2008, A look back

Well, it looks like I hit my resolution of out blogging 2007. With 163 entries, I even out blogged 2006! Currently, I also seem to be on track to out blog 2008. ROCK ON!

I did end 2008 heavier than I started it...but then I am pregnant. At a current weight of 188 , I guess the important thing is to end 2009 considerably lighter than how I started it.

I would say a few highlights from last year would include:

• Burns Night: Nothing better then having your baby rocking out in a bar!
• Pouring the Slab: The stalled shed project takes off again!
• The Road Ahead: New year, new job!
• What's Wrong With This Picture?: This maybe more of a lowlight but one can't forget the car accident Parker and I had last year that total the Saturn.
• Happy Birthday, Paarrrrker!: Parker turns 3!
• New Car: With the totaled car comes the new car.
• Death Valley Birthdaze: Parker's first camping trip and he loved it!
• Project Garden: Parker's garden was a total success -- providing pounds of delicious tomatoes, herbs (some of which are still hanging in there even after our recent bout of snow!), and even a couple of pumpkins!
• Welcome Dean: Dean joins the Trillo household. I can't believe how small he used to be!
• Go Baby, Go!: Official confirmation that Parker would soon have a little sibling!
• Baby's First Scan: Our first look at Piper!
• It's Time!: Parker ditches the diapers
• Morro Bay: Great family get-away to Morro Bay. Hopefully, it will become an annual tradition.
• Palin and Clinton on SNL: This isn't Trillo related but you've gotta love Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.
• Halloween 2008: How could Halloween NOT be a highlight, especially with Parker dressed as Woody.
• Yes We Can!: I was obsessed with the entire campaign but the most important thing is that the right man -- Barack Obama -- was elected as President.
• Snow Days: Everyone (at least hear in Acton) will be talking about the show of 2008 for years. It was totally awesome! Glad to have been stuck at home rather than stuck unable to get home (like Chris...but that worked to his advantage as he was able to NOT miss any work)
• Sledding: And of course, Tahoe is always a highlight.

Sledding

So we lucked out. Behind the condo was a great hill, perfect for sledding. So Chris created a couple of runs and the kids (which includes Chris and Kevin) hit the powder for a rip-roarin' time which was sooo much better than what we would have paid for at the ski resort.

Ta-HOE!

So we arrived in Tahoe late yesterday. Chris didn't actually get to the condo, though, until early this morning. Yes, this was probably the wort experience we've had getting to Tahoe, including traffic delays, chains that fell off en route, and an icy, uphill last stretch (the road where the condo is) that can barely be attempted with chains.

However, the nightmare evening was followed by a beautiful morning. We didn't hit the slopes but enjoyed the day just hanging around the condo. And, in Parker's case, eating snow...of course.

it's not what you think...

it's not what you think...,
originally uploaded by juanita.

For all you fans of True Romance (and Brad Pitts inventive use of a Honey Bear bottle), I couldn't resist posting this gem that my sister took while we were at Tahoe. This just goes to show you. You've got to keep an eye on the kid when he's hanging out with his San Franciscan cousins.

Tahoe 2007

So he we are, back in Tahoe for the holidays. When we arrived, there wasn't much new snow -- which made for a great drive there (no white out conditions on a crowded, slick roadway) and lame snowman making conditions. The snow was just too drive and had the consistency of sugar. So instead of making snowpeople, we ended up making snocanos. The condo did have a sled in the garage so the girls took that out for a test drive. Nice! Parker, however, was too busy eating snow to bother sledding. Excuse me. What we call "eating snow" is what Parker called "eating snowman". Hmmmm. That just doesn't sound too civilized.

The grandparents were with us (my mom and Chris' parents) and the graciously offered to watch the kids, which gave the parents a chance to hit the slopes. Now I've had more miserable days on the slopes but this trying it's best to get there. It was cold, windy, and icy. As I mention earlier, no new snow so each fall potentially could end your day...and that was just on the bunny slope. However, after the men folk took off for larger, steeper slides, my sis and I proved that we're tuff enuf and went up (and down) a few more times. Joanie even took the hill solo! Like any good snowbunny, though, we ended the day in the bar soothing our bumps and warming our toes with hot toddies.

What a difference a day makes! Sunny. Bright. We all headed up the mountain, this time so the kids could get some sledding in. The snow...much better than the stuff outside the condo...taste wise (because, of course Parker had to again "eat snowman") and building wise, allowing the kids to work on a better snowman.

Of course, we did spend all day making snowmen. The kids had real business to tend to...SLEDDING! Parker, however, was having none of it. Oh well. The girls, however, did awesome. Forward and backward, they kicked butt! And what did Parker do while the girls were tripping the ice fantastic? Nap on Daddy's stomach. Cozy huh?

Tahoe

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.

Gene Pool

Gene Pool
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Sorry Mom, with 6 people (3 of which are kids) you have to go with the pic with the most open-eyed, alert faces. Here we are, post Xmas 2005 in Tahoe, from left to right, Luxi, Joanie, me, Parker, Niko, and Ahmah/Mom.

Let It...uh, Rain. Let It Rain. Let It Rain.

12/23 - Let It...uh, Rain. Let It Rain. Let It Rain.
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

We're in Tahoe and there's no snow. :o( Instead, we have rain. That said, the kids are in the house finding ways to keep themselves amused. (Yes, Parker will eventually put that toy back in his mouth.)

Up and (sort of) Crawling

12/22 - Up and (sort of) Crawling
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

We're up in Tahoe and, as predicted, Parker's on track to crawling by Xmas. Here, he's dragged himself to the stairs and can make his way up. Nothing stands in his way. (Not even that sock obstacle.)