We went to Tahoe Super Bowl weekend as we've done for the last few years (2014, 2013), even though we knew there would be no snow. We took our family picture in the middle of the sledding hill, but most of the pictures are like the next ones.
Arne brought his new camera and captured many wonderful pictures of the kids enjoying Tahoe.
Elsa loved sledding - she said it was very fast. She carried her saucer up the hill and would go down holding my hand or by herself. It was a lot of fun.
We stopped in Truckee on our way back. It has a great old downtown. A train went by and Arne pulled out his camera and captured many great shots and the kids cheered on the train. This picture of the train came out super sharp. In the full size picture it's easy to read the little decals on the front of the train. Arne loves his new camera and I love all the pictures!
When we stopped in Berkeley to pick up Summer dog, Elsa climbed the apple tree.
If you open up this picture full size you can see a wonderful expression of joy on her face.
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We had a wonderful trip and hope next year there will be more snow!
Today our baby boy started at DCC (Downtown Children's Center)! This morning we all walked over to school.
Liam was very excited.
He also knew just what to do when he arrived - wash his hands!
In December, the school had picture day, so he already has his first school pictures.
We are so excited for Liam to join his sister at school (one drop off!) but will really miss MINI, his infant care center.
At the end of the day, the report from the teachers was that he had been happy to explore and played well with other children. During nap time, he cried a little, but Elsa was very proud that she helped him fall asleep.
The day after Christmas we packed up the car and headed out on our first big road trip as a family of four. We were going down to Southern California to meet up with family and friends. Liam and Elsa were very good in the car.
Happy to be heading south!
Playing with Christmas dolls
Our first stop was Harris Ranch for a yummy lunch.
We continued south and ended up at our hotel in the Valley. Elsa had a great time making a cool mask and Liam loved dressing up in underwear.
Look at me - a ring pop star!
Liam loved dressing up in Daddy's underwear.
The kids got up early and we enjoying the morning light before heading over to Sarah's house to meet up with the Vaill sisters and their little ones.
It was wonderful for me to see Susan and Sarah.
I was very excited to meet the new baby Leandro.
Elsa LOVED climbing the lemon tree and we came home with 10 lemons she picked.
We then drove down to Newport Beach. Elsa loved our hotel because it had a pool with a slide. Liam also had a lot of fun with water play.
We then met up with my friend Tracy, who showed us a great local beach park, just across from the hotel.
Her daughter Sage showed Elsa and Liam around.
That night we explored the hotel and the kids enjoyed playing with the giant chess set.
The next morning we went over to Balboa Island to meet up with Arne's Aunt Kate and Cousin Ryan's family.
Ryan and Erin have two girls that are the perfect age to play with Elsa - they just went upstairs and played together. Then we all went to the beach at the end of the block and had fun in the sand.
Look at my ball!
Race time with Christine!
Sand Angels
We went on a little boat ride around the island. Liam drove the boat.
Actually, Ryan drove us, but only with the help of three girls.
It was wonderful to see how much the girls enjoyed each other.
The next morning after some water and park play we headed north and stopped at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Elsa and Liam were fascinated by all the fish and sharks.
We then went for a walk up to an old lighthouse.
Arne played a favorite game called jump and swing with the kids.
The next morning we headed over to the Getty Museum for some good art exploration.
Then we met up with Arne's Aunt Miriam for lunch.
It was a long drive home through snow flurries and rain.
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