Last 2009 update! A few days before Christmas, we had Dana, Dave, and Guy over for games. We played Ticket to Ride (the game they gifted us this year) after the kids went to bed.

Before heading to Tahoe with my sisters, we opened a few more gifts. Calie received a Glowworm that I won at work … and Zachary got a solar system puzzle from my parents. He also received 3 DK First Encyclopedia books. He loved his Animal one, so we bought him the Space, Body, and Science books in the same series.

Then we packed to car and headed off to South Lake Tahoe! The traffic was light and at the top of summit, overlooking the lake, Zachary exclaimed,”The view here is WONDERFUL!” Somehow, that was funny at the time … maybe because of the high altitude.

Day 1 (Dec 24th): We all arrive! My sisters, Eddie, and Sebastian actually made it up before us, despite their 5 hour drive from the Bay Area. Activities for the first day included sledding, snowball fights, games, a gingerbread house making/decorating contest (we let Zachary win), and a delicious lasagna dinner made by Sophie.

Day 2 (Dec 25th): Merry Christmas! Of course, first thing in the morning, the kids opened gifts. Despite asking for Gnip Gnop, Zachary was surprised Santa brought it… he knew he did not explain or draw it very well in his letter. He was also a bit concerned that Calie got some gifts after all the “bad decisions” she made this year. He questioned Santa’s grading system and decided to take matters into his own hand. He now has a running list of “all things my little sister did bad” that he plans to send to Santa in 2010.

My sisters, Eddie, and Sebastian headed to Heavenly for a full day of snowboarding, while James and I stayed in the cabin to play with the kids. Heavenly is really nice, but not very economical for kids/beginners. We figured we’d take Zachary skiing later this year at Soda Springs or Boreal. As for Calie, she absolutely hates the snow and refuses to stand in it. We had to carry her the entire time and after 2 days (and sore arms), we decided someone just needed to stay back in the cabin with her. Very different from Zachary, who was skiing (assisted) before his 2nd birthday!

For Christmas dinner, I made a glazed ham and Alice/Sebastian made fish and “pea mash”, which tastes better than it sounds.

Zachary loved playing pool with Uncle Eddie …

Day 3 (Dec 26th): By the 3rd day, I was downing 3 cups of coffee minimum. Calie is THE worst sleeper. It got to the point where middle of the night, James and I had to change shifts … and the couch was the coveted sleeping location. Even Zachary didn’t want to sleep with Calie after one night.

We took it easy on our third day, since 4 adults were sore and 2 were sleep deprived. We played more games, walked around Heavenly Village, and had lunch at Fire+Ice.

I thought Zachary would enjoy watching food cooked infront of him, but he later told me he preferred just ordering his food and having someone else make/deliver it to the table. Perhaps he was wary of waiting – between him and Calie, they had 3 bowls … and I had Zachary make all 3. I thought it would be fun activity for him, not work!

Day 4 (Dec 27th): Eddie and Sebastian went out for a half day of snowboarding, while James and I took Zachary out to play in the snow on our last day. My sisters babysat Calie back in the cabin. We all gathered for lunch, packed, and started heading back ~2pm. It was great getting together with family, and aside from the sleeping situation, we had a wonderful time! I love it when my kids play with their extended family … hopefully in a few years, there will be more kids.

We got back about 4pm, gave the kids a bath, and then head up to Sam and Melissa’s for a Christmas dinner. The kids made an ornament using string and played games. And we all enjoyed (okay, maybe Zachary didn’t really enjoy) a traditional holiday turkey dinner. Hurrah for good friends (who are also good cooks)!

See you next year – hope 2010 brings you good health and happiness!  Happy New Year!

The last two weekends have generated lots of pictures. First event was a Holiday event for kids at Intel. I volunteered to help set up early Saturday morning. Then James brought the kids in for Santa pictures and arts/crafts, including ornaments and a letter to Santa.

Zachary still believes in Santa (“The REAL one lives in the North Pole!”) … but I think he’s going to catch on soon.

Me: Zachary, what do you want for Christmas?

Zachary: This toy with a button that you shoot and it goes out of the water and there is a motor and it goes into outer space… etc.

Me <racking my brain, trying to figure out the toy he is describing>: What’s the name of it? Is it something you saw at Walmart or Costco?

Zachary: No, it’s a toy I invented.

Me: Well, then Santa can’t make it.

Zachary: His elves can make it. His elves can make anything.

Me: Who said that?

Zachary: Daddy told me. <And he looks at me with this face, like his father would never lie to him. So what could I do but add another lie on top of that?>

Me: <panicked> Something you might not know about elves is that they only have 3 fingers per hand. It really slows them down. There’s simply not enough time, it’s too close to Christmas. You’ll have to find something Santa can buy, pre-made.

He went for it … I think … he’s asking for something in a catalog (Gnip Gnop)… with horrible reviews. But it’s under $20, so we’re getting it to keep Santa alive for another year.

After the Intel event, we headed to Arden Hills for a Lego building activity with Alex. The goal was to help make a 4 foot tall R2D2. We took a lunch break at Mangos and when we got back, about 30 minutes before the end of the event, the robot was only about a 5th done. FAIL.

That evening, we went to the annual Baco Christmas party. We had a nice traditional dinner in their beautiful spacious home … and of course, participated in the white elephant gift exchange. Since the kids were home (one of Calie’s ex-daycare teachers watched them), James and I got to stay out until midnight.

Early last week, we had our new sink put in, so we went out to Red Robin for dinner one night. On Thursday, we went to Zachary’s school Winter Festival. The concept was good, but it was way too crowded. At one booth, they were putting henna tattoos on kids’ palms and over the course of the evening, Zachary smeared his into a mess. I need to watch what I say because Zachary repeated it to his teacher and classmates the next day at circle time … “It looked like a wiped my butt with my hand!”  On Friday, I chaperoned Zachary’s class fieldtrip to the Magic Circle theater, where the kids watched a short play. I made it back to work just in time for the annual potluck and gift exchange … where I won a glowworm toy for bringing the worst gift! (Kinoki detox foot  pads … uh … thanks Alice.)

That Friday evening, James’ parents came to visit and brought Christmas gifts. We decided to open gifts as they come in this year instead of piling them all under the tree. That way, the person giving the gift can see the kids open them … and also, the kids get to enjoy each gift rather than being overwhelmed on Christmas day. Calie got a new toy box, doll, a stuffed Nemo, and 2 coloring books. Zachary received 2 coloring book, and 3 coaches for his Polar Express train.

Saturday morning, we met up with Alex and Nicole at Color Me Mine for their last free storytime and painting event. Afterwards, we went to Yummy Kitchen for lunch. Great portions for the price, and pretty authentic Chinese food too!

Sunday was Megan’s birthday … lots of great food, ice cream cake, gingerbread house decorating, and a pinata. Happy 7th Birthday Megan!

Here the kids are opening gifts from cousin Auggie, Hayden, and Sammy … a game of Whoonu and a puzzle. And the next day, a Bananagram game and pink thermos bottle from friends Will and Ryan. Thank you all for such fun presents!

(and I got to open a gift made by Zachary too! )

Lots of fun pictures for a very packed week!!!  Last Sunday, we went to a local Discovery Museum. It was very small and perfect for young children. Lots of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an animal sanctuary. At noon, they opened up an art room, where Zachary made an astronaut finger puppet. 

The kids loved playing in the space shuttle (Zachary thinks “outer space is cooler than cool.”) And while Zach was working on a puzzle, Calie joined other kids in the cabin/campsite play area. We played almost all day, with only a short lunch break at Panera. Dana and Jason came to visit in the evening, and Jason showed me how old he was – very cute!

On Thursday, I took the day off to celebrate Melissa’s birthday. We rented a limo and spent the day in Napa Valley. First stop was lunch at Mustards, where we met the owner, Cindy Pawlcyn. I talked to her about her experience on Top Chef, one of my favorite shows. 

Then we headed off to Indian Springs in Calistoga, where we relaxed in a naturally heated mineral pool. The relaxation ended abruptly when it was time for our volcanic ash baths. The experience was hilarious! It was very different from a typical spa experience and involved more nudity than any of us was comfortable with. (Photos with actual people in the tub available upon request – from husbands and high bidders only! )

On the way home, we celebrated with a very rich chocolate cake and champagne. Happy Birthday Melissa – I am so glad to have you as my friend!

Friday, we kicked off the weekend with dinner at Chicago Fire and a tree lighting event in Old Folsom. We met up with some friends and the kids played in pretend snow and went on a horse carriage ride.

On Saturday, it was was back to back parties. In the morning, we went to Alex and Nicole’s pajama party – we had roast turkey sandwiches for lunch and the kids decorated cookies for dessert.

Late afternoon, we went to Austin’s super-hero themed birthday party, where the kids made capes. Zachary had a great time zooming around on a scooter and pulling Calie around in a wagon. Happy 4th Birthday Austin!

In the evening, we helped host the annual neighborhood progressive dinner party. Drinks and appetizers were at our house, then we went to our neighbors’ homes for soup, salad, and dessert. I met some new neighbors this year!

The week crash ended Sunday, when Calie got sick. She seemed sleepy in the morning. After her nap, she had a 102 fever … and then proceeded to throw up a few hours later. I hope the rest of us don’t catch it!