Nick went to Zoo Lights for the first time. He enjoyed it immensly, especially the music. This wasn't nearly as cold as it was the previous day at Santa's Village and we took the wagon this time. Nick had his popcorn, water and dance skills and that was all he needed.

Mom and Nick at the entrance to Zoo Lights.

Nick and Dad (and ducks) at Zoo Lights.

Nick enjoying an impromtu dance.

Next...

We finally got to Santa's Village this year. Nick really enjoyed it but it sure was cold. We think he will like it more when he is a bit older and can ride more of the rides.

Nick and Dad on the Carousel, before it got cold.

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house a few days early. Had a nice visit with the family and Nick got some cool toys.

Just a couple random pictures from today. Nick wearing a hat for more then 2 seconds? Gotta document that. The second picture is from the park where Nick spent 45minutes running around and trying to jump face first from 5ft through the fence.

We got our christmas tree a couple days ago. Nick took it upon himself to find the best tree and to make sure they took good care of it.

Here is a little video I took of young Nicholas. The goal was actually to catch him dancing to the music which there is a little. Instead of editing it though, I thought to just let everyone get a glimpse into 5 minutes of Nick's day. So here it is.

Here is a video of the Taipei 101 Elevator in action. It is the fastest elevator in the world.

Nick and Dad after a 10pm to 2am period of wakefulness. Lets not do this again for a while ehh Nick...

Got home a few hours ago. Nick did great and the trip back was uneventful.

Nice to be home but a good vacation.

Tonight we leave Taipei bound back for the US. Overall it has been a great trip. Herb and Bev did well travelling, Tony and Nick each spent 1 week sick but the other 2 weeks were very good and Jen did the best (after worrying about Nick and Dad) getting to eat a lot of beef noodle soup.

Grandma and Grandpa were excellent, helping take Nick off our hands for long stretches at a time.

Not a whole lot to say as I am finally getting back to normal after the fever and throat ache (Nick was miraculous if we had the same thing) and am just happy to be getting back to normal. I will upload some more pictures and add an entry or two after we get home and rested.

Till next time,
再见

Did I not post a picture of the yi-ling-yi?

Elder sister pond at Alishan

We then went to Kenting which is at the end of the island. We stayed two nights here but the second day was rainy as we started to get hit with a typhoon. Thats right, we were in a typhoon, if only the outer edges. That is also the day that I came down with Nicks cold and started running a fever myself.


On the ride back up we stopped at Chiayi to see the grandma again and then dropped Nick, Jen and myself off at the high speed rail line for the last leg home. Instead of 4 hours trapped in a car seat, Nick would get to wander the train and be home in 1.5 hours, excellent idea Jen, Excellent.

Yesterday was spent at the National Palace Museum. A very nice place with tons of artifacts, paintings and sculptures. Our favorite is the concentric circles within circles of a piece of ivory.

Here is a video of Nick stomping around Jen's moms shop with Grandpa.

A few pictures at the beginning of the trip. I am uploading the pictures to the picassa web album (link on the right side of the page).

We are underway and at Jen's moms house. I will start uploading pictures soon but just a quick update for now.

The flights went well, the trip to LA was short and he was pretty active so the quick was good. The flight to Taiwan was better, EVA is an excellent service. Nick slept for about 8hours. Herb and Bev enjoyed biz class.

The first night none of us slept to well but the second went well and looks like Nick is adjusted (cross fingers).

Off to the National Palace museum and the Taipei 101 tonight for dinner.

The video is short but sweet. The next dilema at the Andresen household.



He can only open push doors but that is most of the doors inside the house. The little man is getting so big. 23lbs 8oz, 30inches at the 15 month checkup.

So here we have Nick enjoying the area with water fountains that you can run through at the new mall (not sure what the name is, maybe Spectrum?). He seems to understand the concept of the slippery areas...

... but then well, maybe not.

He fell a couple of times actually, got a nice bump on his noggin. He did enjoy it, just have to have his sandals on so it isn't so slippery.

The boys went to the zoo this weekend, Nicks first trip. He enjoyed himself and wore out the old men.

Jen and I went to Wrigleys Mansion to have an early aniversery brunch. The place is really cool and the brunch was very good. Love you Jen, happy 4th.

While Jen is hanging out with her friends in LA, dad is taking care of the kiddo. So guess what happens the first day, Nick goes to school in his pajamas.

I bet you can't guess what Nick was for Halloween. The costume brought out the little devil in him.

At the end of a long night (aka 30minutes of trick or treating).

Nick enjoying the slide at the park near our house. He will go down the slide by himself and with no proding, in fact he loves it.

We are getting Nick use to the idea of brushing his teeth. Jen got Nick an electric tooth brush.

Here's the little guy getting behind those pesky molars.

Does he like it? I dare say he does indeed.

We had a party today at daycare. Lots of people to see and games for Nick to play.

We caught up to Ms. Liz (Go Suns), one of Nick's teachers, who coincidentally was serving ...

Cotton candy, which he didn't quite understand and shook it till the cotton candy was gone without tasting an ounce. Oh well, I am sure there will be a next time.

Some new(er) pictures of Nick at daycare. The rest of the pictures are on the link to the right.

My favorite picture of the bunch. Not sure that he needs a vacation by the looks of it.

Starting to get cold in the mornings now. Nick's first day in his jacket.

Freescale sponsers a team for the Race for the Cure so we have gone the last couple of years. It is a 5k walk in downtown Phoenix. The weather was perfect this year, a little warm last year. Nick enjoyed his first big outting in his new jogger.

A video of a dare devil in the making.



Oh yea, 100th post, not to shabby.

So we are trying the G diapers. Basically resuable outers with flushable inners. Overall it is a bit more expensive but if it works out we will be doing our little bit to help the environment.

A rather mundane stop at the supermarket is made that much more enjoyable by the little guy.

One of Nick's very first outings was to go to the Way out West Oktoberfest in '06, so natuarlly he was all in for this year as well. I think next year he will start enjoying it more then Dad...

At the entrance.