The Best Snow Day, Part 3

Ok, Sam is a lot happier than he looks in this photo, but we did it, we did find a nice big area of snow where we the first to make deep footprints, in some places sinking down to our knees and more. This is a big deal for us Southern Californians here.) Sam especially loved grabbing huge chunks of snow and throwing them everywhere. Anna enjoyed exploring in the distance. Oh, what fun...

The Best Snow Day, Part 2

We had more fun at the visitor's center before heading off further into the mountains. As you can see, Steve had no problem really hamming it up with the kids. We all got some snow in our faces, shoes, clothes, everywhere!...










Next, I was looking forward to finding some open space where we could play with the powdery snow while enjoying the scenic views. Alas, our trips to Mt. Baldy in the past included crowds coveting the same spot of the icy stuff... so what did we find? Check out "The Best Snow Day, Part 3".

The Best Snow Day, Part 1

We went up to Mount Baldy last weekend, right after the first big snowfall of the season. Steve and I almost didn't see these smiling faces as we were turned away at the base of the mountain in the morning due to congestion. So we ate lunch nearby and took our chances once again in the early afternoon. By then, the patrol cars were letting in a few visitors, success!


I couldn't help but squeal at the sight of snow covering these residences, a little over an hour away from home and it felt like a whole new world.


We stopped at the visitor's center for a parking pass, and while Steve put chains on the front tires, the kids and I had a little snow fun. We felt like we hit the jackpot just playing in this small secluded area. If our parking time wasn't limited here we would have stayed a bit longer.


There's nothing like stepping in untouched snow.


Step, trounce, march...


Even though I'm crouching, doesn't Anna look especially tall here?


They had some interesting structures in the area near the visitor's center, including this wigwam...


... and some snow ready to be made into Sammy's special creature.


Wow, sudden strength despite the chill.


Next, some playtime with Steve. Stay tuned...

Mari's Baby Shower: Friends are Family

Mari's Baby Shower: Candids

Last weekend the girls attended Mari's baby shower, hosted by Sarita at her lovely home. Sarita and Kenna did an amazing job with everything. Look at the handmade hanging decor which matched the invitation illustration, and blue eggs nestled on the table tree. The coordinating food dishes were wonderful as well. All these details made this such a classy event! How sweet and generous all of Mari's friends are. Thank you for a fun time, and congratulations to Mari and Rob!

Lucy's 6th Birthday

Lucy turned 6 years old! Her ice cream cake was too cute, it had a trick candle on it...


Family and friends could not wait to dig in... Thao and her mom also made a fabulous spread of food: bbq, seafood soup, my favorite bean-filled dumplings, yum.


Anna had fun with Rachel, Lucy, Sarah and many other friends.
Thank you so much, and happy birthday Lucy!

Sam's Birthday at School

For Sam's birthday, we made mini cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkles for him to share with his classmates. His teacher Ms. Pena took these photos with her phone and emailed them to me. Love the technology!