Easter and Grandparents

I've been literally floored by my recent rotator cuff repair surgery. Lots of pain pills, physical therapy sessions, naps, resting, and discomfort. Not an easy recovery at all, but Kenzo and Eric have been helping me a lot!

Grandma and Jiji Tsuruta came out to Tahoe to initially watch Kenzo ski, but ended up taking care of me!

That said, I didn't want to miss out on Easter festivities! Kenzo loved dying the eggs, but wasn't patient enough to let them sit in the dye for very long. 

We had a mini egg hunt in the house on Easter morning - adorable!! We also went to Alpine Meadows where they had a egg hunt in the snow for the little guys.

He loved eating the hard boiled eggs too, so was a win-win situation!

Grandma and Jiji brought Kenzo a cool new tool belt. 

It goes perfectly with the hard hat and Kenzo immediately put it to work, putting up pulleys for my shoulder exercises!

A beautiful morning at Common's Beach.

Grandma making yakisoba for dinner - yum.

Thanks for all the help around the house!!

Jiji and Kenzo enjoying some of grandma's yummy dessert. 

It was so nice for Kenzo to spend time with his grandparents - he loved the extra attention and love!

Learning our ABC's and 123's now - picking numbers and letters out of signs and books everywhere!   

More March Fun and....not so much fun

Mary and Levi visited us last week from Crested Butte!

The last time they were here, Levi was just 4 months old...he'll be 4 years old in 2 weeks.

Kenzo and Levi had so much fun together, although sharing toys was a bit challenging sometimes.

Levi was SO excited to ride the Funitel at Squaw! 

We had a fun day shredding together!

Such a fun catch up session with a great friend!

Having Mary and Levi over was a good distraction for me, as I went in for rotator cuff surgery on Wednesday. Lots of pain, lots of pain pills, and lots of frustration during the healing process. Kenzo is being super sweet and helpful with "Mommy's big owie!" 

Our version of March Madness

While I was away at a ski clinic at Kirkwood, Kenzo and daddy had a great weekend full of trucks!

At the Tahoe City fire station, the guys let Kenzo sit in the truck, gave him a hat & turned on the lights and sirens! 

The guys are all super nice and we'll be sure to go back soon.

Best place EVER!!

Another parade, this time in Kings Beach. 

More floats, trucks & service cars...and lots of waving from a very enthusiastic onlooker.

Back home and in time for a morning of shredding with my little dude!

Ski buddies, Chase & Kenzo, on our way to Treats for a break.

Hot chocolate and banana muffin break!

It's been nice here...too nice! Note the grass at the park.

                           A little "motorcycle" ride in the neighborhood. A step up from his first bike,   a bit harder, but he's enjoying the challenge!

We met friends out last night and were greeted in the parking lot by the Northstar fire truck! 

More super nice firemen who immediately asked Kenzo if he wanted to sit in the truck. Duh.

I tried to get him to look at me for this photo, but he was very focused!!  

Kenzo and Mason watching the rollerskaters. A fun evening with friends and lots of kiddies!

A St. Patrick's Day shred session at Alpine Meadows.

Excited to see the "snowblowermobiles" on the mountain, as well as to visit Melanie at Treats. We had three ski days in one week this month - nice!

Kenzo is sleeping better in his "big boy" bed and was wiped out after this morning's ski outing. 

Having trouble loading videos...will try again later!
 

   

Snowfest...so where's the snow?!

We met the Mourning family at Squaw for a little pizza before the torchlight parade and fireworks to kick off Snowfest 2013. 

It was a gorgeous night out and we hardly needed to bundle up. 

Kenzo loved dinner and the torchlight parade, but opted out when it came to the "BOOM! BOOM!" 

Piper thought the fireworks were "awesome!"   

The next day we went to see the Snowfest parade in Tahoe City. 

Balloons, music, beautiful weather, loud cars & candy made for a great parade. 

Kenzo waved at EVERY person, car, and float that passed by, but he was especially excited about the fire trucks. Duh.

Snow is in the forecast for this week...fingers crossed. I've been skiing/working a ton, but needing to glide on some soft snow before shoulder surgery on the 20th. Crap.

A few random tidbits that I wanted to jot down before I forgot them...
"weapon" = "napkin"
"hiccup" truck 
"I want the music loud!" (while driving in the car)

Lots of other funny words, phrases, and actions that have us cracking up all the time. Good thing, because we are back to newborn-baby-stage-exhaustion while trying to transition to a toddler bed. Holy regression. 
  

Happy birthday, Oscar!

Oscar is 14 years old today! He has been the sweetest, most mellow dog and we've been very lucky to have him in our lives. This was also a great excuse for a cupcake, candles and a song from Kenzo! We love you, old dog! 

Sunny & warm February?!

A busy February, but hardly any new snow.

The days have been sunny & gorgeous, which is not what we want!

Kenzo mixing up some pancake batter one morning...
  

He's also enjoying the left over Weet-bix from Australia!

Haircut boy!

A visit to the ice castle at Squaw Valley. 

A huge playground with ramps, slides & steps...pretty cool! 

Ha ha, no pun intended!

Yep, sunglasses. 

Towing himself up the side of the castle. We spent over an hour playing outside.

               Action shot in front of our house. DRY pavement - what's up with that?!

Aussie Invasion

Friends Van, Eytan & Eva (16 months) arrived last week from Australia! 

Eva and Kenzo were so happy to see each other in person - Skype just wasn't enough any longer for these two!

This was the afternoon of their arrival - poor Eva is looking a bit worn out after the travel days!

Kitty & Monkey, aka Eva & Kenzo, ready for bed.

Showing Eva the snowy world of Tahoe!

                                               A little sledding in our backyard!

Me and Van skiing, well, riding on the Funitel. 

We had gorgeous blue skies and warm temps, which is the opposite of what we wanted: SNOW!!!

The buddies enjoying a little snack...

Another sunny day, which was perfect for Eva's first day on skis! 

Eva's first run with Auntie Julie!

                                            Shredding Subway at Alpine Meadows!

One of many dinner gatherings with different groups of  friends! 

Hmm, we seem to be very good at eating and drinking...

At Alpine Meadows.

The buddies had a great time while...

Enjoying their time in the van...

And helping out with laundry...

 And watching "Curious George"...

And having dinner...

And doing errands through town...

More playing in the yard...

Exploring the park playground...
 

And playing the piano at Melanie & Neil's house... 

Besties at Alpine Meadows for another beautiful day!

Van treated herself to all the good tourist treats!

And you can't resist a little something for the mini cutie!

We had a fabulous time with our friends - the time went by too quickly. It's times like these that make our lives so rich and worthwhile.