Tahoe times

We spent the week following Christmas at my Grammy & Poppy's beautiful home in Tahoe. We had a wonderful and relaxing week, and a fun-filled New Years. Here are a few of the highlights from my week (I say my week because the highlight for Daddy was certainly skiing, and for Mommy was two sushi dinners at her favorite sushi restaurant ... neither of which we have pictures of ... so these are really just my highlights).

Trying out my new snowsuit:

I wasn't thrilled with the snow at first (probably because I refuse to wear gloves and my hands got really cold):

BUT, once Grammy came out to play with me, I had a great time (Mommy says that she is sorry there are so many pictures, but she was having a really hard time choosing which ones to post because they are all just TOO cute!)

I discovered that I love icicles and will hold them in my hands as long as I can stand it:

More time with Elmo ... and just relaxing:

We took our adorable Brooklyn with us to Tahoe. It was her first experience with snow, and she LOVED it. She and her dog-cousin, Cosmo, became such great friends during their week together - they will really miss each other. Mommy says we need another dog to keep Brooklyn company. Daddy says that Mommy is super crazy!

Here I am laying with Brooklyn and keeping her company (hey, these dog beds are nice!):

What we know for sure is that she is going to be really tired for a while from all of the activity:

Beautiful Tahoe sunset from Grammy & Poppy's backyard.

Merry Christmas!

And, oh boy, was it ever merry!

My grandparents were all here with me, which was such a treat. Getting here for Grandma and Grandpa Saccento wasn't so easy ... they had a flight cancellation, stayed up all night trying to figure out how to get here, made a last minute decision to book new tickets and fly on a different airline out of a different airport between east coast snowstorms, were delayed on their new flights by several hours, but finally arrived several hours after planned, but amazingly on the same day! Of course, things couldn't start to get easier for them then - their luggage didn't arrive for a couple of days ... but thankfully got here just in time for Christmas Eve (since there were presents in there!!). Whew - Mommy says that someday I will be able to appreciate all that they went through to be here with me for Christmas.

On the Tuesday before Christmas, I went to the Children's Discovery Museum with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa. I had an amazing time, but somehow everyone forgot their cameras. I thought it was a nice break, not having flashing lights in my eyes the whole time, but they seemed pretty upset about it.

We had Christmas Eve here at my house. While Daddy prepared, I spent the afternoon out with Grandpa. Daddy cooked for everyone (they say it was fabulous - I, on the other hand, enjoyed ravioli ahead of adult dinner time). My family open most of our presents on Christmas Eve. I received so many wonderful gifts ... and had so much fun opening this year. I wanted to play with each and every gift, but Mommy & Daddy tried to move me along because I had so many things to open. A few of my favorite new toys: Elmo Live, the Fisher Price Garage, and a play tent (oh, and check out my new keyboard ... I love my new lego train from SacEast ... and my Elmo's World DVDs - thank you EVERYONE)!

Christmas morning I was surprised to find even MORE presents. Santa brought me a wooden train set, along with a bunch of other train stuff. He really knows what I like!!!

We spent Christmas afternoon at Grammy & Poppy's house where my great-grandparents joined us. I spent some quality time with Elmo as well (as you can see below!).

Merry Christmas!!! We hope yours was full of fun, family, love, and laughter!

An early Christmas present

Since his ear was sticking out of the bag and it caught my eye, my mommy let me open my present from "Aunt" Deb early. Let me tell you, I couldn't have been more thrilled with my new bear.

Have a look and see some of my recent adventures with my new bear friend (yet to be named).

I feed him,

I kiss him,

I hug him,

We watch Elmo together,

I talk to him and teach him all that I know

I love my new friend very much - thanks "Aunt" Deb!!!

Our little big boy

Sometimes I look at Luke and I forget how little he was not that long ago.

Today, for old time's sake and since it was out, Luke tried out his old infant car seat. It made me realize what a big boy he is ... and how much he's grown.

Luke, on the other hand, decided that it was quite a nice seat for reclining ... and wondered why we don't leave it out in our family room full time.