Aquaman

On our recent trip to Florida, Max took his first dip in the ocean. Ever since, he's been like a fish in water.

Take his keys

When you're smiling

How could the whole world not smile with you, kid?

Max's first vacation in pictures

The first plane ride went smooth. Four hours with minimal fussing. Riding shotgun on mom's lap never hurts either.

Our first night searching for dinner on St. Louis' Washington Street. We found plenty of cool kid bars, but not much more than a pizza joint for the family unit.

Sheryl Crow under the Arch. Fireworks show after. Pretty cool. Sorry the photo just doesn't' do justice to how cool this evening was for the three of us and thousands of our closest friends in St. Louis!

Dad met some pretty cool celebs during the game. Let's say hi first to the star of television's "The Office," the kindly St. Louis native - Jenna Fischer.

Here's me and the star of the '08 Summer Games, gymnast Shawn Johnson. I convinced Shawn to do cartwheels to first base during the Celebrity & Legends Softball Game.

One of the nicest men in the game, Ernie Banks!

Max napping at the Gala and missing out on meeting Tommy John. The Nelly concert put him to sleep, not Mr. John.

Seriously, how cute is this outfit?!

My vantage point of Barack's first pitch from the National League dugout.

Max still showing some hometown pride for the M's in a sea of Cardinal red at the All-Star Game.

Max's personal higlight of the All-Star Game...

Lanyards!

Oh, and daddy's badge, too!

My friend Brian from MLB headquarters snaps a pic with Max on-field after the game.

So much excitement in 5 days takes its toll on a little fella.

G'night, St. Louis.

We arrived in Satellite Beach, FL just in time to catch the Space Shuttle launch from 30 miles up the coast. Incredible!

It's really a good thing Max was sleeping when this photo was taken or else we'd be paying for therapy until he was 21.

Max visits with his great nana.

Max's great aunts, nana and mom.

Max's other new friends the manatees, who hung out in the canal in his great nana's backyard.

Max trying to decide if dad can really pull of that hat.

Our little Tiki God.

Time to hit the beach

Max's first steps in the ocean...

WOW!

I think these two pictures say it all. Our little family had an amazing time.

Now no more photos, please.

Peace out.

Home sweet home

We made it with just a little vitamin spit up and a 10 minute meltdown on the 6-hour flight back.

Nice to be back in our own crib.

Wrapping up our vacation

One more day in paradise. Here's Max helping mom finish her brunch at an amazing joint we found on the beach. Elisa's Gullah Benedict with Cajun shrimp, fried green tomatoes and spicy hollandaise sauce was southern comfort on a plate.

We're having a great time visiting with Elisa's nana and Max's great nana.

Wish us luck on the 6-hour flight back tomorrow night. It could get interesting!

Dad and the Grape at the game

Party animal

Max and I had our first boys night out at the All-Star Gala. Poor Elisa's stomach was upset from the ballpark fare, so I strapped Max in the Bjorn for an hour at baseball's biggest party.

He slept through a VERY loud Nelly set (rap music). Then he woke up when Chuck Berry started and then proceeded to melt down. Not a fan of the classics apparently.

He was a big hit (pardon the pun) with my friends at MLB and even got his picture taken with Tommy John. (photo coming later)

Now it's off to bed to get a good night sleep before the 80th All-Star Game and Barack's first pitch!

Max all dressed up for his big night out at the All-Star Gala!

We made it

Minimal fussiness and 2 hours of sleep on the trip. Max was an All-Star!

Fly Me to St. Lou

And we're (almost) off! We got seated together in the bulkhead and my friend Drew from BDA is coincidentally sitting next to us.

The Storks Delivered

Back in January, the four neighborhood pregnant ladies gathered to share in their preggo-ness. Six months, three boys and one girl later we have ourselves an instant neighborhood gang.

Happy 4th of July

From the red, white & drool!