A Hanukkah gift from Grandma Michelle got a workout today.  

A special Shehechyanu tonight for the first night of Jesse’s first Hanukkah.

Our friend Betsy’s parents, Marge and Ron (Mom and Pop — they’re so cute!) sent this.

Like, for example, yogurt.

Aunt Katy made the hat, which is wonderful for today’s weather.

Jesse wore a Hawaiian shirt during the vacation. And a really funny hat.

The trip from Managua to the coast was the longest car trip of Jesse’s young life — a little over 2:30.

Jesse got to swim  in the Pacific Ocean.

Grandma fed Jesse oatmeal at her oceanside villa.

Jesse got to take a dip in Grandma and Grandpa’s pool.

Breakfast by the sea — it was already humid at 7:45.

Grandpa holds a ridiculous hat (and the baby).

Aunt Heather and Uncle Leon got to hang out with the lil’ dude.

My feet don’t reach the edge of the chair.

Here Jesse waits for the ticket counter to open Monday morning in Managua — we had to wait until about 5:30 a.m. to check in.

The Admiral’s Club provided free drinks during our layover in Miami.

At the Admiral’s Club, the “Kids Klub” provided a break from the carseat.

I decided to offer Jesse a sippy cup.

He was a bit baffled.

maybe he felt betrayed: where’d my bottle go?

He seemed to make peace with it.