California, Part 2: San Diego-USS Midway

After leaving Legoland, Marlowe and Dad arrived at the Balboa Park Inn in San Diego. Marlowe immediately declared it his favorite hotel ever.

As this picture was taken, it was snowing back home in Philadelphia. Upon some not insignificant prodding from dad, Marlowe agreed that there is something to be said for Southern California weather.

Marlowe and dad spent Friday morning on the USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in San Diego. Here is a view from the top deck, where a number of navy aircraft have been placed for public inspection.

Marlowe sitting in a the back of a helicopter that sits on the top deck of the carrier.

The highlight of the day for Marlowe was checking out this airplane from the cockpit.

Here he sits inside of said cockpit.

California, Part 1: San Diego-Legoland

Last weekend, Marlowe and the family headed out to southern California for Andover friend Brian McEvoy's wedding in Manhattan Beach. Marlowe and dad flew out to Los Angeles on Thursday, then headed directly to Legoland in Carlsbad.

As you can see, Legoland is beautiful.

Legoland features small-scale versions of a number of real-life places, as well as a number of rides and other attractions. Here is a miniature version of Cafe Du Monde, a famous coffee and beignet spot in New Orleans that Marlowe visited in January of 2010.

As it turned out, Legoland had recently unveiled a new Star Wars-based set of exhibits at the time of Marlowe's visit (Marlowe currently LOVES everything about and related to the Star Wars Universe of locales and characters). Here is Marlowe in front of the a Lego version of the Hoth snow battle depicted in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Marlowe with a Lego R2-D2.

Marlowe also spent some time on the rides at Legoland. Here is is driving a car on the racetrack of what was probably his favorite attraction other than the Star Wars exhibit.

New Bed

Tennis

Marlowe loves to play tennis.

Grog Island 2011

Marlowe and Dad spent last weekend at Grog Island in Maine, where their hosts were Minor, Eliza, and Dorothea Myers.

A view of the island from afar.

Exploring the cabin he shared with Dad.

A photo Marlowe took of Dad.

Spending some quality time with Dorothea.

On the Myers' sailboat.

Marlowe's initial foray into tennis. He was ecstatic each time he hit the ball over the net.

Sharing some time with one of Dad's oldest friends, John Swansburg.

Park City

This year Marlowe celebrated his half-birthday (the 4th of July) in Park City, UT.

Readying for the 4th of July parade.

Half-birthday cake.

Enjoying a ride on the Silverlake Express ski lift with mom.

Marlowe with the town moose...

and a local Great Dane.

Playing croquet at the St.Regis (he chose the green mallet and ball, of course).

Relaxing after a swim at the local pool.

FIshing at the Grist Mill

Today Marlowe went fishing with dad, Gee Gee, Aunt Liz, Teddy, and Grandma Koshgerian.

Though both were wary, Marlowe attempted to provide comfort for Cousin Teddy at the outset.

Initial efforts yielded much excitement, but no results.

But then, with a little help, Marlowe caught his first fish.

Examining.

Further examining.

Even further examining.

All told, it was a great day, and a good time was had by all.

Andover Reunions 2011

Rain meant there were few good photo opportunities, but Marlowe had a great time at Andover Reunions last weekend (it was dad's 15th high school reunion). Here are two photos of him in front of Samuel Phillips Hall, one of Andover's oldest and most distinguished buildings.

Princeton Reunions 2011

Marlowe returned to Princeton Reunions this year. Though somewhat testy at first, he perked up once Cousin Teddy arrived. Here the two of them are: resting up in advance of a big day;

sharing a stroller on the way to the P-Rade;

and splashing in the Woodrow Wilson School fountain.

After leaving Teddy, prior to returning home, Marlowe stopped by Halo Pub for cup of vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

Kansas City

On our way to Kansas City to visit Marlowe's great grandmother.

Bret and I ate the best barbeque while in Kansas City but Marlowe stuck to the french fries.

Marlowe visited his first presidential library, the Truman Library.

Royals vs Cardinals baseball game. Bret and Marlowe pose outside the stadium.

We also visited New Market, Marlowe's grandfather's hometown.