Snow Days

We rented a cabin with our friends, the Panzicas, in Big Bear over the President's weekend.  We had the trip planned for quite a while and were convinced that it was going to be a snow-less weekend for how dry the season has been this year.  But... lucky us... a quick storm came through earlier in the week leaving us just enough snow to have some fun!

Friday afternoon... First stop:  The Sled Park.

 Grace and Panzica kids.  Ryan and Olivia are in class together.  Charlie Grace is in kindergarten.  And twins, Ben and Charlie Panzica are almost 3.  Charlie loves having another Charlie around.  Can you tell?  Haha.

 Sister Love.

(Sometimes.)

 The snow park wouldn't let me in with my knee brace on so my friend Jessica and I stayed outside the "gates" and watched the fun.  We laughed at having to feed one of the twins through the fence like a zoo animal...lol!  Anything for nachos and chili I suppose!!

 Awwe... daredevil Char Bear Panzica couldn't get enough of the sled runs!  Unfortunately, the poor little guy ended up getting sick and had some runs that weren't so fun!  Oo gross... I know... but I couldn't help the pun! LOL!

Back at the house, the kids realized that we had our very own fort in the backyard.  They loved it!

"Party of 14 please!"

Another family that we are close to were up on the hill too.  We met them at the sled park and then met later for dinner.  6 adults and 8 kids makes a pretty crazy dinner!  Good thing for the pitchers of margaritas for the grown ups!

 Ava is sandwiched by the Charlies!

 Ryan helps Ben pick something from the menu.  She is going to be a great babysitter some day!

This picture oddly reminds me of my many childhood trips to Big Bear.  My parents used to let me bring friends and this restaurant, La Montana, was one of our favorites even back then!

 EARLY Saturday morning playtime!

Snow play sure works up an appetite!

Another round of sledding.  This time we went over to our friend's house where they created an awesome sled run right off the back of the house.  I loved it because the mommies were OFF duty and the daddies had it covered!

 The hardest part about sledding is the hike back up the hill, huh Charlie?

Sledding time = Mommy time = Relaxing time

Oh okay, I guess we'll give the guys a break too I suppose!

Saturday Night back at the homestead.  The Panzicas had to pack up early because poor Char Bear was not getting any better.  He was a pretty sick little guy. 

 Daddy taught the girls how to play pool.

And the Stevens' family came over for pizza and R&R.

If you know the Graces even just a little bit, you know that as soon as Sunday morning rolled around, it was time to head out!  No looking back.  No time for pictures.  No time for anything.  

I wish I could say we'll get up there again this season but somehow with school, soccer, and softball, trips like these seem to get fewer and further between!  Bummer.