If it wasn’t for mothers, birthday’s would eventually die out for lack of acknowledgement. Chika’s Websummit event was happening right at the tail end of fall break, so why not meet up in one of my new favorite cities of Lisbon. And then there was a subtle suggestion that maybe my siblings 50th birthday could suggest a different venue. Quick U-turn and we were booked to the USA (slight detour for Chika as she was called to Asia for work).

This trip stayed on the tracks the whole time. Travel went easy. Weather was great. And even the unplanned stuff came up roses (what a great time in the escape room on Kai’s birthday). And of course the food rocked in all dimensions — from Kai’s birthday Kobe burgers, to the perfect grilled steaks, fresh grilled french toast, to Mike’s birthday meatballs, flourless chocolate cake, adventures in Indian food, the multi-city epic dim sum fest, and lots and lots of grilled cheese + soup combos.

On top of the great PA experience, Mike and I had an amazing excursion to Kentucky, dad got a day off while me mom and the boys did an overnight in NYC, and finally one last day a Great Adventure. Extra special bonus was staying through Halloween — the cousins conquered big time.

Instead of the regular blow-by-blow, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. But it was a fantastic trip.