Fresh Snow in CA? Let’s Play!

Some folks think that California is just one big sun drenched beach, but that is not the case, especially lately, and my family took advantage of that. On a recent impromptu day trip to the mountains, we had a chance to play in the white fluffy stuff. Since we only seem to make it there about once or twice a year it’s always special, especially with a little one whose last memory of it was a whole year before.

1) Putting a nose on the snowman 2) Sledding with Mom 3) Measuring the snow wall

We met up with some cousins that are locals in Tahoe City, California. We only had about an hour or so to play, but with a borrowed sled, we hiked through the snow off the side of the road. Through dumb luck we found a run that someone had already made with twists and turns. My husband tried it out first to make sure it was okay for the little kids and then the fun began. Lilah went down at least 20 times and each time pulled the sled back up the hill on her own since both daddy and I were taking turns at the top (helping her on the sled) or bottom (helping her up). We even did a few runs with her. She caught air more than once, but always landed in the soft snow. Maybe I should have brought a helmet. Next Time! Whenever she complained of being “too tired” to pull the sled up the hill, we told her that if she wanted to play, SHE had to pull it. No pain, no gain is how I was raised! I guess the excitement overcame her exhaustion UNTIL she asked to go home. It was so much fun! Hopefully the snow will last a bit longer and we can do another quick trip.

1) Lilah and Daddy after a wipe out 2) Putting Lilah to work

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Eli Manning is a Daddy!

Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic

Giants quarterback Eli Manning, 30, welcomed a baby girl with wife Abby on Monday, March 21.

Baby girl Ava Frances wasn’t due until April but arrived early, weighing 7-pounds, 4-ounces. This is the couple’s first child.

The college sweethearts married in April 2008 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. According to the NY Post, the couple has expanded their home by adding a “baby wing” to accommodate their new family member. Congratulations to Eli and Abby!

You know this baby will be gorgeous. We think our Rabbitmoon “Geranium” capri jumpsuit would complement her beautifully this spring!

Rabbitmoon "Geranium" capri jumpsuit

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Squirmy Kids at the Dinner Table & Tips to Make it Stop

Whether you are a mom, dad, babysitter, relative or grandparent trying to feed your toddler at the table, it can be a challenge because kids at this age are very squirmy. Here are some creative tips to keep them happy at the dinner table and in their chair eating:

1. Be creative with toddler utensils. For example, give your kids a garlic press to puree some of their own dinner.
2. Let them play with a cookie cutter, whisk or lidded containers with food inside of them (this entertains them while you are at the table so you can get a quick bite in too!)
3. Keep a small stash of plastic toys ready that you can put onto the high chair tray as your child’s interest in the food begins to go downward.
4. Play farm animals – ask your toddler to pretend to be an animal who can “eat some of his or her meal.
5. Use plastic cars or trucks to drive up to the food (fill the truck, such as a dump truck, with food and “drive” it into a pile for him or her to eat.
6. Lastly, consider eating in your toddler’s favorite spot. If your child eats with you at the dinner table every night, why not switch it up and eat at his or her play area once in awhile or perhaps have a “special night” not in the high chair as a treat! 🙂

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