Up, Up and Away to San Francisco


This year has been the first of many for our sweet little boy, but traveling has been by far the most exciting of these novel experiences for our family. Our first trip was to San Francisco to introduce Alex to friends and family. I've heard horror stories of babies crying for hours on end on planes so I was expecting the flight to be tearful and exhaustive, and possibly ending with my head stuffed between my knees from the shame of bringing chaos into an already uncomfortable situation. 

But to my surprise Alex was a rockstar, and proved to be an unstoppable force, cooing and squealing at other passengers. In fact, it was on this trip that he learned his latest maneuver to win friends. With the floppy twist of his chubby hands he discovered how to wave. And wave he did, greeting everyone with his signature dimpled smile throughout the trip. 

Prather Ranch, San Francisco Ferry Building

Our first stop was at the San Francisco Ferry Building where we wondered through the splendors of the market and met with of our favorite vendors, including Prather Ranch, Fungi Far West, and Hog Island Oyster. We also stopped at Frog Hollow Farms where we had an amazing Warren pear, which was creamy and ripe with intense pear flavors. 

Fresh chestnuts 
Frog Hollow Farms
Green and red kabocha, and butternut squash
Alex's first time on the beach
Alex's first play date

Christmas caroling at the Palace Hotel


Thanks to Velva and Kay for encouraging me to start Alex early on traveling. I have a feeling we'll be able to tackle international traveling sooner than I thought. 

28 comments:

Delicious Dishings said...

I can't get over how adorable Alex is. I'm sure he was making lots of friends on the plane!

Stephanie said...

What an amazing family vacation! Love your pictures") This gorgeous city is on our list!!

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

Alex is adorable! Glad to hear your first travels with the baby went well!

Natalie said...

What wonderful pictures from San Fransisco. I really would love to travel there one day. Not sure I can cope with that flight and a two year old who won't sit still or listen!

La Table De Nana said...

Isn't it amazing how one little bundle of joy changes our whole life?

then little grandchildren do the same thing:)
These are lovely photos and he is gorgeous..the playdate:) being held.. I love them.I've always loved children's photos..especially special ones..
Yesterday I went to the library and bumped into a mom and her 4 yr old daughter Emma.. who is one of my 4 yr old grandsons pre-school friends..I met her once this summer at the beach..

I said :"Hi Emma remember me? I am Max'as nana"~And she smiled..Max is loved by all:)

Even later in life..you prefer being someone's nana to anything else.
It's my favorite name..nana..as your is mommy I bet.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful little boys travels with us.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Beautiful photos... how can you handle a baby and a camera?
Super Mom!

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

Glad you had such a nice trip! Love the photos!

Happy 2012!

Kathryn said...

Fabulous pictures from a perfectly wonderful trip. Best of all, that stunning charismatic character your Alex: too adorable for words. I *love* the picture of him and his play date sizing each other up with such great, frank curiosity. The epitome of childhood!

Lisa said...

My first born is now sixteen. When he was young, we travelled lots and lived in very remote islands in the South Pacific, lots of miles between our New England family. He was so easy to travel with and still is. Your posts on Alex are so sweet for me because they rekindle the freshness of being a parent. It brings a whole new meaning to your Blogs name for me, the Fresh as in freshness of being a parent, fresh perspective on parenting, it is so lovely and touching. Thank you.

Tasty Trix said...

Aw, I'm glad he took to traveling! Very cute And I need to get my little nephew one of those praise the Lard onesies, how hilarious!

Joanne said...

Oh that face! I wouldn't have been mad at him even if he cried through the entire trip. Impossible.

Claudia said...

San Francisco always entices me - but Alex definitely stole this show. How can you not smile at him. I played peek-a-boo coming home from a trip this past summer. It was the most relaxing plane ride I have had in the longest time. All the best young family - how exciting 2012 will be!

And my kids have always been traveling-troopers - maybe there is something to starting them young...

Lori said...

Yay! He's a traveler! I've only been to San Fran once, but I fell hard for it. You've brought back some great memories for me with your photos.

Beth said...

What a little love! No wonder everyone adored him. Hope you had a wonderful first Christmas with him!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

We are just 'recovering' from the joy of having our 2-year-old grandson for 3 days while our daughter and her husband watched our Wisconsin Badgers lose in the Rose Bowl in California. We know why you need lots of energy :) Children are such a joy and we're so happy we are a part of his life. Alex is such a beautiful boy - and a great traveler.

Emily said...

san fran looks like it was a lovely time, and alex is quite possibly the cutest baby of the year. :)

Velva said...

I was smiling ear to ear reading this post. Alex is going to be a natural...Naturally adorable naturally smart, naturally friendly, and my list would go on and on...he surely is going to be a natural traveler.

I am so glad you have him on that airplane meeting and discovering new places, family and friends.

Happy New Year Christine!
Velva

Sippity Sup said...

SF thru the eyes of a babe! Adorable. GREG

vianney said...

He's adorable!! I love traveling with my kiddos, they seem tot thrive in each new adventure. How happy I am that your first of many trips was amazing!

Magic of Spice said...

Bravo Alex! Looks like an amazing trip and that market is fantastic!
Happy New Year!

Asmita said...

I still have to visit San Francisco. The photographs are stunning and I am glad you had a wonderful family vacation.
Your little Alex is too cute for words. Happy New Year to you all.

Gloria Baker said...

Dear Christina I always think he is a rockstar (lol) love his smiles, he is really cute and a happy and nice boy. Blessings.
Lovely pics love the market:)

Kendra said...

beautiful, beautiful photos!

Barbara said...

Lucky you....on a flight back from our Christmas vacation, there were two screaming babies. Never stopped yelling the entire flight, either. I felt really sorry for the parents. I put my ear plugs in.
Love the photos of your adorable (quiet, happy and well mannered) Alex! :)

lisa is cooking said...

I think he travels better than I do! Looks like he had fantastic time. Happy travels in the new year.

El said...

Adorable. I'm so glad you had a good trip. The food looks wonderful too.

sally said...

Sounds like a great trip! I'm so glad to hear that Alex did so well on the flight.

Kitchen Butterfly said...

Adorable is he. I'm glad you had great travels - kids are so strong. Mums have to play catch up. Have a great 2012 - embrace it all - new place, many changes, things will find their balance! Stay well