Where's Gunnar?

(hint: lower left)

Levi wanted to get in on the fun (yes, Gunnar is still in there)...

More smiles!

Gunnar, the conductor

Note the engineer's hat and Thomas underwear...

The diaper box train = entertainment for hours.

Boys and their toys

Just how many wheels do they need?!!!

And how many neon signs does he need???

Post-vacation blahs

It was tough to return to our home so far away from the familiar after an awesome Christmas and incredible Disney trip.  So I've been capturing the boys' smiles to keep me smiling, and so far it's working!

The Happiest Place on Earth

After the holidays, we packed our bags and headed to Mickey's house for one of the best vacations we have ever taken.  A Rheutan family reunion... a 1/2 and full marathon... Erik, Catie, and Elizabeth earning Goofy status... Gunnar leading the congo line with Woody... Levi falling in love with Pooh... the list continues for miles (as do the photos, which will be ready to be shared soon!!).

Where's the snow?!?

It certainly was cold enough for a white Christmas (that's Gunnar under there!)...

 But this year it was about making sandcastles instead of snow angels.

At least the views never disappoint!!

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)!