End of December

We finally have a real winter!

And although it was raining this day, the next day was an awesome bluebird day in fresh snow with Elena, my client of 6 years. 

While I was at work, there was an epic Lego battle going on at our house.

I blame our Lego obsession totally on the Grenside family.

A great sight out our back door.

Cookies, milk & note for Santa.

Star Wars and Lego themed Christmas!

Twinsies!

Stretched rice bag art.

After tearing away from the Lego-fest, we hit the slopes. 

It was a beautiful day, full of fresh powder!

Shredding powder at 5 years old!

Locker room antics.

Snacks before lunch. These kids really worked up an appetite with so much skiing!

Me and Lola.

Someone feeling a LOT better after some food.

Kara, Naomi & Maya came up on the 27th for a few days.

The first day was snowing and cold, so nobody wanted to get their phones out.

Tuesday was a different story!

Maya on top of the world!

I was working, but got to see them throughout the day.

Kenzo loved having his cousins here and especially loved the giant rental truck they had!

Early that morning, Kara, Nick and I did "Dawn Patrol" at Squaw....a beautiful preview of the mountain, freshly groomed slopes, the sunrise over the lake...PERFECT!

Kara enjoying the sunrise over the mountain.

Nick getting ready to shred.

And the "after" photo!

Nice morning sans kids/spouses!

The gang in the Village.

Dinner Chez Grenside/Morris.

Complete with s'mores.

Hot cocoa break at Treats at Alpine Meadows.

These kids had their share of sugar.

Torchlight parade and fireworks at Squaw to ring in 2016!

It took me just over an hour to get home in the insane holiday traffic on New Year's Day.

Fortunately, everyone loved the late and yummy nabe dinner that I had mostly prepped for the day before. 

One last COLD day at Alpine.

Scarlet was such a trooper and loved skiing!

Lola loved the hot cocoa....and the skiing!

Nick and Max.

Kenzo riding solo.

More sugar.

Loving the hot tub!

Ah, not so relaxing for me and Jen, but fun nonetheless!

December in Fast Motion

December has flown by!

The return of winter has made everyone happy...and busy!

Got my "Children's Specialist 2" education this year!

While I was at Mammoth getting more training under my belt, Eric and Kenzo visited Santa at the annual Tahoma party.

I've been busy training the new hired instructors from Squaw and Alpine....a great group of kids with tons of enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming season.

Kenzo loves his baths.

Our annual gingerbread house - done!

Beautiful afternoon at work.

We joined up with the Dietz, Hyams, and Hunt families for some tree hunting. 

It was DUMPING out and the kids were all having a blast in the new snow.

Chaney getting a bit ambitious with this one...

Ellis pulling Keelan and Kenzo.... he then proceeded to throw them into the fresh snow over and over - awesome!

Snow bunnies, Robyn, Kelly & me.

Ended with some great sledding right down the street! 

Buddies in the hot tub.

After-school ski date with my cutie patootie.

Ah, life of a Tahoe kid!

At Squaw.

And then...

The London buddies are in town! We met everyone for a introductory ski date...they all did so well!

Lola.

Scarlet.

Kenzo and Max.

Are all goddaughters this cute, funny and sweet or are we just lucky?

Happy Turkey Day!

Grandma and Jiji came in for Thanksgiving week!

It was great having them here...mom had dinner ready when I got home from long days at work...awesome!

And she brought her iPad, which made Kenzo extra happy.

Thanksgiving morning we bundled up and went to Squaw.

Grateful they were able to see Kenzo rip it up on the slopes!

FaceTime chat with Takemi during our hot chocolate break.

Hilarious!

Casual and yummy dinner for us.

"I'm thankful for mommy, and daddy, and grandma, and jiji!"

Unscripted.

It has been a busy month - where did November go?

Mounted the new demo fleet of skis at Squaw...

Went to Colton's 5th birthday party...

Dog-sat Brooks while friends went out of town...

Had a playdate with Colton.

Totally Kenzo's idea to: get Colton, go to the Discover Museum in Reno, have a milkshake.

One highlight of the month was training the new hire instructors at Squaw Valley. 

They are an enthusiastic and energetic group and a fabulous addition to the team. 

We had a 6 day crash course, but I was prepared with my Spam musubi to keep me going. 

14 out of the past 18 days at work. I'm up for the new role and challenge, but I'm pooped and it's only November!

And on my day off, I get a request from Kenzo for sushi for lunch. 

First Snow of the Season

Getting dressed and off to school provided a whole new challenge as we scrambled for our cold weather gear.

Due to a series of growth spurts since last year, I have been on-line shopping for new gear for Kenzo. I guess that's what happens when you feed and water these critters.

The temps have stayed cold and we are off to a promising start of the ski season...fingers crossed!