Our Nevada relations had kindly waited to open any of their Christmas presents until we arrived. So first thing out of the car, our children were rushed to the arms of their aunts, uncle, and grandparents and then let loose on a pile of gifts.
Our days at home were filled with the usual things: games, books, food, music, animals...
Grace is anxious to begin cello lessons. She has been asking for a little while. I keep reminding her that each kid can only have so many lessons/practices/games on the schedule. Once she is done with volleyball and swim we can look for a teacher. She was super excited to get a little intro from her cellist auntie Sara.
Dad got a new plane since the last time we were home. Cori and I got to go up one perfect afternoon. I like sitting in the back seat so I have space to spread out cameras and also so I can close my eyes from time to time. Being up in a little plane frightens me just a bit.
But I go every time because I can't get enough of this place. I love the lake and the valley. Pictured below, Dad banked a hard turn to give us a great aerial view of Emerald Bay.
We had our fancy Christmas dinner and music night a few nights after Christmas. Dad gave Mom a set of chimes to add to her hand bell collection. The kiddos learned a few songs to perform with her. Grace and Grant played piano. We all sang.
Aunt Sara and Uncle Kevin helped wrangle the littles as the night went along.
Papa Jeff got all the kids up on G.S.. I only got outside in time to snap a few photos of Grace. Gracie would get up every morning and go out every evening she could to help dad take care of the horses.
The barn has other things to keep this little boy happy!
It wouldn't be a proper gathering at Grammie and Papa's without a pizza night. Dad is getting really good with his outdoor oven.
Grace spent most of her free time in this very position with Friday. She was at the end of book number 2 by the end of our few days at home.
Before we headed up to Lake Tahoe for the rest of our trip, Sara and I paid a visit to her first cello teacher, Helen. Helen has been a musical fixture in our family life since we moved to Nevada in 1995. We gave a little concert, Sara on the cello, me on the piano, to Helen and her daughter.
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