Levi hits the slopes!

Laurie, Sean and Penelope joined us for a weekend up in Mammoth... complete w/ sledding, Chicago Style pizza flown in from the Windy City, Gondola rides, Apres-Ski, Penguin Room, movies. and skiing for the 1st time for the kiddos!


Levi being fitted for his 1st pair of ski boots!

Penelope also got fitted for boots!

Everything about skiing was new to Levi, so he was fascinated...

Levi learning to walk in his boots!

Levi took to it immediately, but had a meltdown over not being allowed to go on the chairlift on his first day out...won't be long...

We practiced on a Bunny Hill since Mama needed to stay off skis

I can't wait for the day when John and I are flying down the mountain w/ buggy (& V3!) in the lead!

Levi w/ his favorite girl, Penelope

We did the loop around the campground, and it was beautiful... warm and not a cloud in the sky

This is the kid spot in the condo. Whenever we have children over, this is where they collect...bird eyes view of the mountains!

Levi took Penelope on a date to the movies to see most favorite film, Cars

Levi's 1st Gondola ride

It was a special treat having Sean, Laurie and Penelope stay w/ us for a weekend!

Turkey Tradition in Mammoth

After a 2 year hiatus, we returned to our tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in Mammoth with old friends. It snowed 7 - 10 feet while we were there, so we spent a good portion of the time playing in the snow and enjoying the winter wonderland festivities.

Headed out to play in the snow... Levi in his new Uggs!

It can't all be smiley faces and ice cream cones. Levi refused to wear mittens, gloves, or anything for that matter that will keep his hands warm. This posed a serious problem in the sub 30 weather!

JWG, Connor and Levi playing Bingo

We spent Thanksgiving morning hiking up to some untouched sledding hills!

My dear friend Linda, who I met backpacking around Scotland in 1999 and ended up touring all of Europe together

Uncle Michael catching a few moments of calmness

Hank's lead came in handy when the boys grew tired of walking

Early Thanksgiving dinner for the children

Uncle Michael was a smashing hit w/ the boys

Finally a calm moment!

Jeff and I were on Turkey duty

Adult + Labradoodle Thanksgiving dinner....awe...calmness as the little monkeys slept!

Levi is ready to hit the slopes

Apres Ski at the Mill

Uncle Michael and his boys soaking up some 1:1 before we headed out for our 5+ hr drive back home. This indeed was a very special Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for, and even more special celebrating it w/ very dear friends in one of our most favorite places!

Levi turns 2

Little Levi turned 2! We celebrated in Mammoth w/ our dear friends Michael Goodwin (Levi's Godfather), and Jeff, Linda and Connor Knippel, who drive from Salt Lake City. Levi had a delightful day complete w/ balloons, a visit to Mammoth Mountain, the playground (despite it being covered in snow), presents, and peppermint ice cream.

The balloons were the biggest hit

Baking cookies

Hitting the playground

The big 2!

Levi's big 2-year milestones included: scaling walls, eating by himself (w/ both hands), repeating the words 'bubbles, cars, and clock,' sleeping solid 11 hrs a night, happily enjoys 2-hr nap,s and going a mile a minute. He is both a very busy and very happy boy!

Levi and Connor met for the 1st time; Levi was smitten from the get go

The highlight was blowing out the candle...again, again and again

Both John and I are loving this age, despite collapsing in bed every night from pure exhaustion. We feel so blessed to have this little guy in our lives. Happy Birthday to our sweet buggy!

Mammoth Red, White & Blue

After missing the last couple of 4th of July's, we headed to Mammoth to celebrate all weekend long in the hot, warm summer days.

We found a new playground (well new to us), and Levi attempted to summit the big slide, but quickly decided it was to wait.

As always, Levi managed to find another child's toy before they lost it (we did make him return it)

We hiked up to Skelton Lake, and Hanky did some swimming

joined by our friends Jack and Hilary from Seattle

We kicked off 4th of July with the Lions Club community pancake breakfast

(multiple) Slice(s) of heaven

Next up... the parade (Levi's 1st)

The highlight for me was the Bernese Mountain Dog breeders in Mammoth (over 9 dogs and a 2-month old puppy)

Levi stood most of the time clapping and attempting to catch candy, only to throw it back at the floats!

Still best of friends

We toured the Mammoth fire station (complete w/ firefighters)

Capped off the night w/ dinner at our friends Amy and Colin's place and spent time with baby Gia and her cousin Kylie

Levi loved the baby girls and the french bulldog Penelope (not shown) :)