Skating fun

Just about over his cold, and what do we do? Spend an afternoon outside on a skating rink! 

We went to Peyton's 6th birthday party at the rink in Truckee. A clear day filled with sunshine and sugar-loaded kids! 

 Lil' Mason and Milton making their way around the rink.

One of these guys was brave enough to put on skates... (hint: look on which side of the fence Eric is standing).

 Birthday girl Peyton with her buddy, Nina!

Juice box, pizza, cake and an orange? 

Party on!

 Princess cake made by Auntie Laurie.

 Cute Mourning family!

The kids were mesmerized by the Zamboni!

Finally!

Wet, heavy snow finally arrived in Tahoe late last night! It's not much, but we'll take it!


 









Even with his cold, Kenzo was excited to see the changed backyard view this morning.

More please, thank you. 

Eric and Kenzo sharing a little lunch together.


Chicken noodle soup is always better when slurped right out of the bowl!

 "Are you done with yours?"

Off the mountain

Aaarghhh! Enough of this "beautiful" weather...we needed to get out of Tahoe and go where we didn't have to think about snow (or lack thereof).


Off for a quick visit to the Bay Area to see Takemi and the sights and sounds amicable to a 16 month old!


Pier 39 - perfect weather, and fun to wander aimlessly!

We hit up the Aquarium of the Bay and Kenzo loved it! 

An audible "wow" escaped his lips as we turned the corner and saw the awesome jellyfish tanks!

 Cool tunnel with fish all around us!

All these fish are found in the bay.

Giant bass...

 Leopard shark and rays...

 Kenzo got to be part of the exhibit!

This exhibit allows you to touch the rays and small sharks. I'm sure, however, it did not allow small toddlers in it!

The next day - also sunny, warm, and fog free - we went to the SF Zoo!

The grizzly bear exhibit was amazing and we got there in time to watch the sister bears go fishing in their pond! It was a very up close and personal experience! 

 Um yeah, just a little bigger than our Tahoe bears...!

A great view of the giraffe eating some breakfast. She was beautiful with the longest eyelashes ever!

Oops, out of order....


Watching the sea lions at Pier 39.

 Uncle Tak!

 Having a GREAT time at the zoo!

 Not real.

I remember the goats at the Oakland zoo, and how aggressively they would come up to people to get fed. Not the case here, as these goats were lounging in the sun, getting brushed, and patiently waiting for people to come and give them some food. Super gentle and sweet - what a life!

Kenzo horsing around with Uncle Tak and Rocko.








....and we came home to no snow.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!

We spent the 31st and 1st walking around Tahoe City and Squaw Valley since the weather has been so clear and gorgeous.

Kenzo was loving "driving" his new car around town & waved at everyone who walked by. What a nice Christmas present from our Aussie friends!

Some time at Commons Beach in the sunshine!


Kenzo sportin' his new hoodie and beanie from the Kalish family - thanks, guys!

 Strolling on the beach....

 Gorgeous day!

 One of my most favorite shots!

Eric took this week off from work and was home with Kenzo while I tried to work at Squaw. 

I only worked one day, which tells you a little about our sad snow situation! Note the snow-less mountains of the east shore in the background :(

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2012!

Please come and visit us - I'm sure it will snow one of these days!

Baby Likes Bass!

Sorry I couldn't figure out how to rotate the video.

Kenzo chillin' in the parking lot while we waited for daddy...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve day was spent at our old stomping grounds of Alpine Meadows! We met up with the Hyams and Bell families for some skiing and lunch.










Is it possible to have a "cheesy" smile when your mouth is full of PBJ? Mason says "YES!"

 The Bells: Adam, Kristi & Peyton.

Kenzo and daddy before dinner. Friends Fran, Jeff & Lindsey came over for fondue...yummy hot cheesey goodness!


We hang all the photo cards on our tree, and Kenzo loves looking at all our friends and families!

Christmas morning! 

Kenzo was happy to see his little stuffed dog from when we visited with Santa earlier this month. 

Yes, Oscar was found sleeping on the sofa this morning - at 13 years old, I think he's earned it!

 Oooh, a cool dump truck from Grandma and Jiji!

Noise makers, um I mean, musical instruments from Auntie Yuki & Uncle Alan...

"Whooo hoooo!"  

Someone was having a great time with the wrapping paper!

 A really great time.

Kenzo checking out all the goods.

Thanks everyone for the Christmas presents & cards & cheer! Now if we could just have some snow...

December updates

We've been trying to make the best of this weather: sunny, clear & gorgeous skies, but we'd rather have snow!


Some photos from a couple of weekends ago in Squaw...

Proud mama and her little man!

 No hat or mittens needed with this warm puffy coat!

Playing at Commons Beach in December!?

We actually got a babysitter one night and went out with friends! Dinner at the Northstar village...really fun and festive. 

Skiing with my Squaw Valley ski school friends at a PSIA convention at Northstar.

Bottle? No.
Sippy cup? Meh.
Getting the baby to drink water? Use a water bottle and he'll think it's hilarious!

 The Japanese roots run deep....

Have had the sewing machine out and running... it was time for some new stockings for us!

The coolest baby ever!

Kenzo now says "ON" when he sees the light switches, "HOT" near the fireplace, and "UH OH" when something gets dropped. 

Oh, and we're TOTALLY into Cuties these days! No chance of scurvy in this home!