My Little SnowBlake

Blake had seen the snow a few times in his life, although I doubt he'd remembered it at all. The first time he saw snow, he was only about two weeks old for a quick day trip to Tahoe. He also saw snow -- and spent the day at a ski resort -- when he was just about 6 weeks old. Only fitting that we would get him on skis at such an early age. Here's my little skier on a recent trip to Tahoe at age 2 1/2.

Making sure the snow clothes and boots all fit.

A day to play before putting on skis.

Blake tries to get in on a snowball fight. Thankfully for Mommy, not a ton of success.

Dad and Blake in their snow gear!

There was just as much dirt as there was snow, at first. We snuck up to a closed lift and let Blake learn how it feels before the real deal. Blake doesn't look so sure.

Renting skis & boots, and trying them on at our Tahoe condo.

The first day on the mountain!

Blake's instructor taught how us to use this cool hula hoop to help Blake learn to ski.

Look close, and you can see a grin on that boy's face!

Mommy's turn to ski with B!

The instructor taught me how to ski backwards....

Ready to ski off the chair lift, Blake?

Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!

Day 2, and we went all the way to the top of Sierra!

Day 3 and we were back at the condo, just playing in the snow. See another smile? Looks like Blake likes Tahoe, and feels like we'll definitely have to go more often.

All Aboard The Polar Express

Every year at Christmastime, the California Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento takes kids and families on a special trip to the North Pole. It's such a popular excursion that tickets are in high demand. I spent one morning in September online for 4 hours, just trying to make reservations and buy tickets.

And they're not cheap. But I would have spent twice as many hours and twice as many dollars to see Blake's face light up at the sight of Santa and his elves getting ready at the North Pole.

As the Polar Express song goes...

When it seems the magic slipped away,

We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Here's Blake and Daddy, waiting to get on the train.
Kids are encouraged to wear jammies.

Almost time...

All aboard! Waiting and watching out the window.
Are we there yet??

Cruising towards the North Pole...

We're there! Look closely out the window and you'll get a glimpse of Santa's house.

And look who boarded the train on the way back to Sacramento!

Santa handed out bells to all those who believe,
the first gift of Christmas.

The night wouldn't have been complete
without a picture on Santa's lap.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!