snow trip

We took off last weekend in hopes that we could find some snow, and headed to the mountains.  And we found some snow…but not much.  It didn't stop the kids at all from having a blast, and just being up there was so relaxing and beautiful we didn't care if it rained, snowed, or was dry.  What mattered was the laughter, good memories, and time together as a family.  And that we did have.  So great!

a few inches of fresh, slushy snow on the deck Saturday morning…why not play in  your PJs? 

Ry's very own, independently made, snowman

The fresh snow quickly melted with the rain that came down at the cabin, so we headed up in elevation just a bit and found a perfect meadow of deep powder to romp in…and it made for some good sledding as well

K's first solo sledding run ever -- she loved it! 

a little snow angel break (note Eddy is face down -- always has to be different that one!)

love these two!

Sunday morning we woke up to no snow near by us anywhere, so we took a walk down by the lake instead -- and the kids insisted on bringing their shovels and pails, you'd think it was summer!

who needs snow to have a good time?  

nose pincher -- er, I mean, snowball maker

a lichen log

 These two couldn't stop digging in the snow.  It was so cute!  They filled one of the sleds, and insisted we carry it through the house onto the deck so they could then throw snowballs down onto the street below.  See, who needs much snow?  Not these two I tell ya.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Stepping Stones

Kaitlyn has been going to a pre-preschool of sorts two days/week for the past month.  It's the kind where the parents stay and play with their kiddos the entire time.  It's been fun, and a good way to meet people, and gives us something to do while it's been so wet and cold outside.  And she LOVES it.  It's amazing to me really that she and her brother are from the same genetic makeup.  While Ryan was scared to do anything new for so long, this girl jumps right in with both feet.  The first day we were kind of unprepared for share day, and forgot to bring an item to share, but she didn't mind -- she ran right up to the front of the group and shared the ballerina on her tshirt.  She sings with all her heart during circle time, loves getting her hands filthy with the art projects, and does not seem shy one bit.  In fact she will run around and pass out toys to the kids and parents alike, when no one even asks for them.  She loves it, she talks about "my friends at school" all the time.  She cannot wait for real school!

hammering at Stepping Stones

The kids gave a singing performance to the front office staff at the elementary school where their school is -- they sang Jingle Bells, and it was so darn cute!

leading a song with Teacher Bonnie -- Kaitlyn's choice, "Itsy Bitsy Spider"

such a proud little girl going to school 

cats and dogs

No.  The Bayer family did not expand with a family pet.  The title of this post is due to the overabundance of rain we've had for the last 2 weeks.  The news said the other night that this is the second wettest December on record.  EVER.  Man, we know how to live in extremes here in CA.  First no rain at all, extreme drought conditions.  And then nonstop rain for 2 weeks.  Phew.  

So last week, we decided to embrace the wet, grow some webbing between our toes, and get out and burn some much needed energy from being cooped up all week.  They were soaked to the core, but laughing the entire time.  The kids had a blast.

This is what happens when California kids see a lot of rain all in one day. 

And my favorite video from the splash session…

feeling the spirit

We sure have been getting ourselves ready for Christmas around here.

We found a pretty nice looking tree at Larry's Produce...

not this one, although K really wanted to take it home because it was just her size

it was not this one either, but had to snap a pic of the silly monsters

 We have been coloring, and making lists for Santa...

We have been driving around and looking at all the lights

one of the craziest houses nearby, they have it set up for everyone to walk thru their yard

 We have made one batch of cookies…with more to come I'm sure

And finally, we paid Mr Claus a visit.  We had breakfast with the jolly elf yesterday, with Eddy's family, both to see Santa but also to celebrate Nonni's upcoming birthday.
This year was the best one yet for visiting Santa, Ryan was so excited to tell Santa about everything he wants, and had no fear at all.  He kind of clammed up in the moment, but managed to tell Santa he wants Legos of course.  The Arctic Base Camp and the Coast Guard Boat.
Kaitlyn was a bit more timid at first, but then managed to sit right up on his lap and tell him she wants a "pink present".  We don't quite know what she wants inside that pink present, but she has also mentioned she wants an elephant multiple times as well.  So we'll see what Santa brings her.

Santa and all 4 cousins -- Ry with chocolate smeared on his face.  Nice.  

the whole fam

happy birthday Nonni!

some Auntie Dana love

Thanksgiving

We hosted the feast at our house this year.  First time roasting a turkey, first time making stuffing and gravy, first Thanksgiving in our new house.  It was awesome!  We had 16 adults (Eddy's extended family and a few friends) and 6 kiddos under age 5.  The food was great, we actually all had fun (myself included -- thought I would be too busy to have fun, but Eddy's family did a great job of keeping us entertained while prepping in the kitchen, as well as helping with the cooking).  It was a great afternoon of gathering and really, once again, brought to light how truly lucky and blessed we are.  Happy Thanksgiving!

(one slight downfall to hosting, is we didn't really take any photos -- so feel free to share yours with us Uncle Joe!)

the man and his bird

the tired, but happy chefs (aprons and all!)

the kids table

Lately

Here is what the kids are up to these days…

K has finally taken a strong liking for the Strider Bike -- even taking her feet off the ground to "glide" a bit.  She loves that she can finally do something similar to keep up with big brother

 Practicing for the snow….whenever it may fall in Tahoe...

the forward tummy slide

perhaps we have a snow boarder on our hands?