Tales from Tahoe

We came back from Northstar today after our week long vacation. I have so many great memories as a child going to the condo in the winter with my family and I'm so happy that Brian and I are able to create new memories with Andrew. We packed a lot of excitement into our trip. We went skiing, sledding, walked around the village, went to visit friends and of course we did a little shopping. Since Andrew isn't quite ready for skiing yet, my mom and I both skied half days so one of us could stay with Andrew. It worked out really well, I was able to ski but I didn't get too tired or sore from being on the slopes all day long!

It was nice to have my parents there as well as Scott and Michelle for a few days. We had so much fun and can't wait until we go up again this winter!

Andrew waiting for mommy and daddy to come back from skiing

We went to visit my mom's best friend up in Sparks. We don't get to see her and her family very often so we try to get together every time we're up in Tahoe. Her two grandson's were over that day so it gave my mom a little glimpse into the future of what life with young boys are like!

Patti, Andrew and Gma

Gma and Gpa going out skiing
(We tried to tell my mom she couldn't wear that hat but she insisted and said it keeps her head warm. The boys said the only positive thing was they could easily spot her on the slopes!!)

Andrew having fun!

All snuggly up at the village

Sledding Time!!
What is a trip to Tahoe without sledding. The path behind the condo was the perfect place to go with Andrew. It wasn't too steep but it had enough of a slope that you could get going without any problems!

Andrew and I cruising down the hill

Andrew liked sledding with daddy!

Our family!

Mom and I had to take our turn as well!!

Poor Andrew couldn't leave the house without getting completely bundled up each time. He didn't really seem to mind it too much though.

I think we wore Andrew out!

On New Year's Eve we went up to the Village to watch the fireworks. It was really cold and Andrew was already asleep so my mom volunteered to stay at the condo while the rest of us went up. We watched the fireworks and then made it back to the condo in time to watch the ball drop on TV!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Toys-R-Us for big boys!

One of the things that Brian said we had to do while we are up here in Tahoe is go to the new Cabela's that opened up near Reno. I have never seen a store so huge and Brian was in hunting heaven. They have everything a boy could ever need and stuff to keep their wives happy while they shop. There is an indoor aquarium, video game center, restaurant, general store that sells craft items and even a scrapbook section for hunting trips!

No, we're not at the zoo...we're at Cabela's!
(Notice the lady who is sewing while she is waiting for her husband!)

This only shows 1/2 of the store

Hello from Tahoe!

This blog comes all the way to you from Tahoe! Currently, I am sitting here at a Starbucks typing away while drinking Hot Chocolate and watching all the people go by.

We are having a great time and there hasn't been a dull moment yet. We drove up on Friday with my parents and Scott and Michelle. Andrew did great on the drive up and we only needed to stop for lunch. Oh, and we had to stop at Walmart to get a Pak-n-Play because we realized 1/2 way up here that we forgot ours!!

Here are pictures of our adventures so far...

Scott, Michelle and Andrew at the Condo

Bella, the snow dog!

Brian, dad and I on the slopes

The family in the snow

Andrew and Gma

On Saturday Brian, Andrew and I drove over to visit with Ali and Scott
Me, Andrew and Ali

Andrew and I at the pizza parlor

Andrew and Gma at the Ice Skating rink

We're off to go watch ice skaters then sit in the jacuzzi. I'll write more and post more pictures when we get back. (Or when Brian gets me hooked back up to the internet here!)

Christmas: Part 4

Today ended our long line of Christmas celebrations. We had my parents, Brian's parents and Scott and Michelle over for Christmas dinner and presents. It was nice to get together as a family and celebrate the blessings in our lives.

My Table All Set

(I use any chance I have to bring out the crystal, china and silver!)

Who let a reindeer in the house?

Andrew thinks we are going to open presents every day now.

Andrew's jumpy got in the spirit too!

Sleepy boy.

Christmas Morning

Andrew was great and slept until 8:00 this morning!! Even though he doesn't understand Santa and what Christmas is all about, we still had a great morning. Andrew must have been a really good boy this year because Santa brought him lots of goodies!!

My Boys

Andrew thinks his stocking tastes great!!

Unwrapping his presents

Wow, these are all mine?!

Toys are the best!

I'm ready for Northstar!!

Christmas: Part 3

Christmas Eve was spent with the Kinzel side of the family. We've been going to Oma's on Christmas Eve since I was a little girl and it is the one part of Christmas that will never change. We go to Oma's have dinner, exchange presents and then go Midnight Mass. We've lucked out the last two years though and the church we go to does Midnight Mass at 9:00pm! We were back home and in bed by 11:30. Unfortunately this year Karla and Zack couldn't make it down from Idaho but we called them on the phone and opened presents with them that way. Next year I think we'll need to get a web cam and we can have a virtual Christmas!!

Andrew did great during mass. He slept on the way to the church and I thought he would fall asleep during mass but there was just too much to look at! He stayed away the whole time and even half way home. Brian thinks he was hallucinating because on the drive home he kept on laughing and singing even though he was sitting in the dark!

Andrew is getting better at each party opening presents!

"Are these for me?"

The Kinzel Family
(minus Karla and Zack)

4 Generations
Mom, Me, Andrew and Oma

"Look Oma, I love being on my tummy now!"

"I can do this by myself"

Still a happy boy even after his bedtime!

7 months

Dear Andrew,

Another month has quickly come and gone. Today you are 7 months old! You are becoming quite the little man with each month that passes by.

You are rolling all over the house and I can't leave the room for even a minute without you getting into something. You've already found a few power cords and think the Wii remote is quite tasty! You are so curious and need to know everything that is going on around you.

You and Bella are becoming quite good friends. She barks at you and you laugh back at her. You also like to roll over to her crate and laugh at her when she is locked up. The teasing has already begun!

Tonight we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and give thanks to the wonderful things that we have in our lives. Daddy and I are so blessed to have you in our lives and we are both so honored to be your parents. During this season I want to take just an extra moment to give thanks to God for giving us you. You came at the most perfect time in our lives. Our family had just experienced a huge loss with the passing of Opa and then just two short weeks later, you came into our life. I still think that Opa planned it that way so he could spend some alone time with you and not have to share you with anyone! He watched over both you and I during a risky delivery and made sure that we were both okay. I will never forget looking at you for the first time and seeing the same sparkle in your eye that Opa had.

You have brought so much joy and happiness not only to Daddy and I but to our entire family and friends. Your smile and laughter is so infectious and you are teaching me every day to be a better person and mom.

I love you more every day little man.

Hugs and Kisses,
Mom