Tahoe Memories

A few months ago, Brian and I decided that we wanted to go to Tahoe the week before Christmas. We thought it wouldn't be crowded because the schools were still in, Andrew would do better learning to ski if he could go a couple days in a row and it would be fun to be in the snow around Christmas time. We were right about everything but the snow...there wasn't any! It hasn't snowed the entire month of December so Northstar is working like crazy to make snow up on the mountain. We still managed to have a blast even though there was no sledding, snow angels or snowball fights.

My parents and Oma were able to come up and enjoy the week with us. We spent the days skiing, the afternoons napping and the evenings playing games. It was a perfect trip and I think we might make an annual tradition out of it. We are so blessed to be able to have this time together as a family and enjoy Tahoe.

Brian cruising down the mountain

I was too scared to take Andrew up a real chair lift so we just rode the gondola up the mountain each time.

The last run down one day I decided we should take the "adventure course" which means there are jumps and tricks to go over.  Myself, Brian and my dad all tried this one and we all landed!

My dad had the great idea to take Andrew into town to see the train come in.  The train station is in downtown Truckee and comes through twice a day.  He looked up the train schedule and took Andrew to see the train.  Andrew was in heaven and loved it!

Watching for the train

Andrew wanted a picture with the conductor.  (He also wanted to go on the train but we had to explain that it would take him away and he had to stay here so he could ski.)

Getting Hot Chocolate after seeing the train. Andrew now has a love for hot chocolate after our Tahoe trip.  I'm trying to convince him that hot chocolate is only in Tahoe.  :)

Andrew's first fall on the slopes.  Don't worry, he was ok!

Ornament Exchange

The month of December we take a break from Bunco and have an ornament exchange.  It's been a tradition for three years now and something I look forward to each year.  These woman are all so amazing and have been my support system the last three years.  I am so lucky to have them and Andrew is so lucky to be able to have such great friends.

Cotati Christmas Celebration

I love Christmas time...the lights, Christmas carols and Santa! The city of Cotati was having a Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight and Fire Station Open House. Santa was going to be at the fire station so Jen and I decided we should take the kids down. I can't believe how packed it was. We were one of the first people to get in line for Santa and I'm glad we did because when we were walking out the fire station was packed wall to wall with people. In usual Andrew fashion, he talked Santa's ear off and didn't want to get down. I bribed him with a candy cane and he obeyed! :)

Waiting in line for Santa.  These two really are best friends.  We didn't make the pose for this picture.

I bet you're wondering where the picture of the Christmas tree is?  We were going to a tree lighting ceremony and all I have are pictures at the fire station....that's because once we got there and saw the crowds Jen and I decided to run over and get in line for Santa instead of staying to watch them light the tree.  The boys didn't even know what we missed and we got a prime location in line to see the big guy!

A Texas Thanksgiving - Yee Haw!

Happy Thanksgiving. We had a great trip to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with my mom and dad. The trip consisted of golf and flying planes for the boys (shocking!), and shopping for the ladies. I think my mom might need a break from Chick-Fil-A because we went there almost every day! My mom made a great turkey dinner on Thursday and it was nice to be able to sit down and relax. We got done early and the dishes were all done(thanks mom!), and the boys were watching football so my mom and I went to go see the Twilight movie. The theater was packed! This might be our new tradition, going to see a movie on Thanksgivng while the boys watch football.  On Friday night we went to Downtown Woodlands to check out all of the Christmas lights and Waterfront lights (think Bellagio water show on a small scale).  They have an ice skating rink so my mom and I took Andrew skating.  They had skates with two blades for the kids along with "walkers" that the kids can push along.  Andrew had a great time and didn't want to stop but Gma and mommy were getting tired!

The big boys came back from golf and decided they needed to help Andrew fly his plane.

I don't know how helpful they really were....

My dad's "real" plane was getting some maintenance work done so they had to settle with flying the RC plane.

After landing Andrew's plane on the roof and nose diving the RC plane into the ground, my confidence in their flying capabilities has gone down.  :)

Andrew and Daddy going to rescue the airplane.

My dad is "babysitting" his friend's Audi TT.  Andrew wanted to go for a ride in the race car 

so Gpa took him. 

Andrew's first time ice skating.  He loved it!!  I can't wait to take him again.

Thanks for a great week mom and dad!  Thanks also to Oma who watched Bella for the week while we were gone.  She's ready to come back to Camp Oma anytime!!

Discovery Museum

While Brian was out of town at the Annual Boys Pumpkin Hunt, Andrew and I met Michelle, Brewer and Alex at the Discovery Museum. We got there right when it opened so it wasn't crowded and we were able to explore the entire place before the boys were ready for a nap. They played music, built with blocks, painted, played with clay, made waves int he water room, played trains (it was hard to get them out of that room!) and explored the outside areas. It was a gorgeous day on the bay and we had a fun filled day. We can't wait to go back again and discover some more!

My little boy is growing up...

May 2009

November 2011

Happy Boy...