Holiday Break

We have had a busy last two weeks with the kids off school.   We started with a trip to Chicago for Christmas.   It was really nice to be back and spend some quality time with my dad:

It was also great to see extended family, making the trip up to Milwaukee to see Grandma and "the cousins".

  

Ethan and Alaina had a barrel of fun with their cousin Zachary, who, at 3 is much more interactive and fun to play with.   We also found out that he is going to be a big brother in June, so that is exiting news!

We had the chance to catch up with old Chicago friends, which is always a treat.   And I took the kids ice skating-twice---I am on a mission to teach them, and it is difficult to do in California!  Though Jason refused to skate (wimp!) my dad was lapping me at the arena--pretty impressive!

Unfortunately, Jason could only stay through Christmas day--he had to work on the 26th--but the kids and I stayed for a week.   At the end of the week, we enjoyed getting to spend time with Christa, who came after her holiday concerts were done.

When we returned from Chicago, we got to open Christmas presents from Santa.   Highlights for the kids included a Calico Critter dollhouse for Alaina (and of course her clay), and a bike with gears for Ethan.  




The next day went skiing.   Originally we were going to go to Tahoe, but had difficulty extending our reservation when Jason realized he did not have to work on New Year's Eve.   So, instead we headed up to Mt. Shasta.  

We had a lot of fun--the kids are really getting great on skis, and as a bonus, the mountain was not too crowded--both days we parked right in front of the lodge--for free!  I skied downhill one day and spent the next nordic skiing at a ski park just down the road--it has been a while since I have gotten to do that --and it was fun.   A great workout.   My legs are still aching a bit!

Jason and I headed back to work right after the New Year, but the kids have had some down time--but back to school tomorrow!