June wrap up

We officially like swimming! Not only has Kenzo changed his attitude, but he
"graduated" last week and moves up a class level - whoo hoo!

 He's pretty proud of his accomplishments each week, which is awesome to see.

Afternoon session at Meeks Bay with my guy.

The lake temperature is a bit of a shock after the pool at Silver Bear!

JoJo came over for a week while her family went to Hawaii - she's a great pup and Kenzo loved playing with her. 

This, in no way, means we're ready for a dog anytime soon.

It was a very mellow birthday for me. 46 wasn't worth getting too excited over.

Lunch out with Jen, a fabulous massage, and then dinner out with Kenzo and Eric. No complaints!

Now, something exciting was Morgan's 1st birthday - yeah girl!

Yummy dinner with friends to celebrate this milestone was so lovely.

And rave reviews on the cupcakes from these tough critics.

And one last little tidbit from an early morning ninja warrior battle session...

The kid is cracking us up lately with all his antics and funny sayings & questions and moves.

 

June fun

While I'm at work - very seldom - these two are out having a ball!

South Shore carnival one afternoon...

Pilot Kenzo ready for take off!

Riding the dragon coaster all by himself!

A terrible photo of a terrific evening at the Hagglof home.

Pre-Father's day dinner with Jen's dad, Derek, Derek's dad, Derek's bro-in-law, Eric, and Jud. We love being part of their family!

Twinsies for Father's Day!!

Another not-so-great photo of a great evening at our house!

Father's Day BBQ here with Hilary & Jeff, Adam, Kristi & Peyton, Cathy & Dave, Tom, Janet, Travis, Calvin & Piper. 

Needless to say, LOTS of food.
 

Me and Kristi stuffing our faces.

A little cake to celebrate Janet's upcoming 40th birthday. 

That's a lot of candles. But still less than everyone else (adults) in the room!

Another great swim class, another treat. 

Kenzo has been enjoying our "special day" in Reno lately, always asking to go on "one more errand!" 

I'm not even sure he can differentiate between real life and a "special day" since getting a head-sized muffin at the Tahoe House is considered a "treat" and yet we stop there all the time. One lucky kid.

Hmm...well, at least he's good about wearing his sunnies!
 
 

I'm a Happy Swimmer

Today was our 5th session at Silver Bear Swim and...

SUCCESS! 

Lots of smiles, laughs, high fives AND great progress with actual swimming tasks too. 

Phew.

As a reward for a job well done, we added to our growing Lego collection.

I think the instructors were pretty relieved too. The crying was getting on everyone's nerves.

Fingers crossed this wasn't a one-time deal today.
 

Skylake Family Camp

We hit the road last week and headed for Bass Lake, just outside of Yosemite, for a weekend at Skylake Family Camp! 

Open air bunk cabins, one for each of the six Tahoe families that went, were spacious and great entertainment for the boys!

Noah's grandfather owns the place, so we all automatically felt right at home.

All the traditional camp activities, and THEY COOK THREE DELICIOUS MEALS A DAY FOR YOU! 

Needless to say, I was totally excited for that part!

And, I was a bit excited that Kenzo loved the horses too.

Holiday and Chewy were Kenzo and Noah's choice horses. 

Happy horsemen!

Feeding hay.

They could not get enough of these sweet steeds.

Going for a dip in Bass Lake. 

The lake level was SO low this year due to the drought.

Kjell navigating, very expertly, in his own kayak!
 

Jen and Derek on their paddleboards.

Noah and Kenzo couldn't get enough tether ball action!

Group campfire time, complete with songs, skits, and s'mores!
 

Sadie and Layla waiting patiently for s'mores.
 

Jessica & baby Morgan, Tim & baby Axel.

Loved spending so much relaxing time with our friends!

Matt and baby Morgan chillin' outside their "cabin" which is actually Jessica's dad's apartment! Hardly roughing it :)

Cute Sadie and her new BF Axel.

On the last morning, Kenzo finally got up the courage to try the rope swing!

This was a great place for Kenzo (and all the kiddos) to exercise a bit of independence, exploring around with friends.

Me, Michelle, Heather, Jen, Adrienne & Jessica.

And a very tired Kenzo. 

Great parting shot of our whole crew!

Thanks for the wonderful weekend and the makings of a new family tradition.

Oh, and when we got home...

Something about killing two birds with one stone.

Random May

We started swim lessons this month in Reno. Yes, it's a haul to get down there, but the teachers and facility are great and we get errands done too.

Kenzo was not very happy the first three sessions, as shown here, having one-on-one time away from the other kids because he was HYSTERICAL. 

Of course, he hugs the teacher and says "thank you!" and says how much fun he had....AFTER leaving the pool area. 

Today was our 4th session and leaps and bounds better. 

Phew.

We've been hitting up the Red Hut Cafe after swimming for lunch - complete with a milkshake and seating at the counter.

This is going to be a fattening summer.

Walking to Noah's house from daycare one afternoon. They live so close - lucky!

These boys are such buds :)

Puppet show afternoon.

May 20th. 

Just a dusting, but c'mon........

The starting of my latest never-ending project. 

Shopping for lettuce at Tahoe Tree Company. 

The mysterious little critter in our backyard is so happy with his new salad bar. Dang wildlife.

 Kenzo's turn with the iPhone camera turned at us.
 

Mother's Day

May in Tahoe...blue skies, sunshine, snow, rain, wind...we've got it all, and all in one day! I'm a bit tired of this schizophrenic weather.

At least it was beautiful for our bike ride this day!

The T-ball lessons were cancelled due to lack of sign ups, but we went out for batting practice anyway!

Noah and Matt met us too!

We all went for a little hike in the woods, complete with a snake sighting.

The clouds were rolling in quickly!

Brrrr! Let's get outta here!

Two hours after getting home from the park...

And it snowed the rest of the afternoon.

Sweet Mother's Day artwork made at preschool. 
 

"See, I made this with my hand!"

Kenzo painted a mug for me this year - he was so proud of his present!

We enjoyed an enormous brunch at the Hagglof home, then went home for naps, and finished off the day with dinner out in town. 

Mellow, easy day with Kenzo and Eric. What more could I ask for?