Santa's Little Helper

I visited the Macy's downtown this week with my parents and Grandmother. We went through this strange exhibit with small, animatronic people recalling Charles Dickens' classic (I'm told) story of a nasty old man, three ghosts and a boy with a crutch. The grand finale was me sitting on some fat guy's lap and being told to smile over and over again. Who in their right mind would smile in such a situation?

Taxation Without Representation

I spent some time last weekend with the following Aunts and Uncles in Washington D.C. - Dave and Pavlos (thanks for the hospitality - I enjoyed being changed on both of your beds), Charlie (thanks for letting me sleep in and for your hobbit like hold), Bear (you taught me how to be a man), Randolph (what can I say, life really is not a dress rehearsal), Susanne (my parents love you, which means I love you too), Morgan (I want to party with you as much as my little body can take). I really love everybody. Dave and Pavlos put up the biggest tree I've seen south of Rockefeller Center, I saw my first rainbow in Georgetown and even spent some time in Mount Vernon with Uncle Dick and Aunt Joyce. This world is looking good from 24 inches.

Chillin' in My Bumbo

Sitting up is pretty much the bomb. Thanks to Carter and K-Do for my sweet chair. (And, yes, I am drooling all over myself.)

Little Stable Hand

I spent yesterday visiting with Aunt Daphne, Aunt Ellie and their mommas at Daphne's mom's house. I had a nice lunch in a pastoral setting and afterwards had my first whiff of a horse stall. I loved it. Mom didn't want me to get too close to the horse's mouth since he could probably swallow me whole. I started crying when I learned they weren't going to let me saddle up. C'mon ladies - jockeys are supposed to be small. Maybe next time. Thanks for the beautiful day.

Happy 85th to my GG (great-grandmother)

When's the last time you saw four generations of knuckleheads all of the same gender? I had the opportunity to get together with Grandpa, and Pop-Pop-Pop at my GG's 85th birthday celebration last Saturday night. Four William Robinsons = trouble. Happy Birthday GG!

The Palestra

I had my first visit to the Palestra last week to see the Penn Quakers battle the #1 Tar Heels of North Carolina. The Quakers hung tough for a while, but the Carolina Blues pulled away with Tyler Hanesborough providing the exclamation point with a break away dippity-do-dunkaroo. The place was rocking. Many thanks to Uncle Jacob and Aunt Melanie (NOLA strong) for the tickets.

The Big Apple

Last week my mama and I took the train for the first time ever to meet my crazy grandparents. Nana Jeannie has this thing for New York. She can't get enough of it--something about growing up in Brooklyn. So, mom and I decided to keep her company while Pop-pop was at a meeting. We saw the big tree at Rockefeller Center, FAO Schwarz (my favorite!), and I met some cousins for the first time. There were so many more people I would have liked to see. Next time. It was a whirlwind, but we had a fun time. By the time I got back to Philly, I was all shopped out.

Boston

I continued my whirlwind Thanksgiving tour to Boston for the weekend to visit with Matt, Carlota, Nana, PopPop, Jerry, Christina, Ella (in pink above) and Sylvia. My first stop was the Black Rose, where I partook in a pint of the good stuff with my fellow Irish brethren. I spent the rest of the weekend alternating between sitting by the fireplace and playing quarters and darts down in Uncle Matt's basement. I'm really starting to notice my hands and decided everyone would laugh if I poured a glass of red wine all over myself (they did).

(ps - My parents have me pretty busy, so I will be continuously catching up on my posts here. Stay tuned for an update on my latest visit to NYC.)

Santa's Little Helper

Gramps Robinson hooked us into this and we (Will) couldn't resist.
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1129242275

Let's Go Flyers! (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

When I was breaking it down with the mayor on Tuesday afternoon I failed to mention that I would be checking out the Flyers game that very night from his very own box. It was my first live hockey game and it was WILD. Although I certainly do not condone fisticuffs there is something extremely entertaining about watching grown men hit each other while skating around on a thin ring of ice in the center of a rowdy Philadelphia crowd. There were lights everywhere and each time the Flyers scored a huge horn went off and the place started rocking. It was like a dream come true. Sadly, the Flyers lost to the Bruins. At least they're from Boston, which has a special place in my itty bitty heart (more to come on that).

MVP! MVP! MVP!

Last Tuesday I spent some time with my main man Jimmy Rollins as the Mayor celebrated his well deserved (don't bring that Matt Holliday business here) National League MVP in City Hall. I talked offseason pitcher acquisitions with Phils GM Pat Gillick and even had some face time with the Mayor. Much love to mom for bringing me down to City Hall in the rain and for trying so hard to get Jimmy to autograph my new baseball. Did I mention I love my mom (a lot)? My dad loves her too (a lot).

Thanksgiving!

I had my first Thanksgiving last week. It was a busy day. We spent time at my great-grandparents' house where I checked out my first fall foliage and had some snuggle time with my great grandfather. I peed myself at one point and grandmother gave mom a tip on using a hair dryer to dry my outift (it's mostly water anyway). I visited with tons of other family, watched some football and ate everywhere we went. The original story of the "bobbie" has now come full circle. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry and mayo on a roll. We ate at grandmother's house with my uncle dave, uncle alistair, my aunt jeanne, my cousins Aidan and Logan and my great-great aunt sis. I had a chance to video skype my aunt Julia and check out her new Berkeley apartment. (Dad took the liberty to teach me about "crashing" at people's house as a budget way to visit loved ones. Julia, that couch is mine!) You won't believe it, but right before dinner the great turkey came and left presents on the doorstep. I rocked a bedtime story book called twinkle, twinkle little star. After a day filled with hugs and kisses I ended up falling asleep on the drive home.

Way To Look, Saints

I'm still recovering from a weekend with my parents friends. Mom and dad have always seemed pretty tame to me. I had no idea that they are basically wild animals. Saturday began with George (he looks like a very large monkey) entering our home with a bag full of omaha steaks, a case of beer and a magnum of champagne. Whaaaassssaaauuueeeeehhhh! We were soon joined by team Trumbauer (including a very cute Alida who smiled at me more than once). 4 hours later we were in a hotel suite downtown with about 20 other animals and I was being passed around like a bottle of Jack Daniels. I'm a bit upset I missed the late night dance party (dad and I passed out at some point), but relished the opportunity to vomit on Meredith. I love my extended family and am looking forward to a lot more parties.

ps - many thanks for the gifts. I love the books and warm clothes.

I forgot to mention that I spent last Monday night celebrating my main man J-Roll's first Gold Glove Award. I partied 'til dawn and ended up passed out back in my crib dreaming of sliding backhanded grabs and double plays.

Sorry for the absence, but I've been busy leading up to last Tuesday's election day. Anyhow, I voted! It was my first time, but I loved pushing the buttons and watching the bright lights. I was a little upset after walking out of the booth because I had a bad feeling the incumbents were sure to win (they did), which will continue to thwart much needed reform.

Red Hot Chili Pepper

I had my first Halloween tonight and completely OD'd on mom's chocolate milk. I think I'm developing her sweet tooth. Boot and rally!