Christmas 2013

Christmas Eve crab feed!

Kind of a lot of work for the meat, but Kenzo kept himself entertained while we cracked away.

Lots of goodies from friends and family!

This pretty much sums up the excitement level!

Lots of Legos!

Awesome Play-doh!

T-Rex from Santa!

After breakfast we hit the slopes!

Met up with Chase and his family...

Kenny, Chase & Lisa!

Noah and his family met us too!

This was Noah's first day at the ski resort! 

Kenzo cutting off Noah...

Snack break for the buddies.

Merry Musubi!!

The three families met up again at Kenny & Lisa's for a yummy turkey dinner. What a fun, relaxing Christmas!
 

December stuff

A few random shots from the last month...

Eric and Kenzo on the ferris wheel in Reno while doing errands.

And there was a mini bowling alley in the store too!

Aaah, gutter ball!

Now some shots from December...

Free snowplay day in Tahoe City - didn't even bother seeing Santa there since the sledding was so much fun!

But he wouldn't go alone...

Chippy, our elf, has made himself at home and is keeping an eye on Kenzo this Christmas season.

Ski session with my little shredder!

Another gingerbread creation from our sugar architect.

This photo pretty much sums up the excitement going on in our house these days!

A little ski date with Piper!

Tree Hunting

Finally, and as always, we got a big dump!

Super cold temps this week, but it was worth it for the light, dry snow that fell.

Someone was having a blast
in it. 

I'm surprised he could move so well with all the layers going on. 

Exactly like a clip from "A Christmas Story" while getting Kenzo dressed. 

My little mole, burrowing across the lawn area. 

Eric is on the deck - no, we don't let him play out in the deep snow by himself, mom. 

God I hope he didn't lick his way across the snow field...

Last night was Tahoma's annual Santa Claus night! 

It was cold, but at least it wasn't raining like last year or very crowded. 

Kenzo was fired up to have a few words with the Clauses. 

Either trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue or watching the steam from his breath. 

Try to figure out the mind of a three year old, why don't you.

A little private chat with the big guy and a little present to take home.

He was a bit bummed to open the bag and not see his requested toy. I told him it didn't quite work that way!

Whoa.

The Hyams family came over to our 'hood for another year of tree hunting! 

LOTS of fresh snow on the trail, but it was so light and dry and fluffy, so it wasn't bad at all. 

Gorgeous day out and freezing cold! 

Well, maybe it was a little deep for the 3 foot tall crowd.
 

Robyn on the beautiful trail.

The boys all had a turn on the saw.

Keelan. 

Mason.

Kenzo.

But sawing down a tree came in way behind playing in the fresh snow - of course!

 

Such a gorgeous day!

Just over Mason's shoulder are his parents, who walked a good distance off the trail to get the PERFECT tree.

Don't know how much weight Kenzo carried, but it did take a lot to drag this one out! 





 

First day of the season

Our first ski day of the new season - yay!

Beautiful weather - too warm, in fact. Eric was sweating.

Walking. Not bad!

On the magic carpet.

Loving it!

Chase and Kenny met us for a few runs.

"I'm doing it, Mommy!!"

A great first session to kick off the season!
 

Stuffed!!

21.5 pound turkey for us this year!

We had a nice gathering here, but in no way did it warrant that big of a bird.

Even if it was gorgeous and delicious (insert pat on the back)...if I do say so myself!

Kjell ready for the feast!

The Hagglof and Mourning families came over to total 6 adults and 5 kids and 1 puppy.

Not only did Derek whip up some awesome cocktails, but he brought killer sweet potatoes AND carved up the turkey. 

Nice having a chef in the house!

Just before dinner, the kids decorated some gingerbread man cookies. 

Love the concentration on their faces!

Piper and Kenzo were the first to sit down - they were pretty excited & ate great!

Cheers!!

Calvin getting after his drumstick! 

Six candles for Calvin's birthday - on the 1st.

Travis opted for his gingerbread cookie, decorated with just a few sprinkles...

Jen made kabocha squash pie and satsuma mandarin ice cream with pumpkin seed brittle - YUM! Again, nice having a chef in the house!

He really does know how to use his utensils, I promise.

The kids watched a bit of TV and pulled out every single toy that we have. 

Very thankful for our wonderful friends and for an amazing meal together!