Winter Break Fun
Wondering what everybody was up to this Winter Break? Starting to plan next year’s vacation early? Read on to hear how a sampling of Village families spent their two weeks of holiday.
Family of First Grade Firecrackers Mia and Matilda
We went to Yosemite between Christmas and New Year’s. It was a Winter Wonderland and we shared wonderful family time. I found a letter from Matilda that I think summarizes the trip perfectly:
“I went to the snow. I loved the snow. I went sledding and I did a little snowball fight. I went ice skating. I went to a restaurant. It was the best trip I ever went to. I hope we can go there again. P.S. Love Matilda.”
Family of First Grade Firecracker Zara and Cute Cupcake Lilah
This was an incredibly special winter break for our family. We spent the entirety of it — 17 full days — in Tahoe playing in the snow, skiing, sledding, building fires, drinking hot chocolate, and completing one giant puzzle. We spent time together as a family of four, but also had many friends and family from all over the country visit us to celebrate Christmas, 8 full days of Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. And we made it home — just barely due to a crazy snowstorm — in time for the first day back to school. Now that both girls can ski, we are looking forward to many more weekend adventures in mountains!
Family of Dancing Bird Kai
During Winter Break, we took a roadtrip to Southern California. Our first stop, San Luis Obispo, we stayed in Avila Beach, a quiet beach town nestled in a small cove. At low tide, we took torches and explored caves located at a nearby beach. Pirates Cove provided the perfect backdrop for silhouette photography. We reached 10,000 steps walking bluff trails in Montana De Oro state park with 360 degrees of stunning coastline scenery. On route to Anaheim, we made a pit stop in Pismo Beach, had fun splashing in the water, and treasure hunted for shells and pebbles. Our final destination was Anaheim, where the magic of Disney awaited. It was wonderful and amazing to experience Disneyland and California Adventure through the eyes of Kai. Being a huge Star Wars fan, Kai was super excited to ride Space Mountain, and meet Darth Vader and Chewbacca. I am looking forward to planning our first road trip of 2017.
Family of Rockin’ Redwood Naomi and Cute Cupcake Naol
We went to Lake Tahoe and Reno, CA. In Lake Tahoe we stayed at a hotel for three days and two nights. We had fun skiing and tubing. We made snowmen and snow angels and did snowball throwing too. At Reno, we went to Circus Circus Casino. Naomi played a game called Wheel Spinner, won the monster jackpot, and got a huge prize! That was the most exciting moment for her and for her brother as well.
Family of Rockin’ Redwood Gigi and Future Villager Aidan
We had a wonderfully low key Christmas at home with just our immediate family. It was great to spend lots of time playing with the kids and to have some true down time. We followed that with a road trip to the L.A. area where my youngest sister got married. Gigi was both happy and slightly nervous to be a flower girl, but she did great! Aidan was not as happy to get into a tux to be a ring bearer. He walked down the aisle during rehearsal but then declined to participate at the ceremony (he looked cute for the photos though). It was a joyous celebration and a very full week-long trip. We reconnected with family (including a few folks I hadn’t seen for 20 years who had never met John or the kids), saw old friends, made new ones, dealt with illnesses, and ate lots of large, amazing meals. We ended with a New Year’s Eve party on The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner from the 1930s, while the kids watched fireworks from the hotel with Grandma, Papa, and some of the most fun aunties anyone could hope for.
Family of Fearless Falcon Christian and Generous Jaguar Kylie
In our family we celebrate Christmas by going on a trip somewhere instead of giving our kids gifts. We feel that our kids get so many gifts from family and friends that a trip to a special place would be a more memorable gift from us. This year we took a trip to Disneyland. It was amazing how many people came to visit Disneyland this year. Although it was a little crowded, it was amazing to see how beautiful Disneyland was decorated with sparkling lights, festive Christmas decorations, and magical falling snow. Christian is a Star Wars fan and loved the updated Star Tours ride. Kylie had fun in the famous Haunted House, which was decorated with the unique “Nightmare Before Christmas” movie theme. My favorite ride was “It’s a Small World,” which was covered with glistening Christmas lights and scenes of Christmas from all around the world. Lastly, my husband’s favorite part of Disneyland was it’s yummy cuisine and he found the barbecue extra tasty. It was truly a fun and magical holiday.
Family of Generous Jaguar Macy
Tom, Nan, Jake and Macy went sledding at Bear Valley and visited Columbia State Park.