January 20th, 2010

Grandma Mimi, (my mom) came to visit for a week this month.

We took her to the Snoqualmie Falls, and to the Train Museum so Elliot could hang around on the vintage trains.

The next weekend we visited the Boeing Museum of Flight in Renton. Elliot got to sit in the cockpit of an FA-18, and an SR-71 Blackbird.

We also visited the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, where they were having a model trains expo. The detail of the displays was unbelievable.

It was great having Grandma Mimi up for a visit, and we'll hopefully see her again soon!

-Rob and Nicole

Grandma Mimi and Elliot brave the cold misty updrafts at Snoqualmie Falls.

This bird was caught in our chimney, and since I don't know the first thing about birds, I can't tell you what it is. Maybe a woodpecker?

"Everyone better be sittin' down!"

One of the cool sea planes at the Kenmore harbor. (Warning: crappy iPhone pic)

"You don't actually expect me to fly this SR-71 do you?"

One of the engines from the SR-71 Blackbird.

Elliot is in rapture at the model trains expo.

"Dad, how many of these trains can you hide under your jacket?"

One of the many detailed engines rolls down the tracks.

Lots of trains.

Thomas the Tank makes a celebrity appearance.

A super-detailed locomotive, with smoke that comes out the top!

Nicole and Lia brave the 6' mantis.

Grandma Mimi gets to hold her little granddaughter, Lia.

"Seriously, Dad! How many more pictures do you need of me in this Jacket?"

Grandma Mimi gets ready to board the sea plane for San Juan Island, where she'll spend a couple days with her sister, Suzy. (Warning: crappy iPhone pic)

"Beep...beep...beep" the little satellite that changed the world.

Elliot checks out some of the model planes.

"Elliot, look at---"

"Mom! Please don't distract me..."

Elliot cranks the speed up to 11.

"Don't sneeze, you might de-rail that one it's so small."

One of the big tables with hundreds of train cars and a maze of track.

One of the many "Conductors" milling around. These guys all looked pretty similar: 50-70 years old, lots of buttons and IDs, a striped hat, and of course, overalls.

This guy was displaying his miniature buildings, and the detail was not only insane, but awesomely-weird.

More of the awesomely-weird guy's work.

Walking the trail near the house, Elliot, Nicole, and Lia pause to smile for the camera man.