security guard for Walt Disney. My notecards were a bit crumpled, and I held them tight. The camera seemed alive, on a stand, ready to record my every move.

In front of me, my classmates sat ready for the show to start. Mrs. Dzialowski nodded her head, and I started my BioBookTalk on Walt Disney. I felt nervous and jittery, but also excited. My voice started shaky, my hands sweaty, but as I continued speaking, I felt more confident. I realized that nobody would judge me even if I messed up. Little by little, I felt my nervousness wash away and I noticed that my voice got steadier. This was the first time I understood the magic of confidence.

Then came the hardest part. Showing my props. My favorite prop was an animated book that I made myself, though I was afraid that it might not work the way it was supposed to. I was especially proud of this prop because making animation work is super hard and I did it all without help. I made this book because Walt Disney specialized in animation, and his influence is still here. I felt my heart beating faster and many pairs of eyes on me. I took a deep breath and continued. I started to feel more confident when I reached the end of the props part of my presentation because everyone looked intrigued in Walt Disney. It made me feel special and seen

When I finished my presentation, it was time for questions. I thought, “This can’t be too hard,” and it wasn’t. I changed out of my clothes, then sat down to watch my other classmates, feeling happy and relieved. This memory taught me to have confidence when presenting things in front of groups. In the future I will remember this 3rd grade experience and that, even if I make a mistake, everyone will cheer me on. Before this experience, I was always super nervous and didn’t want to be on stage. But once I started believing in myself, that slowly changed. Now I like to speak in public and take opportunities like hosting Build-a-thon and showing the lower school to a future teacher.

Baseball Photography

2026-05-25T10:15:44.462-05:00

A few things came together yesterday for a baseball shoot. I had a new zoom lens that I hadn't tried yet and Jackson had an early baseball game where I expected the light might be good.

I also recently started asking AI for help on camera settings for specific situations. This alone has leveled-up the results. One tip to highlight is using the AutoISO feature, which includes a maximum allowed ISO. I had always tried (and often forgot) to adjust the ISO to a specific value. With AutoISO, the camera has one more way to adjust exposure beyond shutter speed and aperture. I've posted an example ChatGPT exchange about preparing for this shoot at the bottom of the post.

Jogging out for warm-up

Light was great and loved the parallel structure of the diamonds in the chain link and the diamonds around "NIKE"

Stealing third base

Almost there

Jackson in the foreground - I got lucky with the composition

Heading out for post-game handshakes

Some distortion around the umpire - not sure if that was sun spot on the lens or the chain link fence. I would have scrapped it, but I like how it captured the different heights of boys all the same age.

Once we arrived, the actual game/field setup created some challenges. The best light was probably before the 8am game start, and then the batters and most fielders were positioned with the light behind them. We also had the first base dugout, which is good for catching right handed batters and most fielders -- except, as mentioned, they were backlit. The field and light were oriented well for shooting right handed pitchers and sliding into third base, but that meant shooting from the opponents' sideline.

ChatGPT prompt:

Tips for taking great photos of youth baseball. Game is tomorrow at 8 am near Dallas tx. Shooting with Fuji x-e3 and Fujinon 70-300 lens

ChatGPT response:

That’s a really nice setup for youth baseball. The Fujinon 70-300 on the X-E3 gives you excellent reach for daylight games, and 8am light in Dallas is usually very workable before the harsh overhead sun kicks in.
A few things will make the biggest difference tomorrow:
Before the game
Arrive 20–30 minutes early.
Check where the sun is. At 8am it’ll still be fairly low in the east.
Try to position yourself so the sun is behind you or slightly off to the side. Faces matter more than dramatic lighting for youth sports.
Camera settings
For baseball, prioritize shutter speed.
Recommended starting point
Mode: Shutter Priority (S/Tv) or Manual + Auto ISO
Shutter speed:
Batting/swings: 1/1600–1/2000
General fielding/running: 1/1000–1/1250
Aperture: Let lens stay fairly open
Around f/5.6–f/8
ISO: Auto ISO with max around 3200
Drive mode: Continuous High burst
AF mode: Continuous AF (AF-C)
On Fuji:
Use Zone AF instead of Wide/Tracking.
A medium zone around the center works well for kids sports.
Best moments to capture
The best baseball photos usually happen between plays too.
Action shots
Batter swing
Pitch release
Runner sliding
First baseman stretch
Catcher throwing
Outfield catches
Emotional/story shots
These often become the favorites:
Kids laughing in dugout
Nervous batting prep
Coach talking to players
Dirty uniforms
High fives
Parents cheering
Helmet too big on a younger player
Positioning tips
Batting
Shoot from the 1st base side for right-handed hitters.
Shoot from the 3rd base side for left-handed hitters.
Try for:
ball on bat
intense facial expression
follow-through
Fielding
Kneel slightly lower than eye level.
Low angles make kids look athletic and dramatic.
Outfield
Your 70-300 is perfect here.
Track players before the ball arrives.
Start shooting early in the catch sequence.
Exposure tip for white uniforms
Baseball uniforms fool cameras easily.
If uniforms are bright white:
Dial in -1/3 EV exposure compensation
Helps preserve detail in jerseys.
Use the long end creatively
At 300mm:
backgrounds blur nicely
chain-link fences disappear more
images feel more professional
If shooting through a fence:
Put the lens hood almost against the fence
Use the longest focal length possible
Shoot wide open
The fence often vanishes.
Fuji-specific tip
Fuji JPEGs are excellent for sports-family photos.
Try:
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome for a timeless sports look
Or Provia for natural colors
Classic Chrome can make morning baseball look fantastic.
Simple composition trick
Leave space in front of the player:
space where runner is running
space where batter is swinging
space where fielder is throwing
It instantly improves sports photos.
One overlooked thing
Shoot short bursts — not machine-gun nonstop.
Instead:
anticipate
burst 3–6 frames
reset
You’ll get better timing and far fewer useless photos.
And honestly, with youth baseball, the best photos are usually:
sharp eyes
emotion
dirt flying
effort
Perfect technical settings matter less than capturing moments.

Ojai in Spring: A Never-Ending Southern California Dream

2026-05-17T14:12:30.870-05:00

I planned this Ojai trip to celebrate Niyati’s birthday. She had always talked about wanting a birthday trip with her girlfriends, and this year I wanted to make it happen. Southern California in spring feels like it exists in its own season altogether — warm sunlight without the summer burn, hills still green from winter rain, flowers spilling over sidewalks, and the kind of air that makes you want to stay outside forever. It feels less like a place and more like a dream that refuses to end.

Getting four adults and a baby from two different cities into either Burbank or LAX took some logistical gymnastics, but somehow it all came together. Pascaline and Xuan arrived Thursday around lunchtime. I used Hyatt points to book two rooms at Hyatt Regency Valencia, which became our overnight landing spot before heading into the mountains.

Since one flew into LAX and the other into Burbank, they drove separately and checked in ahead of us. Niyati and I arrived much later than expected after a delayed flight, finally reaching the hotel around 10 p.m. By then, all we wanted was sleep. That night I discovered the magic of white noise machines — somehow they completely drowned out the neighboring room sounds. I immediately decided this was a travel essential I’d be carrying on future trips.

Friday morning began slowly and beautifully. We checked out of the hotel and found breakfast at Crêpesima. The café felt exactly like Southern California spring: colorful, maximalist, vibrant, and effortlessly charming. The crepes were incredible — rich flavors layered together in a way that somehow felt indulgent and light at the same time.

After breakfast, we stopped at Sprouts in Valencia for groceries before heading toward our Airbnb in the mountains. Carol, our host, had graciously let us check in early at 1 p.m. Leah, Pascaline, and I rode together in one car while the others followed behind. We fed the baby on the drive and arrived shortly after one.

Then… nothing.

Forty-five minutes passed and the second car still hadn’t arrived. With no cell service in the mountains, anxiety started creeping in. I drove back toward the locked gate entrance but still couldn’t find them. Eventually, around 2:30, they appeared. It turned out they had seen the locked gate, assumed they were lost, and turned around searching for cell reception to call us — not realizing the gate instructions had already explained everything. Once they found the directions, they made it through.

And suddenly, we were there.

Our Airbnb sat deep inside Los Padres National Forest, tucked beyond Rose Valley Road and several miles past a lonely locked gate with no guard, no traffic, and almost no signs of civilization. Carol told us the nearest neighbor was three miles away. The isolation felt surreal in the best way.

The valley itself was impossibly beautiful. Creeks braided through the canyon, oak trees stretched across the hillsides, and just a five-minute walk from the house was a private swimming hole hidden between the rocks. We took turns exploring in groups of three while one person stayed back with Leah during nap time. In the afternoon light, the swimming hole looked almost unreal — sunlight reflecting off cold water, trees moving in the breeze, silence interrupted only by birds and the creek itself.

That night we built a fire and cooked dinner together, settling into the rhythm of mountain life surprisingly quickly.

Saturday felt like the kind of day Southern California specializes in — slow mornings, warm sunshine, little discoveries, and nowhere urgent to be.

After breakfast at the house, we drove into Ojai for olive oil tasting. The town itself felt almost curated in its charm: tiny boutiques, flowering patios, art galleries, bookstores, and people wandering leisurely under blooming trees. The olive oil and balsamic tastings were genuinely shocking in the best way — I had no idea olive oil could taste so layered, peppery, grassy, buttery, and alive.

We wandered through shops afterward and found a beautiful little place called The Fig Curated Living. With its vine-covered rooftop and quirky, artistic atmosphere, it felt like stepping into someone’s dream home. I ended up buying my very first tarot deck there, which somehow felt perfectly fitting for Ojai.

Lunch was at The Nest, where we sat outside beneath spring flowers and warm sunlight. Outdoor dining in California always feels cinematic to me — bougainvillea overhead, the smell of herbs and flowers drifting through the air, conversations lingering longer simply because nobody wants to go back inside.

Later we visited Bart's Books, famously known as the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. Wandering through open-air bookshelves under the sun felt peak Ojai: relaxed, slightly eccentric, deeply charming.

After another grocery stop, we headed back into the mountains. Once the groceries were unpacked, Niyati, Xuan, and I went hiking to Rose Valley Falls. The trail was short — only about 0.3 miles each way — but the reward was immediate: cool air, cascading water, shaded rocks, and the refreshing stillness that only mountain creeks seem to carry.

That evening may have been my favorite part of the trip.

I cooked steak over a wood-burning fire while everyone relaxed around the house. Later, we filled the hot tub — not a chemically treated spa, but a clean-water soaking tub continuously refreshed with mountain water. Sitting there beneath billions of stars, surrounded by dark mountain silhouettes and absolute silence, felt unreal. The sky looked endless. The water steamed against the cold night air. Nobody wanted to get out.

Southern California spring has this way of making time feel softer. Days stretch longer. Sunsets linger. Even ordinary moments — breakfast, grocery runs, sitting outside with friends — feel cinematic.

By Sunday morning, reality slowly returned. Our flight had already been delayed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and eventually all the way to 4 p.m. The silver lining was one extra peaceful hour at the house before leaving around ten.

Before we left, I walked alone down toward the creek and along the mountain road we had driven in on. Morning light filtered through the trees, and the entire valley felt suspended in silence. It’s rare to find places that feel untouched enough to quiet your thoughts completely, but this was one of them.

On the way back, we ate near Hollywood Burbank Airport at Charlie and Friends Restaurant, where both the food and service were unexpectedly wonderful — one final easy California moment before airports and flights took over again.

I finally got home around 9:30 that night, just in time to see my kids before bed.

And even after unpacking, laundry, and returning to normal life, part of me still felt like I was back there — in the mountains above Ojai, under spring stars, where Southern California somehow keeps pretending summer has already arrived and the dream never really ends.

Jackson wins a baseball tournament

2026-05-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, Jackson's baseball team won their first weekend tournament with Jackson participating. Even better, it was near his cousin's house and they got to watch one of his games.

The field had a relatively short fence, and three times his hits made it to the wall in the air. He was SO close to sending one over the fence!

Norah wins a scavenger hunt

2026-05-08T21:53:00.003-05:00

Norah went to an overnight camp with her entire 4th grade through school. One of the events was a team scavenger hunt. When she came back, I loved hearing her talk about the hunt because she detailed how all four team members made their own unique contributions. Out of over 20 teams, her team was the only one to find/answer all 12 items on the scavenger hunt. Their reward was a paint powder party with Ms. Turner, who shared some great photos with us.

Tianhong's first trip to India

2026-04-26T15:08:00.004-05:00

Day 0–1: The Journey to Bangalore

My trip started with a long journey, but I got to enjoy the American Airlines lounge at the airport. It made the hour-long wait for my flight to London much easier—they served a variety of dinner options, and it was far more comfortable and quiet than the general boarding area.

When I arrived in London, I tried to find a similar lounge at Terminal 3, but we were actually at Terminal 5. Moving between terminals wasn’t possible without going back through security, and I didn’t have enough time. I also checked the British Airways lounge, but without status, I couldn’t get in. By the time I reached my gate, two hours had already passed—Heathrow was not the most pleasant experience.

Our flight to Bangalore was delayed due to a small dent on the aircraft that required inspection. The delay was about two hours, though we made up some time in the air and arrived roughly an hour late. I had middle seats on both long-haul flights, but thanks to melatonin gummies, I managed to get decent sleep. When I landed, I realized it had been exactly 24 hours since leaving DFW—definitely a long day.

Day 2: Arrival & First Impressions

I arranged an airport pickup through my hotel, which turned out to be a great decision. The drive was smooth—about 45 minutes—and gave me my first glimpse of Bangalore. The city felt like a mix of modern high-rises and more improvised, self-built structures, which reminded me a bit of my hometown.

I stayed at the Conrad, where my room on the 10th floor had a lake view—though the lake was completely dry. I learned it gets drained during the dry season for cleaning before the monsoon. The hotel itself was peaceful, spacious, and felt like a quiet escape from the busy city.

After breakfast (which had an impressive variety, including Indian, Western, and even miso soup), I booked an Ayurvedic massage at the spa. It was my first time experiencing one—they essentially covered me in oil from head to toe. The masseuse explained that this was a simplified version; authentic Ayurvedic treatment lasts several days and includes a strict vegetarian diet and cleansing process. Even so, it was a relaxing and unique experience.

Later, I visited Bangalore Palace. Despite passing through some rough-looking neighborhoods on the way, the palace itself was in decent condition—more like a medieval castle than a traditional palace. Still, it felt poorly maintained, with limited furnishings and aging artwork, so the visit was a bit underwhelming.

That evening, I met Sravya for dinner at a Kerala restaurant called Vembanad. We were the only customers, but the setting was charming. I ordered a kingfish curry with a mango-based sauce, which was delicious. We had a great conversation before heading back. I slept very well that night.

Day 3: First Day on Campus

I woke up refreshed after a solid night’s sleep and headed to the TI campus. Finding my way around was a bit confusing at first—there were multiple buildings—but I eventually got registered and started attending sessions.

The tutorials covered topics like thermal simulation, functional safety, and customer stories. For lunch, I tried a South Indian vegetarian thali at the cafeteria—it was okay, but nothing particularly memorable.

In the late afternoon, I walked to a nearby Shiva temple. It was crowded, and I later learned that Mondays are especially auspicious for Shiva. I briefly joined a line before realizing I didn’t fully understand what it was for, so I explored the temple instead. The atmosphere was vibrant and immersive.

The walk itself was an experience—busy streets filled with cars, rickshaws, motorbikes, pedestrians, cows, and dogs all sharing the road. It was chaotic but fascinating.

That evening, Sravya came over, and we had room service—mutton biryani and aloo gobi adraki, both excellent. Later, we visited a silk shop to look for saris. We picked out a few options but ran out of time to find matching pieces.

Day 4: Conference Begins

Tuesday marked the official start of the conference. I enjoyed the sessions, and Shishir invited me to lunch along with a few coworkers. We went to the Ariel building cafeteria, which was newly built and had a great atmosphere. I was impressed by the variety of food options.

In the afternoon, I attended more sessions before heading back to prepare for my presentation. Later, Sravya and I went to Karavalli for dinner. The restaurant specializes in coastal cuisine from Kerala and Goa, and both the food and the setting were excellent.

After dinner, we tried to find an astrology and palm-reading shop I had seen online. We found the sign but not the actual shop—apparently, it hadn’t been open for a while. Instead, we continued shopping for skirts to match the sari I had bought earlier. It turned into another fun evening.

Day 5: Presentation Day

Wednesday was a big day for me. After the morning sessions, I had lunch with NS, who turned out to be very friendly in person.

In the afternoon, I gave my presentation—and it went much better than I expected. I felt calm, didn’t rush, and finished right on time at 20 minutes. The questions were manageable, and I walked away feeling proud of how much I’ve improved in public speaking.

After the conference sessions ended, I returned to the hotel to rest. While heading out later, I ran into Kevin and a few coworkers in the lobby. They invited me to dinner, and Sravya and I joined them at a restaurant at the Taj on MG Road. It was my first non-Indian meal of the trip, and it was nice to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

Day 6: Wrapping Up the Conference

Thursday was a lighter day compared to the rest of the week. The conference schedule wasn’t as packed, with the closing ceremony set for the late afternoon. I invited Ganu to lunch, and we had a really enjoyable, relaxed conversation—nice change of pace after the busier days.

Later, I met up with Sravya, who took us to her Lakeview office so I could see where she works. It was interesting to get a glimpse of a different work environment. On our way out, we ran into an APP admin. I mentioned I had heard about her story of bringing mangoes to coworkers in Germany, and she immediately offered to order some for me. She came across as incredibly capable and proactive. She also asked why I didn’t have a car arranged, but I told her I had been getting around just fine with Uber.

At the closing ceremony, I saw Santosh, who looked almost like a guru—with his white beard and calm, composed demeanor. It felt like a fitting image to mark the end of the conference.

Afterward, I headed back to the hotel, checked out, and went to MG Road to look for souvenirs. The gift shop I visited was disappointing—prices were surprisingly high, with even a small wooden bracelet costing close to ₹2000. Instead of continuing the search, I decided to treat myself to a solo dinner at Ebony, a rooftop restaurant.

Dinner turned out to be a great choice. The menu featured North Indian and Parsi dishes, and I ordered butter chicken, a dahi-based appetizer, and a mango lassi. Everything was delicious, and the rooftop setting made it a relaxing way to wind down after the week.

Getting back to the hotel was a bit of an adventure. My Uber driver asked me to cross MG Road—one of the city’s main arteries—which meant going through a metro station. It turned into an unexpected opportunity to explore the station, which was clean, bright, and well organized.

I brought some leftovers back to the hotel so Sravya could join me for a late dinner. We chatted for a while, and she mentioned the mangoes weren’t very ripe, so she ordered a different variety for me—but the delivery kept getting delayed, and I never got to try them. Something to look forward to next time.

Day 7: The Journey Home

Friday started early—very early. The hotel wake-up call came at 2:15 a.m., earlier than I had requested, which made for a rough start. We left the hotel at 3:00 a.m., and I arrived at the airport gate by 4:09 a.m. for my 6:50 flight.

That left me with nearly three hours to wait, but after such an early start, I didn’t mind the quiet time. The return journey turned out to be much more comfortable than expected—I got lucky with empty seats next to me, which meant I could stretch out and get some solid rest.

After a long day of travel, I finally arrived home at 9:10 p.m., tired but grateful for the experience.

2026 Spring break at Crested Butte

2026-03-31T18:41:00.002-05:00

⛷️ Ski Lesson Notes (Instructor: Stephen Hill)

Key Techniques

Stay in control — avoid skiing out of control, especially in variable spring conditions.
Weight distribution — aim for about 90% of your weight on the downhill ski.
Finish your turns — don’t rush; fully complete each turn before starting the next.
Pole plant technique — actively punch your pole plant hands forward to keep rhythm and balance.

🧩 Drills to Practice

Balance drills
- Skiing on one foot:
  - One run turning on the downhill ski
  - One run turning on the uphill ski
Single-ski turns
- Practice left and right turns on the same ski
Hop turns
- Great for control and quick direction changes on steeper terrain

💡 Lesson Tip

A full-day lesson is usually only slightly more expensive than a half-day.
A good strategy:

Book a morning half-day
If you like the instructor/group, add the afternoon session

Trip Diary

We left right after school on Friday, the kind of departure that feels equal parts rushed and exciting—bags packed, energy high, and the long drive ahead of us. By the time we reached Wichita Falls, we had our hearts set on Willie’s Place, only to find it closed with a casual “gone fishing” excuse. Not exactly what we hoped for, but it somehow added to the road trip story. We settled for McDonald’s and kept going, finally arriving in Amarillo late that night. The Hyatt felt like a familiar checkpoint—nothing fancy, just reliable and welcome after hours on the road.

The next morning started early but unhurried. There’s something about road trips that makes even simple routines feel different. We got back on the road, stopping in Gunnison to stock up at City Market, then pushed on toward the mountains. Lunch was at a small Indian food truck in Raton—surprisingly authentic and comforting, though not exactly road-trip friendly. We ended up eating at a motel picnic table instead of in the car, which felt slightly inconvenient in the moment but oddly memorable in hindsight.

By the time we reached Crested Butte and checked into our condo, the day had stretched long behind us. The place—Cottonwood in Paradise Condominiums—immediately won us over with its location. Everything felt close, walkable, easy. Later, soaking in the outdoor hot tub while looking out at the Elk Mountains, it felt like we had arrived exactly where we needed to be.

The week unfolded in that slow, shifting rhythm that ski trips tend to have. The first day on the mountain was colder than expected, a reminder that spring skiing still has a bit of winter left in it. Some of the terrain near where we stayed was thin on snow, but we managed—picking our way through crusty patches and appreciating what coverage we had.

Tuesday evening brought one of those moments that quietly becomes the highlight of a trip. We went out for a sunset walk, not expecting much, and ended up with the most incredible light of the entire week. The sky stretched endlessly, and everything seemed to pause just long enough for us to take it in. That same afternoon, Isha’s family arrived. Our schedules didn’t overlap much because of ski lessons, but knowing they were there added a sense of shared experience.

By Wednesday, the warmth had fully settled in. The snow softened quickly—firm in the morning, slushy by afternoon—and the day naturally split itself into activity and rest. Will and Jackson took a break later in the day, playing catch in town like it was summer instead of ski season. They came back with Secret Stash Pizza, and we all gathered with Deepti and Shweta’s family for an easy, relaxed dinner. Earlier, I had walked with Shweta all the way to Snodgrass Trail and back. The air was just right—not too cold, not too warm—the kind of day where you forget about time.

Thursday felt like it asked for a pause, so I took it. A full day off from skiing, just reading and relaxing at the condo. Later, I met Deepti for lunch at The Hideout, followed by a quiet walk through town. Crested Butte has that small-town calm that makes even doing very little feel full.

As the week went on, one downside became harder to ignore—the noise. The walls in the condo were thinner than we expected, and with spring breakers around, quiet nights were not guaranteed. By the last couple of days, it was noticeable enough that I mentioned it to the property manager. His response made sense: older buildings, younger crowds, and the timing of spring break all coming together. Still, it gave us something to think about for next time—maybe a quieter spot, maybe a different part of town.

And then, just like that, it was time to leave. We headed out early at 7:15 in the morning, the mountains fading behind us as the long drive home began. By the time we pulled in at 9:21 that night, the trip already felt like it had settled into memory—full of small moments, a few imperfections, and a lot to hold onto.

2025 Christmas Ski in Crested Butte

2026-01-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

For the third winter in a row, we returned to Crested Butte for Christmas skiing. We hit the road Friday afternoon right after school, leaving at 3:30 p.m., and spent the night at the Hyatt in Amarillo. Along the way, we tried a new Greek restaurant, Hibiscus Café, in Wichita Falls. The wait was a bit long—even with an advance order—but the food was good.

After another full day of driving, with stops at Hive in Trinidad and City Market in Gunnison, we finally arrived at our condo around 7 p.m. We stayed in the Columbine Condominiums, a true ski-in/ski-out setup perched above the Red Lady Lift, with a direct view of the lift from our balcony. I had been looking forward to this ideal ski accommodation for a long time, and it did not disappoint.

Our condo had a skylight above Norah’s bed. On clear nights, we lay beneath it, gazing up at the stars. Norah saw her very first shooting star. We also squeezed in a relaxing evening in the hot tub.

During our stay, the snow on the mountain slowly retreated. Locals said it was the worst snow condition in the past 40 years. With limited runs open, we adjusted our expectations and focused on skill-building instead. I worked on carving turns, while Will practiced skiing backward.

For five overlapping days with the Vehiccione family, we skied and sledded together. The kids came up with endless ideas for dramatic wipeouts on the local sledding hill, filling the air with laughter. We also shared a dinner at Bonez, a Mexican restaurant, one evening.

The forecast promised snow on Christmas, but it arrived as a mix of rain and snow instead. We decided to take a break from skiing and hike the Cement Creek Trail. After Norah complained about how easy it was, we switched to the Caves Trail. The hike was treacherous, with slick ice and steep terrain leading up to the rock formations. We returned muddy, our ski gear thoroughly baptized by the trail.

On Saturday night, December 27, we were finally rewarded with eight inches of snow. Sunday morning delivered a joyful first hour of fresh powder skiing.

Monday morning, we woke up at 6 a.m., left the condo by 7, and arrived home at 9 p.m.—tired, happy, and carrying another beautiful ski memory to add to our books.

Hiking in Sedona December 2025

2026-01-01T16:46:00.007-06:00

This was a long-anticipated trip, one we began planning back in August. Six women in our forties—who met at TI in our twenties and are all still working there—finally made it happen. With kids and toddlers, business travel, and Deep Dives, it felt almost miraculous that we could align our schedules. Given the many layers of commitments in our lives, the first weekend of December was the only one that worked.

Sedona and Joshua Tree are often recommended for cold-weather hiking, and we chose Sedona for its convenience and abundance of lodging options.

Five of us flew from DFW to Phoenix on Friday morning, while one arrived from Houston later that night. The two-hour drive flew by as we listened to each other’s favorite songs and caught up. I chose our house for its proximity to the trails, and it turned out to be perfect—right at the start of the Teacup Trail, with four bedrooms, a jacuzzi, and an outdoor fire pit.

That afternoon, we jumped straight onto the Doe Mountain Trail to catch the sunset. The hike was steeper than some of us expected, and the rocks were a bit slick in regular shoes. Still, we all made it to the top, and the sunset was spectacular. The evening ended with the jacuzzi and a sky full of stars.

Saturday began with a lovely breakfast at Casa Sedona Restaurant, followed by a hike to Devil’s Bridge. Priya and Rajani lined up for their turn on the bridge before we continued on to Boynton Trail in search of the energy vortex. Six women and one young boy sat together for an outdoor meditation. Later, we drove to Airport Mesa for sunset. Sandy, Wenjia, Rajani, and I hiked down to the base of the mesa for a few extra steps. 🙂

The viewpoint was buzzing—bands playing, incense burning, and a sea of people pausing in awe of the expansive view. The sun brushed the mesas in deep reds before slowly fading, and we stayed until twilight.

Dinner was at Angel Kitchen, a Japanese eatery. The food was good, though the prices were steep. We ended the night with a long fireside chat that stretched late into the evening.

On Sunday morning, we headed out early for a final hike on the Teacup Trail. Priya, Rajani, and I even squeezed in a group psychic reading. Reluctantly, we said goodbye to Sedona and drove back to Phoenix, already missing the magic of the weekend.

2025 Thanksgiving at Broken Bow

2026-01-01T15:22:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with the whole family. We laughed and swam, cooked and carved, rode one-wheels and hiked. It was a nonstop, joy-filled holiday spent with the people we love.

2025 Labor Day at Broken Bow

2025-09-10T22:18:00.004-05:00

Uncle Dave and Aunt Julie invited us for a wonderful long weekend on the lake, and we had three days of nonstop fun. Best of all, we all learned to stand up on a wake surfboard! On the first day, we also had two wave-runners, which the kids absolutely loved driving. Beavers Bend Lake’s stony bottom gives it clear waters and plenty of jumping cliffs, and the kids had a blast leaping from different heights. Our lake house was big and luxurious, and evenings by the fire with s’mores made it even more special. We loved every moment of our lake time with cousins!

2025 summer Crested Butte - Montrose - Lake City

2025-08-18T22:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday Aug 9 – The Rough Start

We hit the road around 8 a.m., aiming for Trinidad, with La Quinta booked for the night. Things went smoothly until after Amarillo—then the engine started overheating. Not ideal when you’re staring down hours of highway. We limped into Trinidad and straight to an auto shop, worried about what the rest of the drive might bring.

La Quinta didn’t help the mood. The room smelled off and looked tired. At least dinner redeemed the day: Sunset Bar & Grill, an Indian fusion spot, was surprisingly good.

Sunday Aug 10 – Waterfalls & Sand Dunes

Another 8 a.m. start. First stop: Alamosa, to pick up something Grandpa left at the RV park. Then a short detour to Zapata Falls. The trail was just half a mile each way—perfect for kids—and ended at a waterfall tucked inside a box canyon. We waded the creek, got our feet chilled, and loved it.

Ten minutes later: Great Sand Dunes National Park. We rented a board and a sled, full of excitement. Hiking in sand, though? Way tougher than it looks. Add wind whipping sand into our skin (ouch!) and sun baking the dunes, and suddenly it felt like survival training.

The board flew; the sled, not so much—it just got stuck. Lesson learned: rent two boards next time, and be ready to wax them constantly. Still, sand dunes next to a waterfall? Unreal.

The car almost gave us a heart attack—temperature flirting with 270°F—but we made it. After a few hours we reached Crested Butte. Our place, across a little walking bridge, was old but cozy. We cooked dinner, then took a long evening walk to scout spots for December. Later that night, I went ahead and reserved a place in town on Airbnb.

Monday Aug 11 – Legendary Rafting & Mountain Tennis

Morning adventure: rafting the upper Taylor River with Three Rivers Rafting. It ended up being just the four of us plus a guide—Veto, a legend in the valley. He’s been rafting here 45 years, started guiding on this very river, and at 68 might soon retire. The water was fast, fun, and full of stories. We spotted a brown bear, birds, billion-year-old granite cliffs, and even let the kids “ride the bull” at one of the rapids. Pure magic.

Lunch was at Three Rivers Resort—just as I remembered, their smoke chicken was quite tasty.

Afternoon: family card games, then tennis at the prettiest courts I’ve ever seen—pristine, ringed by mountain views, with a wedding happening just uphill at City Hall. The kids ran off to the playground while we played.

After dinner, we hiked Snodgrass Trail. The loop rewarded us with a herd of gorgeous horses and a fox trotting by with prey in its mouth. Norah was enchanted by the horses—so much so that horseback riding might be on the agenda soon.

Tuesday Aug 12 – The Epic Hike

We tackled a monster hike: eight miles, climbing nearly 2,000 feet. Getting there required a rough Jeep road, two miles of bumping and jolting just to reach the trailhead. From there, we hiked the Daisy Pass loop, about 6.7 miles. The views were spectacular—sweeping valleys and ridgelines—though shade was scarce. We suspect miners cleared out the trees long ago. Along the way, we found wild raspberries, which Norah later turned into jam for sandwiches—delicious! Lunch was beside a rushing creek, gorgeous but with zero shade.

Norah battled altitude sickness, so she and Mom stopped short while Dad and Jackson pushed on to the top of Cascade Mountain, just 200 feet higher but looking scary steep. Along the way, we passed a snow cave and even two old mine shafts. At one cave, four miles up, we stopped to rest and shout into the echoing darkness, wishing we knew how to yodel. Exhausting, but unforgettable.

Wednesday Aug 13 – Horses & Bikes

We split up for the day. Mom and Norah went horseback riding at Fantasy Ranch, with their guide Josie. Norah’s horse was Windsor, while Mom’s was Chubbs. They meandered peacefully through the Snowgrass valley. Fantasy Ranch owns 400 acres, and it felt like riding through a private kingdom.

Meanwhile, Dad and Jackson braved downhill mountain biking at the CB resort. Both were a little intimidated by the steep descents, but they came out grinning.

We reunited for lunch at Thai Smile (a rafting-guide recommendation—spot on). In the afternoon, we hiked the Three Lakes Loop: Lost Lake Slough, Lost Lake, and Dollar Lake. At Lost Lake we played with some dogs and chatted with fellow Dallas travelers.

Thursday Aug 14 – Boulders & Big Skies

Before leaving town, we squeezed in one more adventure. We hiked 1.5 miles along the Upper Loop Trail to reach Skyland Boulders, a rock field perfect for climbing. The kids scrambled over giant rocks like it was nature’s jungle gym, while we picnicked on sandwiches with our homemade raspberry jam.

Afterward, we drove two hours to Montrose to meet the grandparents and drop off the kids. Dinner was at a BBQ joint right by their campground, then onward to Lake City.

We checked into the Alpine Moose Lodge—a tiny, eight-room family place at the edge of town. That night, stepping outside before bed, we were stunned by the Milky Way. Millions of stars lit the sky—more than we’d seen in years.

Friday Aug 15 – Cataract Lake & Moose Encounters

We thought Cataract Lake Trail was eight miles… but it turned out to be eleven. Five hours of hiking took us through shady forest and sunny meadows before finally reaching the alpine lake. Other hikers pointed out three moose across the lake. On the way to Lake San Cristobal, we spotted another one—our moose luck was strong.

After the hike, we drove the Colorado 30 loop toward American Basin but turned back at a crossroads due to car worries. Dinner at Southern Vittles was good with hearty, family-style food.

Evening brought wildlife magic: at Deer Lake, we saw two cow moose in the pond. As we drove out in heavy rain, a bull moose splashed and played right in front of us.

Saturday Aug 16 – The Grand Finale

Our last hike: Wetterhorn Basin. Remote, quiet, and wild. We saw no one the entire time. The first stretch required bushwhacking, and the trail was faint, but with Will’s hiking app we stayed on course. The payoff: a breathtaking basin surrounded by towering peaks. Easily the best hike of the trip.

Afterward, we drove straight toward Raton, New Mexico. Along the way we stopped in Creede, Colorado, to explore the quirky town and eat at Kip’s Grill (Tex-Mex, tasty). At the edge of town, the box canyon cliffs made for a dramatic backdrop.

We reached Heart’s Desire Bed & Breakfast around 8:30 p.m.—an 1816-era building filled with antiques and character. The climb there pushed our car hard, but it survived. Breakfast the next morning was homemade by the owners, a couple who bought the place after their kids grew up. It had been run by a woman named Barbara for 25 years before they took over. The food (and the story) made the stay special.

Then came the long drive home on Sunday —10 hours, one bathroom break, no kids in the car. We rolled into the driveway at 6:45 p.m., tired but glowing from a week of adventure.

Rough Creek -- 5th year in a row!

2025-07-31T21:10:00.002-05:00

Over the last weekend, we went with the other two 2032 families again to Rough Creek.

2025 China/Taiwan adventures

2025-06-27T11:26:00.005-05:00

We left for Shanghai on Thursday, June 13. The flight was brutal—none of us got more than two hours of sleep. But we landed at 2 p.m., a full 45 minutes ahead of schedule. At the airport, we were greeted warmly by my parents, aunt and uncle, and Tianyun’s husband, ZR. We powered through the jet lag and managed to stay awake until after dinner.

Our hotel in Qidong had just reopened after renovations and only recently began welcoming guests again. We loved it. Breakfast was included, with an overwhelming variety of choices. One chef from Shanghai took a special liking to our family and looked after us attentively. We had two rooms, which helped with the jet lag adjustment. Both rooms came with fancy toilets that the kids found endlessly amusing. The best part? Each room was only 560 RMB—less than $100 a night.

Dinner that night was a seafood feast hosted by my aunt and uncle. Jackson was so exhausted he started dozing off at the table. The food was delicious, although Norah’s lip became slightly swollen despite her not eating any seafood.

The next day was the long-awaited feast my dad had been planning for weeks, held at my childhood home in the countryside. The kids were curious to see where Mommy grew up—but their excitement lasted all of five minutes. Soon, they were asking to ride scooters. Norah struggled to control hers and fell, which ended that activity. We visited the local watermelon farm in the hot, humid weather. Lunch and dinner both featured more food than we could ever hope to eat. We played cards in the afternoon until the room filled with cigarette smoke. Seeking some fresh air, my dad took us to the river’s edge in search of a mud beach, but it was littered with trash. Disappointed, we returned to the hotel to rest. That evening, at dinner, I reunited with my childhood best friend.

30 years ago

Sunday morning, the kids joined their cousin for some video games while we visited Grandpa’s house. Tianyun’s family treated us to lunch at an elegant restaurant. My parents took the kids to the beach, but the rain was relentless. Will and I stayed behind to rest and book our Shanghai accommodations. That night, we walked to Grandpa’s house for a cozy homemade dinner. The chicken soup—made with a chicken from a relative’s backyard—was absolutely divine.

On Monday, we made a final visit to Grandpa’s before heading to the airport for our 2 p.m. flight. My parents, aunt, and uncle helped us get settled and shared a nice lunch at the airport. Then the delays began. The flight was pushed back by five and a half hours. I dubbed it the “PVG Airport Tour.” We didn’t arrive at Mei’s house until 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday started early with breakfast at Yonghe with Mei. We took an Uber to the National Palace Museum. I appreciated seeing pieces I’d only known from textbooks—but the kids were thoroughly bored. Our driver for the next four days picked us up at 1 p.m., and we made a stop at a surfing beach before arriving at the Chilan Resort around 4 p.m. We immediately fell in love with it. Nestled in a cloud forest, the hotel is surrounded by rolling hills and overlooks a valley filled with watermelon farms. Jackson said it reminded him of Costa Rica and begged to stay longer. During a tour of the property, we saw a tree full of monkeys—four of them were mothers cuddling their babies.

Wednesday began with the resort’s Tarzan Trail at 8 a.m. We originally joined a guided tour, but the group moved at a glacial pace (most members were over 60), so we branched off on our own. Our driver picked us up at 10:30, and we headed to Taiping Mountain. First up was the JianQing Trail—ranked one of the most beautiful trails by an outdoor magazine. It followed an old mining railroad through a lush forest filled with every shade of green imaginable. After lunch at the visitor center, we continued to a mountain lake, completing a two-hour hike around it—through a thunderstorm, no less. Jackson slipped and wasn’t a fan of this part.

Next, we visited Jiuzizhe Hot Spring, where we each had our own egg-shaped stone tub filled with mineral-rich hot spring water. Monkeys watched us curiously from the surrounding trees.

On Thursday, Will and Norah went surfing and whale watching while Mei and Shifu took Jackson and me to a meditation center. Will and Norah saw dolphins and flying fish; Jackson and I had a peaceful meditation session followed by a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local’s home. We reunited at the hot spring hotel by 2 p.m., then headed to the beach for more surfing. Afterwards, the kids finally got the shaved ice they’d been craving. Back at the hotel, we explored its extensive hot spring facilities, including fish pools that nibbled on dead skin and a variety of temperature pools. We opted for the swimsuit section—not the rooftop naked one!

Friday was a scenic drive back to Taipei. We passed by parks, a repurposed tunnel with bike rentals, and tidepools along Taiwan’s eastern edge. After the San Diego Light Tower, we entered a historic gold mining area and wandered Jiufen’s narrow, food-filled streets. With limited cash, we settled for sausages that cost just $4 total. At Shifen, we visited the waterfall but skipped the paper lanterns after seeing leftover lantern debris scattered across the hills. We returned to Mei’s house around 4 p.m., did laundry, and played cards as a thunderstorm rolled in. That night, we met Shifu, Abby, and Sam for an amazing vegetarian dinner in Shifu's restaurant—she ordered nearly everything on the menu. Afterwards, she took us to the Pokémon store and bought cards for the kids.

On Saturday, Shifu picked us up around 9:30 a.m. for a trip to Taipei 101, the world’s 11th tallest building. From the 91st floor, we had a stunning view of the city, surrounded by green hills and ocean beyond. We had lunch at Din Tai Fung in the basement—a real treat. Then we headed to Sixth Dimension for laser tag. It was a blast! The kids crushed the adults in the team games, but I won the individual round by hiding and sneak-attacking the base.

Mei dropped us off at the airport, and 1.5 hours later we were back in Shanghai, staying at the Holiday Inn near the airport. We again got two rooms—Chinese hotel beds are tiny, each about the size of a twin bed.

Sunday we took the Maglev train into the city and grabbed a Didi to Yu Garden. It was pouring rain and packed with people—we could barely move. We walked past a park to the Bund and took the ferry across the river. We’d planned to go up the third tallest building in the world, but locals warned us the top was clouded over and not worth the $80 fee. Instead, I found a bookstore on the 52nd floor with a free view—thank you, research! It was packed, too. There are just so many people in Shanghai.

We took the ferry back to Puxi and boarded a double-decker bus. Since we arrived early, we scored front-row seats on the upper level. Rain was pouring, and when the ride ended, we dashed into a Western restaurant for dinner. I briefly met up with my college roommate before we caught the Maglev back to the airport.

On Monday, my parents came to send us off. We played cards at the hotel until checkout. At the airport, we were surprised by a performance from the Shanghai Symphony, sponsored by the same restaurant we stumbled upon the night before. Our return flight had three spacious seats, plenty of legroom, and—finally—decent sleep on the way home.

Buying a car from a vending machine?!

2025-04-28T19:51:00.002-05:00

Favorite car buying experience:

Honor of inserting the coin goes to the kids

Our new (used) car is moving towards us!

Owning a dog for 2 days

2025-04-28T19:46:00.004-05:00

After our spring break trip, we came home with Clover. His family was in Dubai for a longer trip and we offered dog sitting.

Clover is a Labradoodle and he knows that he is the cutest!

He was attached to me

We had so much more outdoor time walking/running with Clover

Jackson couldn't resist holding up Clover

Happy birthday, our incredible Will!

2025-04-28T19:14:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa gifted us an unforgettable evening for Will's 45th birthday.

Dressing up

Dining from Monarch's 49th floor

Pink moon rose from the horizon

Walking in Dallas downtown, feeling like tourists

An impromptu visit to Majestic Theatre for Amos Lee concert

Austin Statesman 10K

2025-04-27T13:08:00.001-05:00

Jackson, Chloe and I signed up for the Statesman 10K in April of 2024. We hardly trained until the weather warmed up in the spring. Chloe and I remotely encouraged each other to get at least one run in each week in March.

A few weeks later, my toe started hurting. After I took off the nail polish used to cover up the bruises from the last ski trip, it was clear that my toe nail had broken in half from running. The new nail growth pressed on the nerve and I was in constant pain - just in the week leading to the race. Meanwhile, Will was swamped with work and we debated about cancelling the trip.

Despite everything, we left on Saturday morning. The three-hour drive went smoothly. After having lunch at Chloe and Bruno's, we went to play tennis during Emma's tennis lesson. Four kids loved playing in the fields near the tennis courts.

Before meeting the Terrazas for dinner, we checked out the trail near their neighborhood and the community chicken coop. It's spring and we found eggs outside of the wired coop. Dinner was at Easy Tiger on South Lamar. Their patio was nice, although it was too chilly to sit outside.

I decided to go run. Sunday we woke up early and Will dropped us off near the Congress bridge. With 25,000 runners, the energy was so electric - bands were playing along the route and we ran together since J tripped earlier in the run. It was a great feeling crossing the finish line and receiving the heavy medal. We saw a guy with a big trophy and asked him what's his time -- 32 minutes! We did it for around 68 minutes.

We drove home after lunch, just in time for Jackson's scout meeting. It was a great short trip and we will do it again.

2025 Spring Break -- Disney Magic

2025-03-24T19:36:00.009-05:00

Jackson, Norah, and I spent an unforgettable spring break aboard the Disney Magic, sailing from Galveston to Progreso, Mexico. For three and a half days and four nights, we immersed ourselves in the ship's magic—watching movies and musicals, indulging in endless feasts, and lounging on our balcony with books as the sea breeze danced around us. One evening, we marveled as the full moon rose from the ocean, painting the waves in orange. Another evening, we watched fireworks light the night sky as the pirate party went on. Ashore, we climbed the steep steps of an ancient Mayan pyramid, floated through a serene cenote tunnel, and swam in the crystal-clear waters of a hidden cave. By the end, the Disney Magic had woven such a spell over us that leaving felt like waking from a dream.

Saturday: Blastoff to Vacation
Our spring break getaway began with a stop at NASA Space Center Houston, buzzing with fellow vacationers. Though crowded, we marveled at the monumental Saturn V rocket during our tour—a thrilling start to our trip. That evening, we settled into the Hilton Galveston on Seawall Boulevard, where we couldn’t resist dipping our toes into the warm, sandy shores of the Texas coast.

Sunday: All Aboard the Disney Magic

After a lively breakfast at the Rainforest Café, we arrived at the port by noon for check-in. Navigating the lines took some patience, but by 1:30 PM, we were finally stepping onto the ship. Our stateroom (#7064) was perfectly situated—central to everything with a balcony offering endless ocean views. We explored the youth clubs, enjoyed a buffet lunch at Cabanas, and joined the electric Sail Away Party at 4:30 PM, cheering as the ship glided from the port.

Dinner at Lumiere’s (5:45 PM) was elegant and delicious, followed by the Tangled musical at 8:30. Jackson and I were captivated by the show, while Norah opted for quiet time with a book in the room.

Monday: A Day at Sea
We indulged in a leisurely balcony breakfast, savoring pastries as the ocean stretched to the horizon. Jackson dove into youth club activities, while Norah and I collected souvenir charms from the jewelry shop. The three of us tried our luck at Bingo—so much fun, even without a win! Later, Norah and I adored Moana 2, and after pool time and crafts, we dined at Animator’s Palate, our favorite restaurant for its immersive themes and tasty dishes. The day ended with a family game show and the magical Twice Charmed stage performance.

Tuesday: Mayan Adventures in Progreso
Our only shore day started early, meeting in the theater at 7:45 AM before disembarking. The excursion, advertised as 3 hours of driving and 5 hours of exploration, turned into 6 hours on the bus with barely 2 hours of activity—revealing why Will isn’t a cruise fan. The tour’s description was misleading, showing flip-flopped guests for a cenote swim but omitting the steep Mayan pyramid climb!

Despite the hiccups, the excursion was unforgettable. The cenote featured two breathtaking cave systems: the first, a serene float through an underground channel framed by vine-draped cliffs; the second, a cathedral-like cavern with water so clear we could see 120 feet down. Sunlight streamed through natural skylights, casting shimmering reflections on the walls—pure magic.

After a traditional Mayan lunch at a former hacienda, a fender bender at the pier delayed our return by an hour. Back on board, dinner at Animator’s Palate was a blast, thanks to our server Pedro’s endless tricks for the kids. The night peaked with the Pirates’ Party and fireworks over the open ocean—a dazzling spectacle.

Ake ruin

Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché

Wednesday: Lions, Bingo, and Royal Dining
A slow morning led to a sit-down breakfast, followed by Mufasa: The Lion King. We flitted between game shows and kids’ club activities, then tried Bingo again (still no win, but plenty of laughs). Dinner at Rapunzel’s Royal Table was regal fun, complete with a lively show. The grand finale? Disney Dreams, a musical that left us spellbound.

Thursday: Farewell, Disney Magic
We vacated our cabin by 7:15 AM and enjoyed a final breakfast at Rapunzel’s Royal Table before disembarking—reluctantly ending our dreamy escape.

This trip was nothing short of magical. From pyramid climbs to pirate parties, every moment sparkled. In the days after our trip, we couldn't stop bursting into spontaneous Disney songs, reliving the magic of our adventure.

Recommended by Allia: Vallaloid Cenote

2024/2025 Crested Butte

2025-01-04T21:23:00.005-06:00

We started driving at 9 AM and arrived in Amarillo at 2 PM. Our first day's drive was about 8 hours and 45 minutes. We checked in La Quinta, Trinidad and went to the downtown restaurant Mission at the Bell for dinner. Trinidad downtown was festive. Free city shuttle was running. We had a fun time checking out Trinidad downtown and went to sleep at 8:30.

We woke up before 6 AM and then got our breakfast. Norah had altitude sickness so we delayed our drive and shopped at Walmart next-door. We arrived at Crested Butte at little after 12 so we chose to eat lunch at CB. The restaurant on Elk Avenue called the Hideout tasted really good. I texted the owner to see if we could check in early and he said no problem so we got into our condo before 2 o’clock. Will had a chance to ski for a few hours on the arriving day. The Vecchiones met up with us and we had dinner together at the Secret Stash.

Monday we skied with Lyndon and Anthony. Tuesday Reeves and his brother met up with us. We skied together Wednesday too, and then met with the Vecchiones at the Wooden Nickel to have dinner.

Thursday, we decided to take a break day and hike to the Snodgrass Trail with our sleds. It was a lot of fun to slide down the hiking trail from the Aspen forest. Will did a couple of hours skiing in the afternoon while I drove in the snow to the Clark market for some grocery. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon we met up with the Vecchiones again to sled on the local sled hill. It was super fun with many kids sledding together. We had a reservation at Slogger and had a really good dinner.

The Brous family's flight got canceled so they came to ski again on Friday. We had a fun day skiing in a big group. When Anthony was taking all the kids to the sled hill after the ski day, his minivan slid into the ditch in front of our condo. They stayed at our condo and had dinner while waiting for the tow truck to show up. It took about 3 hours for the tow truck to come. A couple of days later, another car got stuck and had the same long wait for tow.

Saturday I took a break because my boots were hurting my toes. I went to buy new boots after 15 years using my old ski boots. The other three family members skied. The mountain got very crowded on this day, Saturday after Christmas. In the afternoon, I hiked to the Skyland Boulder. I took the shuttle to Hunter Hill Road and then walked about 2 miles to the big boulders. It was snowing and the snow was deep.

Sunday we all skied and then took a long lunch break. Monday Norah and I stayed back in the morning and then skied with Will in the afternoon. Jackson took a break in the afternoon.

Tuesday we checked out at 10 o’clock and headed to the sledding hill before our Dog Sled tour dog at 12 o’clock. When we got there, they just came back from the previous tour. The dogs were barking loud, all wanted to be picked to be the sled dog. Jackson, Norah and I got a chance to drive the sled. We really enjoyed our dogsled tour.

After the tour, we went to the Hideout for lunch before the drive. The food was good as before. We left Crested Butte at 2:15pm and arrived at our hotel Best Western Raton, New Mexico around 6:40. This hotel has a restaurant called Mulligan, where we had our New Year’s Eve dinner.

Tuesday, January 1st we started our drive at 9 o’clock in the morning and then got home around 6:30 PM. Another great family trip in the books!