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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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

The weekend was coming up and my friend’s son was so excited to go to their cabin in Lake Tahoe. He told his teacher,

My (Daddy) is going to show me how to make yellow snow!”

–Austin, age 3

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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Helmets and Kids Skiing

Not sure if you are reading this blog item and you are from New York or the east coast, but there have been major blizzards there the past two days. I barely made it back to California for my friend’s birthday in Lake Tahoe. On the way to California, I was re-routed to Utah – a beautiful state with unbelievable snow. My boyfriend’s niece was geared up and ready to go skiing. This morning as I was bidding farewell, I got to watch her try on her K1 skis and get fitted for her helmet. What I found interesting is that she wanted to pick her helmet before trying on her skis! I think it is fantastic that she learning ski safety at age 3, and she even remembered from last winter ski season the importance of helmets from when she first learned to ski at age 2 (see picture). It’s all about safety!

Head injuries are one of the biggest contributing factors toward deaths in the snow, so it’s vital you teach your children early about the importance of wearing a helmet.

Purchasing a helmet for your kids when they ski is one of the first important steps before going to the snow and learning to ski.

What to consider:

• Does the helmet come with a certified safety standard? Check for a label of certification.
• Is it made for skiing? Don’t opt for letting your child wear their bike helmet instead just to save money.
• Ensure that the helmet fits your child’s head correctly. If it doesn’t fit, there it completely defeats the purpose of having it in the first place.
• It is recommended that you purchase brand new, as most helmets need to be replaced if they have been involved in an impact.
• Check if it has a UV rating and protect your little one’s eyes.

How to know if it fits
When looking at kids ski helmets refer to a sizing chart to assist you. Most helmets are measured in centimeters.

Steps:

1. Measure the circumference of your head (just above the eyebrows) for the most accurate measurement.
2. When a helmet is on and secured under your child’s chin, you should only be able to fit one finger between the strap and the chin
3. When secure you should be able to place 2 fingers above the eyebrow as a measure before you hit the front top of the helmet
4. Check to make sure the back of the helmet doesn’t touch the nape of the neckline.
5. Ensure ear pads are covering the ears
6. If you tilt your child’s head backwards the helmet should not move

NOTE: If you are wearing goggles, it’s important to fit your helmet with these on as they do impact on the weight and fitting of the helmet.

ALL IN ALL? Kids ski helmets are no longer considered “not cool” or “dorky” – they are cool and a fun new accessory to purchase during the winter season or a great holiday vacation!

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Baby’s First Snow

Get me outta here! (Paulo is wearing a warm and fuzzy le•top faux leather hat from the 2009 Air Show collection.)

Since it’s been raining a lot in the Bay Area, that means it’s snowing in buckets at Lake Tahoe. To get out of the wet weather, my husband and I packed up the kids and our snow gear and headed out to have some winter fun… WHEE!

This was our son’s first time in the snow. I’m guessing he’s not a fan. I’m sure when he’s older he’ll figure out how much fun snow is. His big sister already said that she’s going to teach him how to build a snowman and make snow angels. But I have a feeling this little guy will enjoy making snowballs and hurling them at us.

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Ice Skating: Fun times or Forget it!

Paulo (wearing A Dog's Life polar fleece from le•top's 2009 Fall/Winter Collection) isn't a fan of ice skating.

Ice skaters make it look so easy! Watching them glide across the ice makes me want to try the sport and dream of dancing and swaying gracefully on the ice, looking like a beautiful ballerina. STOP! One can dream, right? Well, I’m not too bad. Wobbly, yes. But I can skate a lap or two.

Miranda wants to glide as well. This is her 2nd time on the ice. The first time was when she was 3-years old. We went to Lake Tahoe and gave it a go. It was such a horrible experience for her. She slipped and fell so many times and vowed never to ice skate again! Well, that was then. This time was more pleasurable. She took a stack of buckets, held on, then push… push… PUSHED herself across the ice. Of course, she slipped and fell more than once, but she picked herself back up and tried again—until she made one lap around. Success!

Now she wants to skate again tomorrow. We can’t. You have ballet. Then we can skate the day after that! No, you have swim class. How about the next day? (I’ve run out of excuses.) We’ll see.

Miranda is wearing a Pink Leopard Faux Fur jacket from the 2008 Winter Collection.

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The Treehouse

Located in South Lake Tahoe and Truckee

I went to South Lake Tahoe with my family for the weekend to enjoy some fun in the snow before the arrival of our next baby. Before we left, I decided to go on Le Top’s store locator just to see if there was a le•top retailer in town. I was delighted to have found a children’s store called “The Treehouse.” I didn’t really know if I would be able to visit the store since I was there with three other families (yes, three), but I’m so glad I found time! While the kids were playing at the cabin with the dads watching over them, my sister-in-law and I were able to escape to do some shopping.

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