New Years 2020

New Years day we drove to Newport to visit the family.  My mom and Chris bought a new house on the island and it is AMAZING. The kids love it and ask every weekend if we can go.  

Lake Tahoe - Sledding

On our last full day in Tahoe we decided to spend it sledding.  Sadly Grand Lebakken was packed! We went to the store and bought 2 sled discs and found our own sledding area.  Buster had no fear and went down the hardest hill.  Of course he ate it and almost didn't want to keep going....but he did!  And he LOOOOOOOOOOVED it.  Olive is far more tentative than her brother and it took her about 30 minutes until she would go down.

Lake Tahoe - December

After Christmas we drove to Lake Tahoe for a few days so the kids could play in the snow.  The first thing they wanted to do was to build a snowman.  And by THEY I mean ME - considering I'm the one that made the entire thing. The kids named the snowman Santino.....and I think he turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself.

After building Santino the Snowman, we headed into town for lunch at our favorite Taco place. As you can see - Buster had a bit of a moment because he messed up his drawing on the tortilla.

After lunch we drove to Memorial Point Overlook. It was freezing.....and as you can see I'm the only one without a hat! But it was worth it since Lake Tahoe is gorgeous from every point around the lake.

Florida Here I Come

I'm flying out tomorrow for a birthday trip for my sister in Florida.  She's at a horse show so Ida and I are flying in to celebrate! Lets hope it doesn't get too crazy!!

Hazel Jillian Rufer

On December 24th in the morning, Hazel Jillian Rufer was born.  We waited a few days to see her because I was battling a cold (for a MONTH!!??!) and was hoping I could hold her. 

Sadly, I couldn't hold her but the kids were so excited to hold their new baby cousin.  Clearly, Todd and Lizzy make a pretty cute kid! She's perfect.

Sacramento Sushi

Before the holidays Karrie, Ida and I went to Kru for some sushi and a fun girls night out.  I have to admit - for sushi....Kru is pretty good.  It's not as good as my favorite spots in Los Angeles but it comes pretty close.

Christmas - Sac 2019

For Christmas this year we drove to Sacramento to spend it with my side of the family. Thankfully the hotel is the perfect point to stop, have food, and recharge. And nothing is better than my moms tree.  

Pajama Day

On the Friday of Christmas Break - the kids had Pajama Day at school.  Of course Andrew and I also donned our matching PJ's and spent the ENTIRE DAY there.  Granted, it was only a half day....but still.  Andrew made chocolate chip cookies and banana bread for all the teachers, office staff, principal, etc. We also made hot chocolate for both Buster and Olive's classes.

Annie - 2019

In early December Olive was in a production of Annie at her school.  She got cast as Tessie - the orphan that says "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness".  She was fantastic and I was soooooo proud of her.

Kid Updates

OLIVE UPDATE

- Lost 16 teeth

- Her brother annoys her like crazy (directly from her mouth)

- Was voted onto her school's student council

- Is currently in love with no boys (directly from her mouth also)

- Loves all shades of blue

- Favorite thing to eat - Taco Bell and In n Out (lord help me)

- Loves playing tennis

- Doing extremely well in school

- Loves playing piano

- Started voice lessons

BUSTER UPDATE

- Lost 3 teeth (and 1 is wiggly)

- Started piano lessons a few weeks ago

- Currently in love with no one, however all the girls are in love with him

- Playing tennis every week and LOVING it

- Loves playing Roblox and Minecraft

- Favorite color is Green
- Wanted green hair (now it is pretty much all faded out)
- Tried sushi for the first time (sadly he HATED it...no idea how he is my kid)
- Excited about doing the Jungle Book musical
- Wants to be a builder when he grows up

Mexico - 2020

Last year for Christmas my mom got our family a trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.  Sadly, we booked it for Andrews birthday in August and he was just starting chemo....sooooo.....we had to cancel.  We decided to reschedule it after the holidays.  We just got back....and I can't wait to share some photos.  There were definitely ups and downs - which I think is just the norm when traveling with kids.