Back to Normal

Loads of fresh powder, crispy cold temps, gorgeous blue skies - what a perfect day to get back on my skis.

I have been apprehensive about this day for awhile for a few reasons. The post pregnancy body is still not "mine" and it has been enjoying days of lounging at home with the baby. Not especially good for pre-season training! It is also hard to leave the little guy behind, not only logistically, but emotionally too. Oh I know it's good for me to get away and do things for myself, but Kenzo is just so adorable and fun and entertaining these days.

Thanks for the turns, Fran - what a great morning! I feel almost back to normal again :)

First Trip for Kenzo

Kenzo and I ventured off last week to Portland, Oregon to visit family and friends. This is us at the start of the trip at the Reno Airport. Note the slot machines in the background.











Kenzo relaxing with Jiji at home...

















Being held by cousin Maya. Too bad we'll miss her 5th birthday party in January!
















Naomi loved holding Kenzo and she even cried a little when we left. Don't worry, you'll see each other again soon!












We got to spend a little time with Sumiko, Daren, Kaz & Nikko too!

Three Months Old!

Three months old!













Such a happy kid...the only time he fusses is when he's hungry or tired. He loves "talking" to his friends and toys and us too. He weighed in at 12 lbs. 6 oz. this morning.











Kenzo and I have been going to a breast feeding "class" once a week in Truckee since he was born. Kenzo gets weighed, I get to chat with other moms, and also get to check in with the amazing nurse, Cindy, on other subjects too. This is one of his friends from the class, Caylin...can you say future girlfriend?

Squaw Family

With epic early season conditions, it's time to head back to work at Squaw! Although I am excited to be back on the mountain and on my skis, I have an enormous amount of hesitation and guilt as I leave little Kenzo behind. For the first time in my life, I'm NOT in a rush to be out on the hill, but rather so happy to be home with my little dude.
Yesterday and today was spent getting paperwork in order, uniform fitted, and organizing my ski locker. Not an easy task with a little one in tow. Luckily the Squaw family was there to help and hold :) Kenzo got to visit with...








Fran and El, my co-leaders of Squaw's WOW program...













Sheryl our administrative supervisor extraordinaire...

















Pat, leader of Squaw's JFW program...

















and Mo, long time instructor friend who I've known since my days at Alpine.

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving weekend, Tahoe style, brought friends, family, and snow! We were hit with a whopper of a snowstorm and super cold temps. What a great start to the winter season!

Eric spent a lot of time clearing the back deck and pathways....













We got a visit from Bert on his nationwide travel tour...

















Takemi came up to spend Thanksgiving with his favorite and cutest nephew...











And we enjoyed a traditional Thankgiving dinner with all the fixings...oh, but we do Japanese gohan instead of mashed potatoes!

We are very thankful for the support and love from our family and friends with the arrival of Kenzo!

Week 10

Kenzo is a smiling, cooing, alert little guy! He is keeping us laughing at his many happy faces. Weighing in at 11 lbs. 9 oz. today - nice!











We got together with Anne Marie for a little "coffee talk" at the Tahoe House - the best coffee on the lake! Thanks for the snow suits for Kenzo...it was great to catch up with you, AM!
















Jen and the twins hung out one morning... It has been so nice to have the Grensides living in Tahoe for the winter season! Kenzo, Lola, and Max are now starting to smile at each other, which is just adorable.











Tom and Janet stopped by before their weekly date-night-slash-volleyball-game. Ah, to be tall and athletic... Thanks for making the trek from Glenshire to Homewood!













Our big surprise was when Michelle, Ava, and Maggie made a quick trip up to Tahoe to meet Kenzo this week! He loved cooing and staring at the girls - he was definitely smitten. Thanks for coming up (from Santa Cruz!) girls...it was great having you over!

Two Months Old!

Two months old!








Kenzo's first Halloween on Sunday was fun. We got him into his Homewood Bear outfit (thanks Fran!) and headed to Tahoe City for some socializing.









We met the Grenside family at the Boatworks Mall & saw lots of other friends there too. The kids all loved the Halloween buzz going on around them, even though they're many months away from chomping on candy.







Dave stopped by to meet Kenzo last week - thanks for coming over!