For love of banana

Recently we started introducing some foods to the kids. So far, they have had avocado and banana, both of which Annika loves

Here are some selfies to attest to her love  of these new culinary experiences. Look at her intensity as she eats these tastes of banana...

Hmmm... Something here? 

There it is! I'm gettin' it!

Argh!!! 

Oh, yeah!

Mmmmm...

The reason for our trip

Here is Luka with his Tía Abuela América.

One of the most important aspects of taking this trip with Annika and Luka now was for them to have the opportunity to meet Tati (América), André's 95 year old grand aunt, and the anchor of multiple generations of his family. 

Mission accomplished!

Annika and Luka were also able to meet their Tía Abuela Idalia, andré's aunt, who flew in from  Spain to meet the kids.

Here she is with André's mom Evelyn.

Before Idalia and Evelyn arrived, André's dad Steve had arrived and was quick to jump in with the kids...

The kids also got to meet their cousins Eileen and (her son) Carlos, who quickly embraced the opportunity to shower them with love and attention:

Carlos reading the You can be anything Snoopy" book with Annika.

The kids also got to meet Fifi, Tati's adoring upstairs neighbor who quickly jumped at the opportunity to grab a kid. 

Here she is stealing Annika:

Although Luka was not far behind!

Her son Oriol was very popular with Annika!

 

    

Tía Idalia was working with Annika on blowing kisses in Tati's kitchen...

Hanging out with Annika in the Tía Abuela América's patio with the plantain grove, witches oregano and avocado trees, checking out the plant life:

She and Luka got to smell oregano brujo and rosemary for the first time!

Enroute to the beach...

At the Playita de Condado by the Abuelo's apartment, where André has been coming since he was Annika and Luka's size.

A great many firsts!

On our trip to PR/NC

Even before the kids were born, Kristin and I had been planning a trip to introduce our kids to our families in North Carolina and Puerto Rico.

After much planning, we managed to make it to PR successfully and with virtually no crying the whole trip! The kids were very intrigued by all the new people and sights and help up super well in spite of the all day trip to Puerto  Rico.

Here are some pics from the trip:

With two infants on their first flight, we put together these little care packages for the passengers in the rows around us. 

They were a big hit, and helped smooth over relations. The flight attendants especially thought it a nice touch and were extra helpful to us on the trip as a result.

Meals timed at takeoff and landing to ease the pressure discomforts.

With which they did really well, with no issues!

Of all things to leave at home after extensive planning, we left all but one pacifier in the sterilizer at home.

Facing 15 hours of travel, we hit up some parents at the Pdx airport for a spare. Here's Luka sporting the pink paci. Thank goodness we're pdxers! 

In the air.

Keeping everyone happy and busy; Annika seemed to really  enjoy the sights.

In the Philadelphia airport enroute to our connection...

One of the few catnaps we were able to squeeze in...

And in the new sleeping pods in the apartment on PR:

Success!

The trip was followed by a morning play session on the balcony of the apartment:

And several high fives by the parents for a successful trip! Welcome to PR, Annika and Luka!