Montecito 2011

For the third year in a row, Leila and I indulged in a jubilant celebration of winter at the Montecito Lodge in Sequoia National Park. We enjoyed our annual winter retreat with many of the "usual suspects" who make this trip so special. Even the Montecito staff remains largely unchanged. Night one kicked off with a raging bonfire and s'mores roasting extravaganza.
The adults (and some of the older kids) enjoyed a bit of archery, which has "targeted" itself as Montecito tradition.
While some skated on the lake, Leila trudged through the snow in hot pursuit of Jack Dutton, ("Mommy, I love Jack Dutton. He's nice. He's pretty." Should I be worried?)
Cuddling up to watch the skaters...
I got out for a hike up to Big Baldy, which delighted us with this spectacular view. Though much of the trail was covered in crunchy snow or ice, the 360 view was more than worth the 100 near ice slides.
The kids got into some "extreme gingerbreading," thanks to Katia.
So proud of her gingerbread creation...
Cozying up at the lodge for a mid-day read...
Posing with the Montecito bears.
The crew (most of them): heading out for a hike around the beautiful frozen lake.
Leila and Jack...
Not sure if you can see it, but there is one lonely duck braving the cold water (the wee bit that's not frozen over) behind Leila. Bbbuurrrr....
What a grand trip!! Already looking forward to next year's visit to Montecito!

Getting Ready for Christmas

Leila loved hunting for our perfect Christmas tree. We walked down every aisle of trees and landed on this one.
She was an exceptional tree trimmer, and with great care, she found homes for many, many bulbs on the boughs of our tree.
Ta-da... (so proud of her work!!)
And, just today (about a week after we got our tree), we got a new Christmas dress. Of course, she had to try it on. And of course, I had to take a few pictures...
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And a few weeks ago, Leila received her first professional haircut. She was very excited about the big-girl event, and remained perfectly still and focused throughout. The stylist cut layers into her hair and it looks super cute.