We spent the weekend in Grass Valley with Lucy’s grandparents. Lucy had been looking forward to the trip all week, especially our Saturday trek to Soda Springs where she’d be able to play in the snow.
Lucy got her first taste of snow last year. However, she wasn’t really prepared for that encounter. Her excitement dissipated quickly once she realized how cold and wet snow could be.
However, this year was very different. Lucy’s three now, a grizzled veteran compared to the two year old rookie we plopped into the snow last year. This time she had a much better idea of what to expect. We also planned things a bit better, making sure to bring along a snow sled for the kid.
In this video you’ll see us all having a great time in the snow. Lucy’s excitement can be quite infectious that way. Also, if you watch the whole video, you just might catch a special moment where Lucy and her Gpa cut the rug together. Fun stuff.
We spent Sept 16 – 21 in Oregon. Here’s a (16 minute HD) video of our time there, including a get-together with my brother and his family.
The majority of the video was taken around Corvallis. We didn’t really get any Portland footage this time, so we’ll have to address that the next time we go back.
Wheeling the “quad” around the kitchen…after this she opened every cupboard and drawer, took out pots and pans to play with, and measuring cups to sort.
She loves playing with the great variety of toys at their house, courtesy of her bigger cousin, especially the quad (above) and the drum. She wheeled all over the house and the yard, and serenaded us with drumming each morning.
At the park on the slide with Daddy; Gpa poses by the double helix ladder.
Lucy got to see her first riverbed up close…
and wade in the water.
She also got to touch a tiny toad…and a much bigger one.
Unfortunately my camera fell in the water just after this small toad, so the big toad will just have to wait for Mike’s fabulous video footage!
Thanks to Gma and Gpa for their generous hospitality and a wonderful weekend!
Lucy was excited about all these things in anticipation of the Obon fest this weekend…and it did not disappoint.
In the games area Lucy fished for ducks many times, and won two superballs and a pinwheel.
Next on the list: rainbow shave ice! what a delight! always reminds us of Hawaii…
She was really into the drums, dancing and bobbing to the beat, and in the kid’s area, even tried her hand at drumming. A future taiko drummer? who knows!
She also got a balloon animal, from this very creative and talented balloon animal crafter…
Last year we went to 2 Obons, once with Grandmommy and Gpa. Obon is all about family and remembering your loved ones and ancestors, so it was a perfect day to remember our love for Gmommy.
Our Miss Lucy definitely has her own style. She dresses herself (sometimes with a little help from Mommy or Daddy) and picks out what she is going to wear. Below are some recent examples of her bright, colorful, fun style.
She is well known (in family circles) for her hats, and other accessories like umbrellas, sunglasses, headbands, necklaces, purses and bags. And if her outfit has a pocket, it’s perfect for beach rocks or small toys.
Part of her signature style is wearing her boots on opposite feet, and often pairing different boots or socks. Sometimes she puts her dresses on backwards (easier to zip herself) or inside out…and invents new ways of wearing things.
We recently had a wonderful visit to the grandparents’ homestead. Lucy had loads of fun and loved her visit, and of course did not want to leave!
This trip Lucy got to see her first snow! We were lucky there were a few late snow storms this spring, so we got to play in some snow even though it was mid-April. Lucy also invented a new nickname for G’pa (she called him Poppa). We took lots of video, so Mike will get to editing that (once he has our terabytes of pics under control.)
Some highlights include:
the birthday party…it made quite an impression, Lucy is still singing the ‘happy birthday’ song around the house…
dancing with Gma and Gpa in the twilight…and jumping off rocks
seeing snow for the first time!
Daddy and Poppa (new nickname for Gpa) flinging snowballs
Making instant friends with some other kids…and watching them tube down the mountain (next year she will get to tube, promise!)
the après-snow ice cream…. and petting her first tiny kitten!
Thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality, Gma and Gpa (Poppa), we look forward to visiting again soon!
