Skiing, Snowballing, and TAHOE

We left right after Marlene's birthday and said a small prayer that the traffic Gods would be with us on our drive to Tahoe!  There was a huge storm coming in which meant SNOW for us in Tahoe, we just hoped that it didn't turn the beautiful ride through the mountains into a miserable one!  Seriously, when we were leaving San Francisco, it was hailing so hard (being from Kirkland and having experienced my fair share of hail, I promise that this was legit)!  So, it's hailing so hard that there is no visibility and what does Damien do?  He opens the sun roof so the kids would feel the hail.  Fifteen seconds of hailing fun, screaming, squealing = a completely wet interior to the car, not to mention the fact that most of the water pooled on my seat which meant I was soaked.  Lovely.

The drive was amazing.  Kids napped, traffic was calm, and it was snowing enough to look beautiful without making the roads too dangerous!  Jocelyn had ordered pizza on the ride up so just a few minutes after arriving to the cabin, so did our pizza.  Genius!  Of course the kids wanted to go play in the snow even though it was dark out.  We got them all suited up and off they went!  They had the greatest time out there!  Soon, the kids were in bed and resting peacefully.

Bright and early in the morning, Mark and Damien took Michael and Claire to try skiing for the first time!  Mark told Damien about this great plan where you go to the Ritz Carlton, valet your car, and then basically just walk out to the slopes!  No parking in lots that are a huge walk to the slopes, instead- they warm your ski boots, lay out your skis, and allow you to get a warm cup of hot chocolate before you brave the elements! 

Apparently, the kids did great!  How awesome is that?  Damien said that Mark was amazing with them.  They both mastered the pizza and were skiing in no time!  They loved the chair lifts and were smiling ear to ear!  They took some videos and I had to laugh because they both skied just as I thought they would. 

Michael would be doing great- going from side to side and turning, then would point his skis downhill and go as fast as he could until he wiped out.  Claire, as expected- was more methodical and played it safe.  Claire totally is like that!  She likes to try things out, master it with an approach of confidence and security and then the next time, go crazy!  I absolutely loved seeing the videos and loved that they can't wait to go skiing again!

Jocelyn and I stayed back with the little kiddos and played in the snow.  We built sled paths in the huge pile of snow that the snow plow leaves.  The kids thought it was so much fun- and it was!  I got the best video of Matthew and Emily.  I was videoing Matthew who was playing with an ice saber (a long icicle that looked like a light saber) when Emily came along and hit his ice saber with hers.  Naturally, his broke.  He turns to her and says, "Thanks a lot Emily!" in an angry voice.  She thinks about what he said and says, "You're welcome."    He got so mad and was telling me about it when she kind of hit him on the shoulder.  He hit her back.  This exchange happened about two more times until she threw snow in his face. 

Matthew then grabbed a handful of snow and took off running after her.  They were both in snow suits and watching Emily try to run reminded me of that scene in A Christmas Story where Ralphie's brother can't put his arms down.  Anyway, Matthew caught up to her and threw the snow in her face and then . . . shoved her so hard that she fell forward onto her belly, fully covering her face and head in snow.  Emily's frozen face started crying, Matthew looked at me trying to figure out if he was in trouble, and I did what any good mother would do- I kept filming.  It is a classic video that I will treasure for years to come!

For the remainder of the day, we just played in the snow, played board games, and relaxed.  It was amazing.  We woke up the following morning and started the clean up process.  We needed to get home by 4:00 p.m. because Damien had to take some clients out to the Golden State Warriors basketball game that evening.  The clean up went well, the kids played some more in the snow, and we made it home without any issues with kids or traffic.  That's a giant WIN for us!  The kids were sad to be home.  They love the snow and certainly loved being trapped in a cabin in the woods with their cousins.  We can't wait to do it again!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The kids think it is really cool to have a Grandma who has a birthday on St. Patrick's Day!  As if the day wasn't already fun enough, they have even more reason to celebrate and get wild and wacky!  This year, the kids seemed especially eager to get really cool things to wear on St. Patrick's Day.  I think it had a lot to do with the fact that we were celebrating E's birthday in San Francisco.  It just made them get into the spirit of things!

We were at Beverly Fabrics and came across these wigs, glasses, and necklaces.  The kids went berserk!  I couldn't deny them the opportunity to get creative!  I mean, if it was an Italian holiday, I would be down for anything.  I want them to embrace their Irish roots- even if I don't have any! 

We got up early for breakfast, got dressed, finished packing (we were heading to Tahoe straight after Marlene's birthday party), and I even managed to lure them out into the backyard for a few pictures!  How could I not photograph those wigs!

We got to the city with enough time to stop at Sub Center, which is hands down one of the best sandwich shops in the world!  It is located in West Portal, right near where Damien grew up as a little boy!  It didn't take us long to inhale the sandwiches- so we were on the road again and headed for the Exploratorium!  The Exploratorium is right near the Palace of Fine Arts which is where Damien and I went on one of our first dates.  My kids are sappy (couldn't be more thrilled about that!) and love these pieces of knowledge which made the trip more exciting for all of us!

We greeted E with a giant Happy Birthday before the kids ran off with their cousins to explore some of the 475 science exhibits!  After a few hours of exploration, we all drove over to Ghiradelli Square where we enjoyed banana splits, milkshakes, ice cream as we sang the praises of Marlene and let her know how much we love her.  I think she really loved her birthday!!!

No sooner did we say goodbye- did we find ourselves in the car headed for a fun weekend of snow, skiing, and relaxation in Tahoe with Mark, Jocelyn, and their kids.  The weekend was just getting started!  Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Birthday to E!

Coolest Pinewood Derby Yet!

This is most definitely Michael's last year of Cub Scouts.  While he has a lot of fun at the meetings (mostly from hanging with his friends) it is just ONE MORE THING on the calendar.  Fourth grade has provided a significant jump in homework and responsibility so making time for Cub Scouts is not easy (on top of all of Michael's sports).

Michael knows that a lot of the annual events that they participate in are indeed- his last ones.  The Pinewood Derby is a super fun event.  Some Dads, I mean boys, really get into making their cars (think putting small weights on the bottom of the car, rubbing graphite on the wheels, etc).  Damien and Michael just like to have fun with it.  They get to go to a saw shop and actually shave/cut a block of wood into a race car. 

Every boy, and I seriously mean every boy, made a car.  My awesome son, made a truck.  Oh, and not just any truck.  The ever classy U-Haul truck.  I loved it!  When they brought it home- I thought they were joking.  I thought they would pull the classic derby car out of one of their pockets- but no.  This was for real. 

Michael won a few heats with this U-Haul truck but the most exciting thing was that he won The Coolest Car Award.  What a way to go out on top.  U-Haul trucks are the new black.

We Love The Seiberts

We are so blessed to have such amazing neighbors.  Sam and Sheila are both 92 years old.  Sam is always working in his workshop fixing clocks or building things I couldn't even dream up!  Sheila welcomes my kiddos into her home and keeps a dish of chocolate ready for them to take home with them.  Bottom line . . . they absolutely adore the kids.  So, today as the kids rode in the driveway- they both came out to watch them!  It was so sweet.  We are truly so blessed to know both of them!

The Middle Child

Gina has always felt a special bond with Matthew.  After I had Emily, she made sure every time she was here to pay special attention to him.  Gina and Matthew are both middle children.  While technically Matthew and Claire share the title in the Swendsen family of four kids, Gina is the sole holder in the Sacco family of five kids.  While both are loved dearly, being the middle child isn't always the easiest place to be.  That is why Gina and Matthew have started a little signal that reminds them of the bond they share.  It was a secret signal until I just now outed them on my blog.  Whoops!  Basically, Gina makes an M (for middle child) in sign language and shows it to Matthew.  He tries desperately to position his fingers correctly and he shoots it back to her.  That's it.  Just a little sign . . . that I think will bond them throughout their lifetimes.  I absolutely adore it.

Hanging with Gabe

Jocelyn had a hair appointment this morning and asked if we wouldn't mind watching Gabe for a few hours.  OF COURSE we wanted him to come over!  Matthew and Emily were so excited.  On the other hand, Michael and Claire were bitter.  Being full time students and not being able to hang with your cousin is tough. 

We went to Matthew's parent/teacher conference at his preschool and then headed home- unsure of our plans.  The boys suggested talking a walk and I thought it was a perfect idea!  I decided to take the double stroller in order to have the smallest percentage of walking meltdowns, should they occur.  First stop, Starbucks.  Who likes to take a walk without a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream?  I opted coffee and prayed the caffeine would kick in immediately. 

Two kiddos were always in the stroller while one walked (minus the last ten minutes of the walk when all three were in the stroller).  We looked for dogs, cats, flags, pirate markings (spray paint on the ground), tall trees, dog poop (yes, I said dog poop), flowers, and counted how many times we were attacked by dogs.  As luck had it- we were actually attacked by a polar bear!  Okay, not a polar bear but the dog looked just like one and it was getting aggressive with us!  I was trying to be Brave Lisa, but for those that know me well- brave, dog, and Lisa do not go in the same sentence.  Thankfully, the owner came out and apologized profusely.  'No problem!', I answered knowing very well I would see her dog again in my nightmare later in the evening.

We walked the trail for an hour.  Blue skies, tons of laughter, no whining, heaven.  The kids loved every second of it.  Such priceless moments.  We can't wait for Jocelyn to get her hair done, again!            

Happy Hollow with the Uffelmans

I've been making a conscious effort to do more fun things with Matthew and Emily on the days where Matthew doesn't have school.  Today was a gorgeous day.  Warm enough to wear a tank top and even get a little color from the sun!  Lucky for us, we had planned to go to Happy Hollow with Karen, Luke, and Brinn.  Luke and Brinn are both the same age as Matthew and Emily so going places with them is a breeze. 

The kids were so excited to go and have some fun with their friends!  Happy Hollow is so much fun mid week.  There are very few people there so the kids don't have to wait in line for any ride.  They started pretty fast and fierce on a huge playset which is incredibly awesome!  Cargo nets, swirly slides, tons of structures fo climb and jump on.  The boys took off up the net to get to the top of the huge structure.  I was surprised to see Emily so agro on catching up to them.  She went full force into the cargo net and made her way up in a short few minutes!

She did get scared to go down the long swirly tunnel slide.  After a few trips down- she deemed it too dark.  So what did her big brother do?  He climbed up there and sat his forty pound sister on his lap and slid down with her.  What a guy.  She gave him a hug at the bottom and said, 'I love you because you are so awesome.'  He barely had time to listen because he was getting ready to chase Luke somewhere. 

We went on a really fun roller coaster that I have to say- was even fun for me!  I rode with Emily while the boys rode behind us.  I managed to get a fantastic video of the two of them screaming their way through the ride.  I have probably watched it fifteen times.  There is something about their sweet faces, high pitched voices, and the pure bliss they are experiencing that does my heart well.  I just love it.

After many many rides, we found a picnic table in the warm sun and enjoyed lunches that we brought from home.  Matthew and Emily helped me pack their lunches earlier in the morning.  Neither of them has ever really brought a lunch anywhere so this was a huge thrill for them.  Miraculously, all the kids shared and were well behaved which enabled Karen and I to actually have an adult conversation.  Go figure!

After lunch, we were off to the zoo portion of the park.  The kids absolutely loved this.  They were sprinting right and left trying to guess the names of the animals.  I think their favorite was a tie between the parrots and the bees.  Yes, there is a big bee hive that is on display and there are thousands of bees flying around you.  I personally think it's a little freaky.

We ended the day at the goat pen.  We all loaded in, bought a few dollars worth of goat food (which in my opinion looks way too much like goat poop), pet, groomed, and fed the goats.  It was a blast . . . until Emily tried to enter a goat only zone.  Between trying to go in areas that were prohibited or picking up what she thought was goat food from the ground- it was clear it was time to end our wonderful day at Happy Hollow and say goodbye to our dear friends. 

What a fun day.  I honestly can't wait to do it again!

Hostage Situation

It's 7:05 a.m. I've been up for 5 minutes. I've started the coffee, used the bathroom, and frisked Emily for Matthew's missing Lego guys. After a brief search inside her zip-up footie pajama, I recovered the missing persons. Three to be exact. Turns out Emily saw Matthew coming into his room and wanted to create a hostage situation. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.

I Love You More Than . . .

Today, Matthew and I were playing Candy Land.  After he made a move, he looked up at me and said, 'I love you.'  My heart melted as I smiled and said to him, 'I love you more than Super Mario Brothers.'  He responded,    'Well, I love you more than that pretty girl in Indiana Jones and that is saying a lot!'  And so it begins.

Look Who Has A Crib Mate!

Some feline found a comfy place to nap, where most of the time- no one spots her.  That is until Emily retreats to her crib and wakes Sweetie Pie from her dreams!  Emily is in love with this little kitty and she loves that her kitty chose her bed as her special napping place!

Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Claire's Lady Bulldogs!

Claire has had such a fun basketball season!  She looked forward to every practice and game and gave it her all every single time.  Once again, I was able to coach her and I loved every minute of it!  We were a team of all third graders playing in a league of third and fourth graders.  We were challenged every single game and I have to say the girls rose to the challenge!

Last year, Claire was one of the oldest and tallest girls in the league so she could do whatever she pleased.  This year, playing against girls as tall and taller- she needed to adjust in order to be successful.  By the end of the season, she had developed a whole new side of her game in order to be successful against taller, older, and quicker girls.  It was awesome to watch and be a part of!

All season long, the goal was to have fun.  Trust me, I am pretty darn competitive but when it comes to kids, you have to keep them in a positive place in order to keep them interested in the sport and move them forward.  Too much pressure and they will likely crumble.  We had tons of FUN!

Our last game was the best of the season!  The team we played was pretty well matched with us and the game was really exciting.  Claire did great!  She certainly saved the best for last and made me so proud!  My most favorite moment of the game was when Claire's teammate Isabella scored her first basket ever!  Up to this point- she had never made a goal in soccer or a basket in basketball in four years!  You can only imagine the energy that gym felt when she scored.  I about jumped out of my body!

We had a frozen yogurt party for the team after the game and when it came time to talk about Claire, I had a lot of wonderful things to say about my little girl.  Of course, I talked about how well she did this season and how she is an amazing teammate.  But what I said that I hadn't really thought about before was that Claire was amazing at having a Mom for her coach.  When we stepped on the floor, she allowed me to hang up the Mom title and really be her coach- no strings attached.  We never had an argument, she respected my knowledge of the game, and because of that- the season was a huge success.  Great job, Clairey!

Michael's First Reconciliation

Today, Michael received his First Reconciliation.  He woke up this morning completely nervous about what was coming.  We tried to tell him that everything would be okay and that the priest would make the whole process easy and comfortable.  He wasn't sure what to ask forgiveness for.  Should he say that he sometimes isn't the nicest to this siblings?  Should he say that he doesn't always listen to his parents?  We told him that it would just come naturally to him and urged him not to worry!

Mrs. Bordenave and Michael.  She wasn't smiling here but is the most delightful teacher!

This sacrament is an intimate affair.  It is not big like the First Communion where everyone comes to the church in support of you!  The school said that it was mostly for the children receiving the sacrament and their parents.  Heavenly came over to watch the kids and Damien's parents, Michael, Damien, and I headed over to the church.  During the ceremony- my little guys shed some nervous tears.  He feels so deeply and can't help but just feel everything.

Soon it was time to go and receive his sacrament.  He wanted to go first so that he could get it over with and stop being so nervous.  He looked so angelic sitting with the priest.  He listened intently and it was clear he was taking this very seriously.  As each child sat with the priest- each set of parents were to write their child a special letter. 

Our letter to Michael read, Dear Michael,  When you were born, we asked God to give you life so you would be able to continue down the spiritual path we wanted for you.  Seeing you receive your First Reconciliation brings us such joy.  We pray for you today and know God has a special plan for you.  You are our miracle, our most amazing Michael.  We love you and thank God for you.   Love, Mom and Dad.

When he was finished with the priest, he came back over to us looking relieved.  We don't know what he asked forgiveness for- we figure it is his experience and we didn't want to pry.  We all knelt down to pray and Michael did his penance.  After he was done, he stood up and gave both Damien and I the most amazing hugs.  Seriously, it was the best hug I have ever gotten from Michael.

Before heading home where Damien's whole family was waiting for brunch, we stopped at the reception and picked up his certificate.  We couldn't be prouder of Michael.  He is so loving, so spiritual, so caring, so talented, so insightful, so inquisitive, so strong, and makes us so proud.  Congratulations to you, Michael!