Oh yeah...Christmas!

Even with the lure of the snow, the kids were still itching for Christmas!

The kids had marked a tree out behind the cabin in November, so our Christmas tree hunt was no hunt at all. It took Kent minutes to chop down our Christmas tree and drag it up the hill. We had fun decorating it with homemade ornaments and colorful lights.
We went to Christmas Eve services at the local church and the kids opened gifts that they got for each other that evening. We saved the rest for Christmas morning and the kids had great attitudes even with their anticipation. Ah, we have great kids!
Of course we didn't forget cookies and milk for Santa! Only once did the kids express concern as to how Santa would come down a chimney that was truly a wood burning stove. We remembered the magic key and even laughed that maybe Santa would use the basement instead. It was a clear night so the kids put out carrots for eight reindeer--seeing that Roudolf would not be necessary on such a beautiful night. Both kids also proudly put out reindeer food that they made a school as well. The magic of Santa is (still) alive and well for the Kern kids!
Christmas morning Karly was pleased to open a present that included a dress for her American Girl doll Kit, and then a matching dress for her as well--thanks be to Grammy's sewing skills.
Among the legos and the stocking fun, Kyle was pleased to find a box filled with Chargers this and thats!

The Play!

Now for the sledding, the snowmen and the nerf tag wars! We just can't get enough!!

The neighbors yard made for a great sledding run with a short walk back uphill. Kent helped build a jump for the kids mid-run and sank all too close into the snow for the perfect shots!


Karly's snowman was a hit, though he lasted only a day. Gilligan ate his nose the next day and he fell victim to head trauma via one of Mommy's snowballs meant for snowball extreeme sports star, Kyle.
Kyle received a nerf tag set for Christmas. Kent set out right away to build the perfect forts, window included to station their fire exchange from within. The neon darts showed great in the snow making for easy ammo runs. The boys were boys--be they 7 or pushing 40. Game on!

The calm!

Ah...the peaceful moments! Simple, fresh, pure!

Catching snowflakes! Yummy!
Kyle wanted to know if snow flakes, really looked like the snowflakes they make at school.
Gilligan wouldn't miss a moment of being outside. He's a sledding maniac! Literally chews apart sleds and/or rides them if you let him. Go out without him and he whines like a baby at the door!
Karly just loved being out in the snow. We'd find her out and about eating snow and singing songs all by herself--and as pleased as can be.

Let it snow!

Here's the first of our pictures from our Christmas at Lake Almanor. Over a week, we enjoyed a beautiful view which spoiled us with the joys of this winter wonderland!
Before the storms...

During the storms...

After...

VERY COOL!

Vikings Country!

After months of anticipation, Kent's 40th birthday trip to the see the Vikings play Monday Night Football in the Metrodome was indeed a trip of a lifetime! While the temperatures were quite frigid compared to what we are used to her in Cali--we really were rarely uncomfortable. A good coat, scarf and gloves were all you need. It was actually refreshing and with the Christmas spirit everywhere--it was seasonably fun! Minneapolis had all the charm we could have hoped for. We fell in love the with the city, downtown in particular, and were intrigued by a culture that functions so well amidst the cold. The city is beautiful and has a cozy feel which was accented this time of year by the twinkle of the Christmas decorations and evening Holidazzle parade. Our hotel was an ideal pick. Downtown near the IDS center, where skyways are a key transportation system, by foot. Dozens of buildings connected via skyways which by the end of our four day get-away we had learned to navigate quite well.
Instead of walking blocks outdoors to get to dinner, stores, or light rail--one merely needed to join the quick footed minnesotans and walk the right direction. The light rail system was awesome! We were able to take light rail everywhere as it connects all the way from downtown to the Mall of America, with the airport and Metrodome in-between. The cost? $.50 to $2.50 at peak hours. Much cheaper than a taxi!

The Mall of America was a fun trip, not too crazy considering it was a week before Christmas. Kent and I kept a slow pace and just took it all in. A special surprise for Kent was seeing Carl Eller, a purple people eater (Vikings player) from his childhood days.

Of course the focal point for this whole trip was to fufill a life dream.
Kent did indeed wear his Vikings braids and experience the energy of the Metrodome crowd. We met fabulous people and enjoyed an intense game with it's ups and downs. Actually it was more like downs, and then ups. (The Vikes were not at their best for the first half.) The Moday Night experience could not be beat, and the rivalry between the Vikings and Bears was much more intense than we had anticipated.

There were Bears fans about, Kent even sat next to a Bears fan--a nice one, and everyone was pumped! It was a great game and I will not soon forget the blow of the Viking horns or the first down celebrations!

Though we are a bit exhausted going into the Christmas week, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE WE HAD! I believe with my whole heart that taking a crazy quick trip, to do something one loves, is worth it!

Checking Out

Roseville has a new library and Kyle's class was among the first to check it out via field trip. With all the bells and whistles, this library is the real deal. Kyle was happy to find the kids sports section! Mama was sure to check out a few token books for Karly.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

A beautiful Bay Area day made for the perfect setting for Kyle's first pro football experience--the 49ers vs. the Minnesota Vikings. You know you have perfect weather when you can see the Golden Gate from the Bay bridge. The boys enjoyed great seats, mid-field and right behind the Vikings bench. They were surprised by the number of Vikings fans there--they were not alone. The Vikings stomped the 49ers and the overall experience was one to remember!


While the boys were at their game, Karly and I headed to the theater for a girls day out! "Enchanted" was a darling film and Karly just beamed throughout the story--of course Mommy enjoyed the predictable love story "happily ever after" ending as well!