Grossman family west

Last weekend, we flew down to San Diego and had an awesome weekend with Gigi, Grandpa, Aunt Robin, and Uncle Eric. The weekend was jam-packed with fun events and tons of “firsts” for the Big Man. On Friday, we went to Disneyland and California Adventure (thanks, Uncle Brian!), Avi’s first theme park, and he loved most of the rides (including his first Merry-Go-Round). Later in the day, Avi met Mickey Mouse and Goofy—Avi seemed a little stumped by the five foot tall mouse (not sure why that seems so normal to the rest of us). That night, Avi lit Hanukkah candles for the first time and received his first wrapped gift (and new favorite toy) from Gigi and Grandpa (thank you!!)

On Saturday, we stayed in and celebrated Aunt Robin’s birthday with delicious dinner and desserts. And finally, on Sunday, we went to the San Diego Zoo, which Avi loved. We saw beautiful birds, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and even some swimming hippos.

We’ve added a slideshow to the Photo Gallery so you can re-live our fun weekend in San Diego with us! Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Avi, Gigi, Grandpa, and Mickey

We have to admit that our unlucky Big Man may have it a bit tougher than some others: he has a professional educator for a mother and a father-nerd who occasionally spends time programming on the weekend. While others his age are learning to “make a cat sound” (“meow”) or even that of a lion (“roar”), Holly decided to start Avi off with an elephant sound. What sound DOES an elephant make? Think about it for a moment. If you’re stuck, Avi has the answer… Check out his new video in the photo gallery.

Animal Sounds in the Bath

With Mom directing, Avi showed us a new skill–intense drama acting. In this scene, our 10-month-old Hero is stuck on one side of a gaping chasm, deperately trying to reach the treasure on the other side. I will remind you that he has had NO acting lessons. I think you’ll agree, though, that he does an amazing job of conveying such raw emotion: desire, frustration, angst… I won’t give way the ending, you’ll have to watch it for yourself. Now posted in the video gallery.

Cameras Rolling?

At 10 months old, the Big Man is much more curious and a bit more mobile, which can make a photo shoot a bit tricky. We started his birthday in music class (learning to smack the drums like Aunt Debbie does on Rock Band), but quickly moved into other more interesting venues. At 10 months, Avi crawls a bit and stands with assistance. This latter talent allowed him to pose under a tree–just like Mom’s high school pictures (she won’t let us show them here). He can “cruise” around his Leap Frog table, and plays games with mom and dad.
Don’t worry, though, his innocence and curiosity are not yet completely lost: the Big Man still sticks a leaf in his mouth if the opportunity should strike.

We’ve added 19 photos from Avi’s Ten Month Photo Shoot into his Monthly Birthday Photoshoots Slideshow for your enjoyment.

Do I look like Mom's high school yearbook photo?

Why do people put toys just out of reach, then bang the toy on the floor and encourage in a high-pitched voice “here, boy! come and get your toy!” to their pets?
Because it works.
With even more love and pride, I present my wife encouraging my son in the exact same way.

Don’t worry, I thought about it: It’s OK that I made the analogy.

Check out Avi’s scoot-style crawl video.

"Come and Get Your Toy!"