Family Reunion at Lake Tahoe

We just got home from a week at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe with 30+ family members. Every summer my grandfather rents a house somewhere in CA, usually by the beach or Lake Tahoe and we all get together and hangout. This year one of my cousins got married 2 days after everyone arrived and most everyone only stayed 4 days. Sleeping in the same room as the kids was hard to get use to, for all of us, and it was a bit tricky at times to accommodate Emily's needs, but over all the week was great, and so was the weather too - warm but not hot, accept for the day of the wedding. I apologize for not having any family pics as when we were with them we were completely preoccupied with the kids so I will have to get a few from my aunts it include later! The kids experienced several firsts during the week, including their first boat ride;

Tucker's first snow cone and ice cream cone (which he insisted we put in his own cup)

and swim at a beach;

miniature golfing (we failed to convince Tucker that the game was to be repeated at each new whole not at the same one over and over and over);

playing with a puppy (I see a dog in our distant future!);

Tucker saw lots of chipmunks and squirls and got to see some horses too, though he would not pet them. Tucker now says "oh-no" and "yum-yum" and we think "Emmie" which brings his word count to about 10; he also started signing two words together such as "more please" - which I know is a big deal and we are very excited he is picking us sign language so quickly since he is not talking yet. Ooh, and he let other family members play and watch him while Evan and I took care of Emily, etc. which was a BIG deal for our very cautious and timid boy. We also went for walks in the woods and along the beach.

We visited with our friend Vince and his parents who happened to be vacationing in Tahoe the same week. We took a family photo all dressed up in old western wear, which turned out GREAT and is something I have wanted to do for a long time. And Evan got to go fly fishing with my uncle and cousin and has discovered a new love! It is good to be home though it won't be for long - Evan, Tucker and I are going beach camping next week!

Emily's new ball pit

For Emily's birthday we ordered a ball pit for the playroom. Emily has already mastered getting out of it and is working on getting in on her own - by crawling in on all fours! I think Tucker thinks it is all for himm though. What kid wouldn't want one of these in their own home! Thank you, thank you to the friends and family who contributed to its purchase!

brotherly love

Tucker and Emily do not interact a whole lot, apart from him bringing her a toy or her taking his blanket from him and annoying him greatly while she lays there and snickers - but this precious moment was caught on camera! (Tucker was talking to Emily and then trying to help her with her bottle. And Emily is saying "hi" by touching his face and hair.)