Playing In The Snow

Well, we all talk about how awesome it is to live in LA because you can go suntan at the beach and then go to the mountains and play in the snow...all in one day! Yes, snowy mountains are only an hour and a half drive away. And after living here and talking about it for 11 years, we finally got off our butts and did it. Well, we didn't actually go suntan at the beach first, but it was a really nice warm day in LA when we headed for the mountains.

And we had a visitor along...Kai. The Texans had their Spring Break the week of March 15th, so she came to stay with us that week. Having a visitor helped motivate us to finally do it I think. Thanks Kai.

So, here we are...

We decided it would be fun to try out some snow tubing. Here the kids are getting measured.

Isabella was just tall enough to go and Bastien was just tall enough to ride by himself.

As you can see, the snow was kinda dirty. Turns out, this was the last day of the season. Seems to be a thing with us....

Then, it was time to go play in the snow...
Jason worked on a snowman that turned into a snowwoman...a snowbride actually...

He was very happy that I figured out that's what it was.

I had to make a snowbot of course...

and a snow TV....

Then, we finished the day up with some dinner and hot chocolate at a cute little diner in town. (We were in Mountain High if anyone wants to know).

And Jason and I might've had some coffee with a little Fireball whiskey in it.

Good times.

If you want to see the whole photo album from that day click here.

Winter Olympics

I started this year out with the intention of finally getting my act together. So far, not so good. I'm doing my first post this year and it's March already. That's sad...

Anyway, here you can see that we got into the Olympic spirit and went ice skating.

So here is Jason reluctantly donning ice skates...

I say "reluctantly" because I always like to brag that I'm better at ice skating than Jason. Don't let me mislead you into thinking I'm some Dorothy Hamil because I'm not. I'm not so hot myself on ice skates but it's good to brag because, well, he's better at everything else. (Except I can hold my breath underwater longer than he can too - pretty impressive for a smoker, eh?)

This guy, on the other hand, was PUMPED to get out on the ice.

I was pretty shocked that they had skates small enough for Isabella....

Is he happy or scared?
I don't know, but he is handsome.

These two have no fear. Look at Bastien's stance. Do you think he wants to be a hockey player?

Where is this, you may be asking. Woodland Hills. And how did I find out about it? My friend Whitney got a crazy idea and decided to open her own outdoor skating rink this season...Woodland Hills Ice. She was kind enough to treat us for the day.

Unfortunately, this was their last day of the season, but I'm pretty sure it will open again next season. Especially since Whitney told me she has visions of owning an international ice skating empire now. (Either that or a fancy portable restroom empire.) You go, sister!

I loved that they had these little walkers...

I think Jason was happy about them too...
Bastien used a walker for a little while at first, but then he was eager to show that he could skate without it.
Of course, there were spills...
But they didn't really bother him. Remember being a kid? Way less fear.

Less fear of falling and less fear of embarrassment too.

Besides, I forgot how much closer to the ground you are then, right?

He didn't like getting his hands cold on the ice, so he went and put on his gloves. Of all of us, I think Bastien loved it the most. He did not want to get off the ice...
I think it made him feel very proud of himself that he didn't need any help.

It was really cute.

Hopefully, you'll be seeing more from us on a regular basis now. This getting-your-act-together business is hard work.