Frolicking in the mountains

Yes, I'm still alive. Still in Tahoe.  And it's pretty wonderful out here. =)

The weather's been beautiful, a bit chilly but not bad at all.  We've gone down to a few different beaches, where D has had a blast building sand catles and tossing rocks intyo the water (and getting absolutely soaked but insisting on continuing to play even as he shivers from being cold).  We also struck kiddo-wonderland gold by choosing a house to rent that's next to 2 families who live here year-round who also have kids.  The next-door neighbors have a 7 year old daughter and 2 year old twin girls.  D hasn't interacted that much with the twins, but my niece, Ryan, has made instant best friends with the 7yo and spends several hours a day playing with her.  Their backyard is amazing-- they have a hammock, in-ground trampoline, two playhouses, a side deck with outdoor toys, a sand box, swings, etc. Amazing. Donovan spent most of yesterday afternoon jumping on the trampoline.  Then there's the family across the street, who have a 3yo girl and a 1yo boy, and sitting outside their home is a ride-on Flintstone-style push car, very similar to D's fire truck except this one has a DOOR that OPENS and CLOSES, and so D has also been talking nonstop about riding in "Tatum's car."  Thankfully, both families have been very friendly and open and don't seem to mind us intruding in their space.

I'm taking tons of pictures, and while I'm in no rush to leave here I'm also itching to get home, take our computer out of its box, get our internet set up, and get to working on (and sharing) all these pictures.  I rented a canon 24-70mm lens for the week, and while it's hard to tell from the small camera screen, so far the pictures are looking pretty amazing.  We have no business plunking down $1,300 for a lens anytime soon, but hey, a girl can dream, can't I? ; )

We drive back to The Real World tomorrow, where my mile-long to-do list will once again hang over my head as I attempt to finish setting up our house; find a midwife, OB, and pediatrician; join a playgroup or two to try to meet people; try to connect with baby-sitters (waited waaay too long to do that in SJ); and start researching pre-schools for D.  But for today, I think we'll head out to the beach, watch some futbol, and relax with family for just a wee bit longer.