Snow Trip 2011

Last weekend we spent 3 days near Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe, with some wonderful friends and their families.  I found a house with plenty of space for 9 kids to run around, and the bonus was the amazing meadow and hill behind the house! The house fully exceeded my expectations! It was an ideal place for the kids to play in the snow because if someone needed a potty break(as we all know getting kids undressed from snow gear in a hurry is such a treat) or if they were hungry, or if they were just plain tired, they could run back into the house nearby.  We had a pretty clear view of the hill and meadow from the living room window. We had fun building snow forts and a snowman, throwing snowballs, and of course sledding! We were even lucky enough to play in some light snowfall on our last day! There is something so magical about seeing snow fall. We already anticipate a super fun trip next year!

 

Tanner's Circus Birthday

Welcome to Tanner's 1st birthday party! It was a circus theme! We had games, balloon animals, face-painting, fresh hot dogs and lots of sweets! Fun was had by all, especially the birthday boy!


These were the goody bags for each little guest

My one hand made project - the birthday banner

The kids play area! Talan helped set it all up. He was such a great helper that day!


Clown Cake Pops!

The party is just getting started

Playing with the big kids

Playing with circus stacking blocks I found on ebay

Sophie and Allie in the ball pit

Big Boy!

Photo op for the cousins!
The cake and dessert table....I found this perfect fabric on a remnant table at Joann's fabrics!

Sophie and Aleyta!
Miss Rebecca the face painter and balloon animal extraordinare! She was amazing!


Mommy got to wear the birthday balloon hat



He loved the frosting! It was delicious, home made my my Mom and Kate



This was one party I will of course never ever forget!

What's that in your hand?

10 months is a fun age. Now that Little T is walking he is constantly exploring the house, getting into IT ALL! My favorite part of this stage is that he always has to walk around with something in his hand - it's very important for him to travel grasping an object. I find myself asking him often, "What does Tanner have in his hand today?" He always looks at me as if he understands and wants to display his object proudly. Often he carries around this toothbrush shown below. Other favorite objects include his coveted pacifier, a slinky, one of his plastic animals, one of my wooden bracelets, a DVD he was given for Christmas (yes he always gets the same one!), a plastic teething ring, and one morning it was a tampon!
This is my drawer that he knows he's allowed to play in. It contains my bracelets, brushes, and headbands....this keeps him occupied for quite some time. The best part is looking at him on his tippy toes to reach inside! I tried to get a picture of it above but his pant cuff is so big.

Upside down with the toothbrush he just wouldn't part with

This is his busy place, leaning up against one of my clothes boxes in my closet. Why he likes it here I have no clue. But he gets a kick out of lounging back against the box just chillin'.

If anything he is developing an appreciation for good hygiene I guess

First Haircut

Unfortunately since I was the one doing the cutting and corraling of my baby and 5 year old all at once, there are no photos to document the actual process of hair cutting:( Although in hindsight T is quite capable of taking pictures himself but I wasn't thinking clearly. I just decided that day, when little T awoke with what I called crazy Jack Nicholson hair that just couldn't be tamed with any persuasion of a comb and water, the day became first haircut day!

The photos are out of order but you can see the before and after....not bad! I think his little baby boy fade suits him and turned out pretty well. Insert pat on the back here!

Brotherly Love