Skunk Harbor

A little Tahoe hike to Skunk Harbor. I had never heard of the place, but it turned out to be a neat secluded little beach. It is about a 1 1/2 mile hike each way, but true to Greg's form we did some bush whacking and shortened that to about a 2 mile round trip. It was a wonderful day with just a few clouds and a tiny bit of hale during our lunch break, but it is the end of December.

a few things that caught my eye along the way

Beautiful views- We enjoyed watching the storm clouds build and dissipate over the lake

We did some rock climbing on our way back. I'm also very happy to report that the MMMMyogurt in Carson is still opened, we stopped on our way home and filled our bellies with MMMMness.

Fabulous at Five

Happy Birthday Raija! We love you.  What a wonderful year you have had.  You enjoy playing with your brother and sister, dressing up, learning, coloring and  wearing your pink cowgirl boots.  You are a wonderful part of our family and we enjoy learning from you and watching your testimony of the gospel grow.  We appreciate your sweet nature and the peace that you bring to our home. 

A Jolly Review

What do you do to pass some time as you are "patiently" waiting for Santa to come? Make candy necklaces.

color Christmas pictures

Alas- Christmas morning is here. First order of business, stockings!

Presents, presents, presents. Really, I promise, this year we tried to cut back on the gifts, and focus a lot more on the true meaning of Christmas.

The main event- New bikes! It has been fun and a little scary watching them learn how to master their bikes. Greg has been struggling a little with RJ's bike. The chain fell off twice and then it just froze up completely. In fact, he just got back from Santa's workshop after exchanging her first bike for a new one. Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best.

This is what I caught Anton doing after we let them see their new bikes from Santa. It was so cute, he just wanted to get one more look at his Like A Queen bike. He kept bringing me his coat and shoes and insisting that I put them on so he could ride his bike.

Not Just A House

Let the creative juices start flowing

Greg's Crab Shack

RJ's Chalet

KJ's & Anton's creations

The Whole Village

Express Delivery

It's always fun going to the post office this time of year. I had a lady yelling at me and raising her hands over her head, I had no idea what was going on. I was just waiting for her to back out so I could get all of the kids out safely. When I got inside the line was backed up out the door and Anton immediately started crying and wanted me to pick him up. RJ still had her tap shoes on and the slippery floor was like an ice skating rink. She fell several times adding to the lovely time that I was already having waiting in line. I was so frustrated by the time I got all the kids back in the van that I didn't realize that I had lock the doors before I put the key in the ignition. As soon as I put the key in the alarm started blaring. All I could do was shake my head and comment to myself that it was going to be one of those kinds of days :) But alas, the letters were sent to Santa and all will be well with the world.

Like A Queen

Happy 3rd Birthday Anton! We had a fun time celebrating with you. You had a small party with family and then we went to jump man jump with friends. I didn't do a regular character cake for you, instead I made eight tiny cars from Cars 2. You and your cousins each got to pick out your own car to decorate. It was a blast, you of course picked like a queen (that is how you say lightning McQueen). You have come a long way since your first rough weeks in the hospital. We love watching you grow and enjoy every minute that we have with you. Thank you for blessing our lives and for teaching mommy and your sisters all about BOYS.




A 7 pack of cars from the Cars 2 movie. You actually had to earn this present by going on the potty 40 times. You filled up your potty chart just in time for your birthday. Yup, we are mean parents, making our kid earn his birthday present- who does that. I guess we do :)






clothes always make great b-day presents- Thanks Aunt Myrna and Uncle Mike


Watching Cars 2- also a great present. Apparently, KJ was not happy with what she was seeing


Time to decorate cool mini cars










The Queen himself


Anton (the Cake Boss) hard at work


RJ's masterpiece


I love how all the little boys have knives in their mouths




Thanks Uncle Travis for the "Real Big Truck"- I play with it everyday


Chy going down the slide


Grandma Day had to get in on the action too


Birthday boy going for a thrilling ride


I believe that the funnest part of the evening was the boxing. The gloves were almost the same size as RJ. I don't want to talk much about it though, let's just say that Greg got busted up pretty bad- not by the kids either. So.Much.Fun. I'm sure I burned thousands of calories just laughing