We spent New Year's Eve in San Francisco. Luxi and Niko were, as usual, full of energy. The bouncing balls only amplified their playful spirits. Too bad the camera couldn't keep up. And Parker, you're going to have to work a little harder, too, if you want to keep up.
As for you, Domo, Parker's big on his carbs so it's not likely that he'll drop that piece of bread.
December 27th - Day 1 in Tahoe
Our first day in Tahoe and boy it's cold! Even colder at night. But aside from the cold, Parker didn't seem to notice much else in Tahoe, not even the snow. I think I would have tried to push the issue more but since I couldn't get him to wear his gloves, I didn't want him to get...yes, too cold.
December 28th - Jasmine joins the fun
Add two cousins to a hotel room and your bound to have fun! You get more bounce on a king-size bed. And bath time is even more giggly and fun.
Actually, I guess I should also mention that Jasmine wasn't traveling alone. She was accompanied by Gram and Ken who also came up to join in on the snow fun.
December 29th - Snowboarding
I know Chris may disagree, but the big reason for coming to Tahoe was not the casinos but the snowboarding. Our stay started out windy and cold but we were soon given a couple great days of weather, of which we quickly took advantage. Here's Chris, showing how he rules the mountain.
December 30th - Sledding & then some
Weeeeeeee! Parker's first trip down the slopes; however, the idea of going solo was a bit too intimidating for the little guy so that means Mommy's going for a ride, too.
And a one, and a two! Two rides down the slope with Mommy but Parker's still not ready to go down the hill solo. So we ended up doing solo slides on level ground, which seems to be just fine by him. (Notice the new, red gloves that he refused to wear...sigh.)
Cold Hands!
''Gram, my hands are cold.''
''Well Parker, maybe you should try wearing those gloves.''
Good luck with that endeavor, Gram.
While Parker was sledding, Jasmine was taking skiing lessons. But even with professional instruction, a little pep talk from Dad is always appreciated. Soon, Jasmine is once again sliding down the hill and waving at her adoring fans. GO JASMINE! HURRAY!
Last Night
Last night in Tahoe means one last chance at room service. Hmmmm...Parker will have the yogurt and fish crackers. Oh, and macaroni and cheese...and the cookies. Oh...and don't forget the milk and juice. And the bananas.
Holiday Party! I'm one who likes to mix "my worlds" so I love it that two of my worlds -- home and work -- can come together in a fun atmosphere. Working for Disney, that fun atmosphere means Disneyland. Bonus! On the left is another attempt at a family picture. On the right are a few of the guys from work -- Ravi, Geof, and Larry.
Of course, with the parting starting at 8pm, we quickly cut into Parker's bedtime, as you'll notice with his blank stares and heavy lids. He did catch a quick catnap at dinner, which I think helped keep the grumpies subdued.
Here's a shot of Thommy and Geoffrey, who, with Ravi (his first time) and Larry, went to the park with us.
Even though Parker has now been to Disneyland a bunch of times, we've never hit Small World and with it all decked out for the party it seemed like a perfect time to torment the little one. Once again, another attempt at a family photo in front of the ride. I thought will all the pretty lights we'd get a smile out of the little guy...but no luck.
As you can see, Small World was in top form but it wasn't enough to excite Parker.
Hey Parker! Look over there! It's the rare blue walrus who's been hunted to near extinction for it rare gold tusks…Yeah, not working.
That said, we decided to wrap things up early. Not even the Mad Hatter could antagonize Parker to the point to get him to stay.
Family Photo #6. This is the free photo you get at the holiday party. Looking at the shot, we should have opted to stand rather than sit in the (not so attractive) chairs, which I conveniently cropped out. (Makes you wonder why the professional photographer included them in the shot.) I would say that we all should have taken off our jackets but it was just too darn cold.
