Baby If You Ever Wondered

The California Jordans were living on the air in Cincinnati for a full week over Thanksgiving.


To Laura and I it's just Union Terminal, but to Carson it is most definitely the Hall of Justice.


What we didn't know was that it actually was used as a model for the Hanna Barbera TV show back in the 70s.


As much fun as the miniature stuff was, the life sized toys equally rocked.



Although not as much as the famous Alms Park rock slide.  I have to imagine Aunt Colleen relents and allows any number of her nieces and nephews to be playing here during her wedding reception next June.



Even without the super connections Fall is a fun time to visit the 'nati, especially with the week of weather we had.


It was nice enough at the Thanksgiving race that Laura said she barely felt superior.  That said, my 10k PR made me feel quite superior, regardless of the temperature.



The warm weather wouldn't last through the weekend, so we did get some use out of packing our warm clothes.


It was quite the locomotive themed visit, with multiple visits to Union Terminal, as well as a trip on the Zoo train.


The inspiration for this photo required a trip all the way back to 1981 to capture, hence why Colleen felt Instagram was the way to shoot it.



We took full advantage of the family definition on Ging-Ging and Pop's Cincinnati Zoo membership, with the aforementioned ride on the train, as well as a spin on the new carousel for everybody who can handle such a dizzying ride.


We flew out to the Northwest part of town to pay Laura's Great Aunt Ginny and Cousin Heather a visit at Winton Woods.



Even with a full week away, all these activites made it feel like a quick swing through the 'nati.


Suffice to say, the trip to Cincinnati did not blow.


With their requisite two days of sub-30 degree temperatures behind them, Carson and Summer are looking forward to the more manufactured Winter wonderland of Southern California.

There Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies

We wanted to share just a few pics this week before a holiday break will take us back to the 'nati for Thanksgiving.  We prepared for those elements last weekend at a very blustery birthday party at Hermosa's Fort Lots-o-Fun.


Although the truck was turned off, Summer did her best to let people know to stand clear once she was behind the wheel.



Sunday had us down at the Natural History Museum.  While there Carson did he best Steve Irwin impersonation.


Although with a dinosaur for a sister he will definitely have his hands full.


Sunday night concluded with a trip to the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier.  With the Roundhouse Aquarium closing at sunset, we were only minutes too late.


Finally, it is with much sadness that we note the closing of Penny Lane Sushi in Manhattan Beach this week.  Penny Lane was the site of Carson's first dinner out, as seen here. We've been "members" since 2005, but had to come in and pick of our chopsticks on our last visit on Sunday night.

Low Hanging Fruit & Donuts

There were suggestions from many members of the Midwestern Jordans that the blog wasn't updated with Halloween pictures quickly enough.  Apparently everyone else in Ohio has gotten 194 posts of pictures of their grandchildren/nieces/nephews on a weekly basis over the last four years.  That's probably even more posts than robocalls.


Something really took Summer's breath away at the Redwood Village Halloween Parade (that something being a powdered sugar donut on a string).


As usual, Bill's pumpkin carving brilliance was on display again this year.


Backing up a weekend, we got plenty of treats at Dan & Danielle Feinbloom's Halloween party.


Then on Sunday we made way for yet another open house by venturing out into the country for some apple cider donuts in Oak Glen, CA.


Of course we made the two hour drive for more than just donuts.  There was also some apple picking to accomplish.  Laura was pleased to finally use the phrase "Low hanging fruit" in its most appropriate context.


While Carson was happy to take on a more vertical challenge.


Not seen in this photo is Bill with a recently picked apple on his head.


Closer to home this past weekend we watched the Playa Vista firemen test out some new hoses.


As well as taking a spin in the marina on the Sea Sheppard's Brigitte Bardot.