a visit from Courtney & James

Auntie Courtney.

A most fantastic omlet...Mmmm.

Adorable newlyweds...and some gorgeous wintery foliage.

Sweet little lady.

Three chickas.

a strange tradition

Charlotte has decided it is fun to bring the snowman into the house.

We informed her it would melt, but that sounded especially

brilliant to her. Now, each time we're out in the snow, even

if we don't build a snowman, she requests to bring some in

and put it on a plate. Three cheers for cheap entertainment!

the ben tyler trail

We definitely need to come back and visit this trail Spring, Summer, & Fall as well. It offers gorgeous views on the small portion that we were able to hike with our 2 1/2-year-old! The trail is named after a guy who operated a lumber mill in the area during the gold rush days. Perhaps after hauling all that lumber over the ridge, he deserved it. Here is one serious hiker:

...some of the scenery...

...and two of my favs.

She's still smiling. Good. There is so much to explore out here!

winter 'greenery'

the tree hunt

We had the exciting new family adventure this year of hiking up into Pickle Gulch to find our own Griswold Christmas tree! Funny I don't have a picture of the actual tree we got! Once we carried it down to the car, we noticed how scraggly and thin it really was. (Realizing that it was more of a Charlie Brown tree than a Griswold tree, I think we were too embarrassed to snap a photo.) Yet now as it stands sparse and beautiful in our living room, we gaze at it with affection and pride, for we worked/played so hard to get it. We LOVE it!