Big Bear, Baby!

We headed to down to Big Bear, CA last weekend for our annual vacation with my family. It was a fun  activity filled couple of days. We all arrived late Thursday night, so things didn't really get started until Friday morning. We kicked things off with a quad lift ride up to the top of Snow Summit ski resort and a picnic on to of the mountain. It was so beautiful up there and we could not have asked for better weather! The cousins had a great time running around and exploring. 

After lunch, we divided up. The Quarders and the Malans rode the lift back to the bottom, while Grandma and Grandpa, Megan and Kylie and us hiked down. My stupid, arthritic knees lasted about about 200 yards down the hill before they were screaming in protest, not good when the trail is 1 1/2 miles long. So frustrating, and though I'm glad I did it, I have no interest in going through that again! Kylie and Jenna had to much fun, and Jenna was a champ! I was crazy impressed with how well my Dad did with his back injury and all. He even gave up his hiking poles about half way down so that I could use them. We were also joined by two random dogs who Kylie and Jenna fell head over heals for. They were much better at listening to Ky then they were Jenna, who spent the rest of the hike calling to them. It was really quite stunning up there and it was great to get a little time in nature. 

The kids put on a kazoo/noise maker parade with Grandma and Grandpa. (They were in heaven!)

 There was lots of Buzz Lightyear, giant cowboy hats, playing in cupboards, spinning wheels, and mud! All the very best stuff for kids of all ages. 

 There was dancing in the rain and huddling up in the sauna. There were too many kids in the tub and great family meals around the giant dining room table. 

 There was a ton of crafting; alphabet stickers on construction paper, tie dying shirts, bead & pipe cleaner jewelry, and sticker stories.  There was bocce ball, left, right, center, and an attempt at Settlers of Catan (which was a giant fail).

 I took family pictures of my brother, Scoot's family and my sister, Sara's family. I think I'm getting a little better. Still have a lot to learn, but I learn a little something else each time it seems like.  

 We had a fabulous talent show, spurred on by Ms. Kylie Mae and her excellent gymnastics. 

On the last day, Jenna got her second ever hair cut. Thanks again, Aunt Jen! 

 And then we all headed to the Big Bear Reserve/Zoo. Jenna loved seeing the big bad wolf and birds. 

 Then we headed to the park for a picnic, playing, and finally our good-byes. Yet another fun weekend. I am so grateful for the efforts my whole family goes through to get here and allow us all to get time together. So often if feels as though our time together is rushed when I am in town and these trips allow for much calmer time together. I think it is especially wonderful for the cousins to solidify relationships with both each other and with their aunts and uncles. Love you all and can't wait to do it all over again next year!