Harry + Levi = BFFs

They've known each other since birth (literally) and have grown quite fond of each other. We can't get enough of Harry (and Kristi).

Hanky doesn't miss a moment to be with the boys.

Learning to share.

The boys took over the corner at Coco Momo's, a favorite restaurant in Marylebone

BFF's

11 months..nearly there

At 11 months Levi can be found most afternoons at Regents or Paddington Park, both 3 blocks from our flat.

Aside from swinging, Levi loves crawling around and underneath the trees. Below is one of our favorite spots in Regents Park whether it be sunny or overcast.

Chrismas came early

Well not really, but we've all been down for the count with strep throat, resulting in us wearing our PJ's all day (nearing day 5). Levi has now dipped into his 2009 Christmas collection.

We're all on antibiotics and are making a recovery. Levi's kept his smile and Hank's remained a trooper still allowing Levi to snuggle and climb all over him.

A Family Affair in London

Oh boy, we're we spoiled by family. Not only by my parents visiting us, but with Auntie Nancy coming to town too.

In true Lyons/Barton form, we hit the ground running. 1st stop, Portobello Market.

We visited Kew Gardens, and amazing, must-see if you come to London. We adults enjoyed it for the hundreds of different kinds of flowers, while Levi enjoyed it for the hide and seek.

Having extra pairs of hands on deck was something very new to us and definitely reminded us the luxury of living near family. Mumsey & Papa shuttled Levi to swim class, Tumble Tots, Monkey Music, morning shift, and, of course, a favorite of all of ours: bath time.

I think we'd all agree that our most treasured moments were just hanging out at P8. Levi (and Hank) aren't biased when it comes to getting snuggles.

Especially Hank! We miss Mumsey, Papa and Auntie terribly -- it's lonely around the flat without them. Thank goodness we'll all be together for the holidays in Seattle.

3 generations go Dutch

While Mama and Auntie Nancy went to Sardinia and Paris, Papa, Levi and I took advantage of 5 days together and headed to the Netherlands.

First stop was Utrecht for 2 nights. It is a lovely, quaint Dutch town with beautiful canals and hundreds of bikers!

The highlight was definitely the Miffy Museum. The simple drawings and stories of a white bunny by Dick Bruna that have become famous all around the world and are now favorites in our flat. While Levi loved the museum, dad and I coveted the gift shop.

Following Utrecht, we caught the train 40 min South to Amsterdam, where we checked into a darling, very kid-friendly apartment in the Jordaan neighborhood.

We walked everywhere, enjoyed some local beers, did the canal ride, and even hired a sitter one evening so we could hit the town sans Levi.

We also just hung out in the apartment, shopped at our local market, & cooked yummy meals. It was so nice to have time together and no agenda.

Our highlight in Amsterdam was definitely getting together with my Babyccino partner and having breakfast with her beautiful family in their home.

Sara & Pim were so sweet to Levi, showering him with attention and toys. He loved it!

This trip will definitely make my "Top 5 experiences while living abroad" list. I always knew my Papa was something special, but this trip confirmed it even more. Levi has no idea how lucky he is...

Love Affair with NYC

As most of you know, I've had a deep love affair with NYC for quite sometime (pre sabatical from Amazon to take art classes at Parsons New School). When I heard my dear friend, Noah, and his now lovely wife were getting married, there was no way I could miss it (especially given it was going to be in NYC).

To top it off, I absolutely love Hillary and can't wait for JWG & I to spend more time with the two of them when we're all back on the west coast (if we can persuade Hill to leave the east).

Of course, I squeezed in some quality time with my dear girlfriends Vashali and Dani and was able to send my fellow 'Twin Tower' off to San Diego. She's making the couragous move to San Diego to be with her boyfriend Chris (who couldn't be more darling, sincere and handsome). It's such a treat to see dear friends partnering up with people you instantly love.

I couldn't be more excited for Dani. I'll miss seeing her on my NYC visits, but know she'll be back... she, nor I can stay away.

The Ultimate Birthday for Papa Bear

My Papa bear celebrated his birthday yesterday beginning from sun up to sun down. We kicked off the morning with 4 hour cooking class at Caldesi in Marleybone (great gift Mama). It was amazing...


We cooked Ravioli stuffed with beetroot and ricotta with walnut pesto (even made our raviolis)...

I perfected my pasta making skills, while we also made roast partridege "Arrosto Morto" risotto con funghi e zafferano and tiramisu.

From there, we went to Saddler's Wells and Saw a hip hop version of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by the Swedish dance troup Bounce.

It was the most creative and unique performance any of have seen. We still can't stop talking about it...

After the performance, we headed to Moro (our new favorite restaurant in London) and unfortunately they were closed. Oops! We ended up at this little French restaurant called 'ClosMaggiore ' and it was heavenly. Highly recommend it for all our English friends. All in all, Papa had an incredible birthday as did we celebrating it all together.