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!

Discovery

Yesterday we made the trek to Reno to have a blustery day activity. 

The Discovery Museum is awesome & just the right size for Kenzo.

In the "buliding" room...
 

The mining exhibit was fun!

A mellow, kid's version of pachinko!

After a couple of hours at the museum, it was time for lunch. 

Kenzo has been asking to go to a place with "twirly seats like we went with grandma" since our visit the Hillsboro Pharmacy last month. 

I think he wanted the milkshake more than the twirly seats!

And from a few nights ago, my little sous chef!

Mad skills for a 3 year old!

Remember the Alamo

More nice weather! I mean, "?!" We are ready for the snow!

Kenzo trying his rock climbing skills at the park.

Baby Axel at 22 months...look at those curls!

A quick trip off the mountain last weekend brought me to Alamo with girlfriends Jen & Michelle. 

What a rejuvenating time at Michelle & Tim's gorgeous, resort-like home.

 

A trip to the big city for 
shopping, eating, 
and drinking.

Maybe not quite in that order.

Bloody Mary = Lunch.

Right?

Couldn't resist the Charlie's Angels-ness of it all.

Tim & Michelle's home is truly an oasis. Beautiful garden too, with fruit, veggies, art, fountains, pool, hot tub...

They have a killer outdoor shower that is ultra hot, private, and awesome! 

I'm hooked, although I don't think it would be the same at our house in the snow.

 

 

Cute videos

Jammin' on the drums at Joe & Suzanne's house last night. 

He's a natural - gets it from his grandfather??

Fantastic birthday party at the Tahoe City Fire Station! We had a tour of the building, 

saw all the parts of the fire truck, and then a go on the fire hose go for all the kids!

Happy Halloween!

It's no surprise what Kenzo wanted to be for Halloween this year!

The return of the ever-popular mustache!!

Pretty proud of my homemade candy bag, complete with fire hose and axe. 

Chase and Kenzo re-creating the scene from his birthday party!

Enjoying the candy frenzy at the Boatworks Mall in town.

Pirate Noah and Firefighter Kenzo!

Earlier that day, everyone showed up in costume at pre-school...super cute!

We've had some beautiful fall days here - chilly, but perfect in the sunshine.

A trip to the library where we ran into friend, Colton. These two hardly see each other, but get along so nicely.
 

Last Saturday, we sadly had to say goodbye to our old boy, Oscar. 

He had a wonderful 14+ years with us and was the best dog ever.

Here's to wishing Oscar love, peace, pain-free running and jumping, endless treats, and lots of play time with Maggie and our other dog friends who are gone but not forgotten.

Cool October Stuff

Big Truck Day in Truckee!

Firetruck, ambulance, dump truck, grader, snow groomer, helicopter, police truck, sweeper, utility....well, you get the idea. All open for little boys to climb on and in - heaven!

These guys were out all day, showing kids how to operate their 

heavy (and mega expensive!) machinery - how awesome!

The beginnings of our Halloween decor.

This is our "nice" monster, keeping guard over our house to "protect us from mean monsters." - Kenzo

Tahoe City Harvest Festival yesterday.

Beautiful weather and so much fun for Kenzo and buddy, Noah! 

An eye patch for our pirate.

Mom was too slow on the pic. 

The boys feeling creepy things at one of the activity tables.

Cotton candy for a mid-morning snack?! 

Yep.

Lots of fun (dumb) goodies for the kids.

And of course, a pony ride! This one was cool, as they lead the ponies around the big field. 

Eric and Kenzo went to the south end of the lake to see the Kokanee salmon run (swim). 

Another beautiful fall day in Tahoe! 

Cruisin' on the trail.

Our cutie pie enjoying the day.

Tons of fish!

Watching all the action...

Keelan & Mason were there with their grandparents - what a fun play date!

Silly faces.

 

Fall....in Oregon

Kenzo and I had a great week in Portland! It was jammed packed with fun activities. 

Playing at Naomi & Maya's school. Check out Kenzo's face - squeals of delight mixed with terror?

The girls had a great time entertaining Kenzo!

One rainy day brought us to the Children's Museum, where Kenzo played with all the different displays.

Working away on the construction site was one of his favorites.

Yummy lunch with Uncle Tak!

I was so happy to get to eat some REAL food!!

Buddies Maya & Kenzo watching something on the iPad - aka: the world's best babysitter.

An adult evening out?!

Dinner at Yakuza and then ice cream at Salt & Straw - YUM! 

Thanks for taking the pic, Sum!

An absolutely gorgeous Saturday called us to the pumpkin patch!

First in line for the pony ride! That is one happy camper...must be genetic :)

Fun tractor ride through the rolling hills with cousins!

Nikko, Maya, Kenzo, Kaz & Naomi - too much fun together and lots of goofing around.

Lots.

Naomi and me.

Even mom and dad got in on the action!
 

Daren enjoying the beautiful day!

Mom, Kara & Dad.

Mini tractor ride - buddies!!

Kenzo LOVED Nikko - so sad we don't see each other more often! 

A great shot from Sumiko's camera!

Cute Kalish family!
 

The buddies picking out some BIG pumpkins...

...but happily settled for these mini ones!

Kenzo loved spending time with Grandma and Jiji - their house is so "perfect for me!" as Kenzo exclaimed.

Helping Jiji repair the fence. No pants on - what's the big deal?

Lunch at the Hillsboro Pharmacy counter - sharing a milkshake with my favorite date!