We went to Nonna and Grandpa's after Christmas, and the kids tried out their skis. This particular day was gorgeous in Big Cottowood Canyon with new fluffy snow.

Ange really took off this year, and we had to keep pace with him for a change.

Here comes trouble.

Christmas at Grammy Lynne and Grandpa Scott's in St. George! It started with a bang -- a treasure hunt with clues placed around the very lovely new house, then books at the end of the hunt. We had fun exploring the new digs, hanging with Auntie Em, taking walks in the sunshine among the red rock cliffs and the desert tortoise reserve, fishing in the fish pond, swimming in the pool, seeing a live nativity at Tuacahn, and . . . .

We made a gingerbread house in Mom's beautiful new kitchen and played with Brumby (Grumby or Gumby to Izzy).

Angelo tried out great-great-great-grandpa Soren Olsen's sword -- used in the Battle of Waterloo. We took this picture as part of his family history report for school.

We went to Zion National Park for lunch and a hike. It was so much more amazing than these pictures attest. . . .
breathtaking. I can't wait to go back in the summer.

Christmas Eve! Beautiful and delicious.

Auntie Em was game for any game the kids could dream up. :)

And they're off! Christmas morning did not disappoint.

Our first Thanksgiving outside! We're all fans.

Some pics from our fall trip to Santa Ynez. . . Picnic at Sanford. . .
Dinner at Trattoria Grappolo

We fed the ostriches -- much more agressive than they look here! -- in Buellton and visited Astraya in Los Olivos.