Monday, January 28, 2013

Dude!


Keller Dude has become quite the artist, please notice the yummy looking pizza above. I have to scan in more of his detailed work. He is full on drawing boy stuff...critters fighting each other and weird creatures. Okay, I realize that girls can draw those things too, but Vera always stuck with the heart, rainbow, and flower combos. 


Keller also got to "finally" have his morning with TaTa, his Christmas present. He was so excited that by 7:30 he was sitting by the front door for his 8am pick-up. He also dressed for the occasion in a button down shirt that he picked out himself. TaTa took him to Trader's to pick out a few treats that he is displaying. His favorite, the gummy penguins. Yummy! Thanks TaTa for spending time with The Dude.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Makes a Mama Proud


It warms my heart to seeing him geeking out with a puzzle. He completed his first 100 piece puzzle by himself and I had a moment. Yes, he really is my son.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

J's favorite


J's favorite postcard from our trip, so much that he didn't want me to send it. Ha, have to agree, all the animals hanging out together must have been a rare treat for the photographer.

Sequoia Trees


On the last day of our trip, as we were driving out of King Canyons National Park, we FINALLY got to see a grove of Sequoia trees. Prior to that, we were driving through a snowstorm to get to the lodge or snowed in at The Montecito Sequoia Lodge. 

I also realize that reading the words on that sign is nearly impossible, but the story is so interesting. The fallen tree behind the men still rests exactly where it fell, hollowed out, today.


The bottom of the hollowed tree.


AND, inside! Wow, talk about perspective.


Then, we took in Grant, the world's 3rd largest tree. By volume, not to be confused with 3rd tallest tree. On the way home we learned all kinds of interesting facts about trees...tallest versus largest diameter.



Gorgeous!





Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Day 3


 The daily walk to The Lodge could be chilly, but at least it was short.


On the 3rd day, Vera decided to try cross-country skiing. Whoo-hoo for my little girl trying something new by herself. So excited that she took a risk. She, of course, loved it! It didn't take long for her to become an expert at gliding across the snow.


While Vera was gliding, Keller was flying. He is a HUGE risk taker. 



Lodge time was spent playing games, being puzzle nerds, and eating enough food for 5 people. Well, at least that was me. Buffets are not my friends when it comes to staying in shape. 

Keller's new found favorite activity is fooseball. At any time, you could look at the fooseball table and see a group of boys playing 6 at a time. Amazed that my 4-year-old fits himself into whatever group is available and makes friends or at least kids to pal around with in the moment.  

Views from the Cabin




Monday, January 14, 2013

Day 2


Guess who loved the top bunk? 


Jason + The Bump on the Log. Baby snow clothes make it very difficult for kids to move. ;)


Keller takes after his Daddy and discovered the joy of throwing a snowball. 


We all got our exercise trekking up the sledding hill.


Gus, for the most part, was great about keeping his mittens on.





Making a choo-choo train of inner tubes was one of the best parts of sledding/tubing.






Sitting in the inner tube was Gus' favorite activity of our whole vacation. He would throw a tantrum when removed from the tube.


More Day 1 - Brrrrr!







Sunday, January 13, 2013

Day One


Day Numero Uno of our snow trip had a few moments of, "What the hell were we thinking?" We arrived at the Montecito Sequoia Lodge at 3ish in the afternoon, greeted by a snowstorm and freezing temperatures. Snow gear, what the heck are snow pants and gloves? How do I get the 16-month-old baby to wear mittens? Jason, for the love of my sanity, please put the snow chains on the car.

Thankfully, by the end of the trip we were old pros at throwing kids into snow pants and tightening the velcro on their boots. We also came to love the unlimited hot cocoa and coffee that the lodge provided. Our first trip = success! AND, there are lots of photos to come (of course:).

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Nonni and Nonno and the Birthday Girl


Nonni and Nonno decided to make Vera's 7th birthday super special by driving the 10-hour trip to spend one day with her. They also helped me out by taking Keller along with them on the special day. :)

Nonni spent the morning with Vera picking out a birthday present and then heading to the movie, an hour early, per Vera's request. Keller and Nonno headed to the beach to collect shells, take pictures of birds, and walk 40 miles. They made it to the movie as well and both kiddos loved Rise of the Guardians. They also discovered the joys of movie popcorn. Lunch at Chicken Ranch and frozen yogurt at McConnell's = Vera's dream day. 

Did it end there? Nope! Then, they headed to Vera's school to play on the monkey bars. They kept them out all day. It was great having quality time with just Gus, but even I have to admit, towards the end I was glad that my all three of my kiddos were chattering away in my ear. 

 
 

Rufus! Vera's birthday present from Nonni and Nonno spends his time cuddling in bed with Vera and escaping the grubby fingers of two younger brothers.


I couldn't resist the photos of Nonno spending quality time with his grandsons. A HUGE thank you to Nonni and Nonno for everything!!


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New Year's Throw Together Bash


A last minute throw together New Year's Party was just what we needed to ring in 2013.


Lots and lots and kiddos, very little chaos. 




Gus hanging with his girlfriend. The Little Guy made it to the East Coast New Year...yay for 9 o'clock.  


Last Mazzetta Family picture of the year! I feel like good things are going to happen in 2013.