Happy Birthday, Pop-Pop!

We got to help Pop-Pop celebrate his birthday before they headed back east.  Mmm... cake!

The lake

After a tasty breakfast at our favorite spot on the mountain, Red Hut, we hiked down to the lake to take in the gorgeous scenery.

Gunnar tested the frosty waters...

Levi enjoyed it in his own way...

Gunnar on ice skates!

We took a trip to the north end of Tahoe to check out Northstar, a beautiful ski resort with an awesome ice skating rink.  Gunnar was so excited to skate for the first time, and he had a blast.

 Warming up by the fire pit with Grammy and a lollipop...

Christmas day festivities

We were able to keep Grammy and Pop-Pop's Christmas visit a surprise from the boys until they picked them up at the airport.  We were all excited to welcome them for our first west coast Christmas!  And just when I thought we were going to have to go through this holiday without Grammy's famous thumbprint cookies, she and Gunnar saved the day.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

And yes, there was an angel on top of our tree, but she kept falling off.  I guess Santa didn't mind, he was good to all of us!

 The unwrapping lasted a record 3 hours!
A garbage truck!  Legos!  Mr. Potato "Man" (as Gunnar calls him)... this was Erik's vintage Potato, fully accessorized with a pipe.  Thomas the train!  Hot Wheels!  Geotrax!

 And what to his wondering eyes did appear??? (peering through his new binoculars)

A brand new Gator!!!

Gunnar earned his license early on, but Levi still has a bit to learn.

And Nan, I didn't forget to make the stollen this year (but I did forget to take a picture before we dug in)!

Merry Christmas!

Goofing off

Erik's out of town this week, and so this is how we've been entertaining ourselves...

Gunnar had fun taking some pictures too...

Gingerbread cookies!

Grammy shared her secret recipe, and the boys went to town making eating gingerbread cookies frosting.  Yum!

 "Say cheese!"