Pacman vs Snowman - or Big Bear 2009

This year in Big Bear, we rented a different house. It was a lovely, big house nestled back into the trees with a fantastic view of Big Bear Lake.

The back patio was the perfect place to build a snowman with daddy...

Snowman's first head lacked a little something.

They fixed it! And then Quinn added his brother's very favorite hat to the top of the snowman's head...perfection! (Sorry 'bout the icy hat, Nash.)


But inside...my goodness, inside there was a whole basement for the children which included a different type of "man"...Pacman!!! The kids had their own rec room which included a TV, pool table and Pacman machine...it was outstanding!

So very much more to be shared about this weekend, but in the meantime let's show some pictures of the kids...

Kennedy & Sydney:

Jo Jo and Brookie:

Quinn:

Nash:

And our newest addition to the Big Bear mix, identical six year-old twins, Natasha & Tatyana:

Welcome 2009!

It's 2009, wow!! We spent New Year's and a few more days in the snow at Big Bear.

A fabulous time was had by all. Well, except August's fabulous time was cut short by a day because of an incident involving a steep icy hill, testosterone, a sled and a tree. All will be fine, but I will admit it was a little scary for a minute (hour,day)! Nothing is broken or fractured, but the poor guy is limping and in a bit (lot) of pain. A "contusion", they say. Serious, serious bruise well under the skin on his lower back. Thank goodness for wonderful friends. The guys we were with were very helpful in getting him back up the hill, the mommas we were with were excellent caregivers.

We are back, and there is much more to post, but for now...here are two shots of the girls! Check back later for more!!

Happy New Year!

Technically I'm not really even done posting about Christmas...but now it's WAY over (the tree is down, the decorations are put away), and it's New Year's Eve! I feel like the holiday month passed by much too quickly, but then I reflected on the moments I took to enjoy it: strategic holiday shopping when the malls weren't crowded ( 9 p.m. at night-I do enjoy the shopping, listening to the music, smelling the smells of coffee at the mall), two evening holiday parties, and that lovely afternoon we spent at the Grove.

Then there were the days that led up to Christmas. I did have to work, but my mom was in town and she made Chex mix and cookies with the girls, and Kennedy helped her wrap presents. On Christmas Eve we made dinner and set the table festively and then decorated those cookies. Now the girls are enjoying each day of their break from the comfort of their own home, because their daddy is now a full-time work-from-home kind of guy.

This is also working out well because my car keeps breaking down with some electrical fuse issue, so we are a one and a half car family right now! New year, new car? Most likely.

Which leads me to this...we are heading off to Big Bear for the turn of the New Year! Many blessings to all...may your Eve be safe and fun, may all your resolutions from last year be completed (or completely forgotten), and remember that it's the small stuff that counts! Time with friends and family...that's what matters the most, and that's what we plan to do starting this very afternoon for the next few days...no stopping!

Here is a glimpse into our world at Big Bear from years past:

Happy New Year!