Henry's birthday weekend

In a rare winter weekend when neither of the kids were sick (although I was and, of course, the kids once again are), we held a birthday party for Henry, who turned two that next Tuesday. The photos below show his farm-themed birthday party and Henry's last act as a one-year-old (cross dressing, thanks to his older sister).

That's a cow mask. It was classy party.

We had cupcakes on H's actual birthday. Ask us sometime about the really great picture that goes along with this. It's composed well, lighted well, and is simply adorable. Truly photo-of-the-year quality. Unfortunately, H is not wearing pants in the photo.

A do-it-myself Hobby Horse

Kate regales a hungry crowd at a Russian restaurant in Brighton Beach

The electric griddle's first use

A visit to the baboon side of the family (father's side) 

From snow to snorkel: Playa del Carmen 2012-2013

Other than a cough slash fever that E and then Gigi caught, our week in Playa del Carmen was delightful. We escaped the snow as ice as it was falling heavily in NYC to the comfort of the warm sun, the beautiful beach, and the refreshingly peaceful pools. 

First up are the professional photos that we had taken. 

Kate's discomfort is partly due to the stank emanating from this squirrel monkey

E was much more comfortable with the slightly less malodorous Capuchin  (named Dodo)

As noted on her shirt, E was prepared for Tuki

Lizard breath and Chester

Below are the best photos that we took ourselves.

This picture and the one below are from E's new toy camera.

E enjoyed throwing balls at daddy's face

And bashing in the obligatory Spiderman pinata  ...

... which offered mostly "HOT!" Mexican lollies

Watching the sunrise. Our earliest wake up: 4:10 a.m. Average wake up: 5:30 a.m.

So hot in the hot tub!

The joy of running barefoot through the grass in December

Sandy swing

Unfortunately he's got daddy's shoulders

And mommy's vampire teeth

And Baba's penchant for over-the-shoulder photos

And Opa's ancestor's forelocks

But at least he's cute

E suffering from the cough fever sickness

And then recovering

Papa Smurf

Playing with perspective

With the help of mama and a natural breakwater, H overcomes his fear of the ocean

Xcaret (Yucatan Theme Park) for a day

 Butterfly pavilion at Xcaret (pronounced esh-car-ET)

A wave-powered Jacuzzi

Our final night after a full day at Xcaret. By then, both kids were exhausted.

And, like last year, we took one final dip in each pool. Adios, Playa del Carmen!