More Mammoth Fun

Jack wanted to make sure we did a few things while we were in Mammoth: 1) Ski like Curious George 2) Build a snowman like Frosty, and 3) have a snowball fight... We came as close as we could on item one, now to cross a few more things off of our list!

We got Luke to join us today!

Lovin' the snow!!

Snowball fight- Check!

Snowman- Check!

Hmmm...he tells us the snow "tastes great!"

Mammoth!

We've had a great time up in Mammoth. This is our first family vacation with just the four of us, and we're thinking this could be an annual tradition. Jack has had such a great time playing in the snow. Luke isn't so sure of it, but he's battling a head cold, so he's really been happiest hanging out in the "snow house" (as Jack likes to call the condo). On our first full day up here, we put Luke in baby daycare and headed to ski school with Jack. Nick and I both wanted to see how he did, so we hung out and watched all morning.

Jack's ski school. His instructor's name is Chris, and there were 2 other 3 1/2 year olds in his class. One of the kids had been skiing 3 other times, but the other little guy was a first-timer like Jack.

Too cool!

Jack announced it was time for snow angels and then hit the ground. He LOVES making snow angels.

Jack is number "21"

Instructor Chris leading the ski train.

Jack with one ski. That really threw him off, since he wanted 2 skis, but the point was to have them get their balance and remain in control on 1 ski first. He tumbled over and couldn't get up on his own, which scared him and was the beginning of the end of his time on skis. His classmate, Noah (also a 1st timer), was on the verge of his own little meltdown, so between them Chris had his hands full. Poor guy- it takes A LOT of patience to teach preschoolers to ski!

Heading up the hill.

Riding up the magic carpet. He's leaning against Instructor Chris.

We woke up Wednesday morning to snowfall, so we had a pajama day by the fire. Once the snowfall started slowing we headed outside to play. Luke wasn't such a fan, so he only lasted 5 minutes before I had to take him inside for a nap. Luckily, I was able to see Jack and Nick from the balcony!

Here's Luke during his meltdown. He was riding in the tobaggon, which tipped over. He had snow in his face, which he was NOT a fan of.

It's always a good time for snow angels!

That's a lot of snow!

The snow was coming down pretty good here!

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas we've had with family. Our celebration started Christmas Eve, since we knew Christmas morning would be consumed with Jack and Luke opening their presents from Santa. Having a hunch what would be in their stockings, we knew once they (well, really Jack) opened those gifts the rest of the world would disappear...

Our cozy fire Christmas morning...
Ok, it wasn't real. But it did come with nice "life like" sound effects! With the volume up, it sounded like there was a forest fire in our living room!

Cheryl and Ernie brought over special gifts for Jack and Luke.

Batmobile! Perfect!

Cool cars and trucks!

No, he's not spoiled. Ok, he is, but he's not rotten :)

Luke did a good job opening his gifts!

Yummy chocolate covered graham cracker!

HUGE stockings, courtesy of Grandma Stow.

The (in)famous Mickey Mouse radio. See blog from Santa's visit for explanation. Jack pretended to call Santa the day before Christmas, and then informed me that Santa's elves were working on his Mickey Mouse radio. Glad to see they finished in time!

Ohhhhh.....the Batcave! complete with all accessories. Jack didn't say much to us for the rest of the morning- he was too busy playing!

Jack and Nana

Cool new motorized Batmobile from Uncle Alan!

Corn crab! Excellent, and way less messy than a sand box! Thanks Grandpa and Nana!

Luke didn't mind being burried by Jack.

Jack making "corn" angels!

Crabby.