A Week of Fun

Grandma & Grandpa Boeck arrived last week for a visit. We had a great time! We bookend-ed their time with us with an adventure in San Fran and some time at Family Funworks (mini-golf) and a bike ride, and the rest of the time we relaxed at home and had fun watching the Olympics, reading books, enjoying chocolate malts, playing cards and avoiding the rain (we had a few moments of sun).

An overcast & cool day in San Fran: Alcatraz Island:

Walking part of the way on the windy & loud Golden Gate Bridge:

We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then walked Pier 39 and the Embarcadero, had some ice cream, toured a WWII submarine, jumped on a Cable car for a short ride (it was interrupted when the line had to stop for a downtown fire.)

Anika loved practicing her reading with Grandpa and Grandma:

Grandpa makes the best chocolate malts & shakes (yummy!):

Just hangin':

First Time Sledding

Let It Snow!

Wow! What a wonderful day! Anika had a day off of school yesterday so we borrowed some snow pants, boots and sleds (thanks, Jen!) and headed up to the mountains. We had so much fun. It took about 2 hours to get to Strawberry where we could just pull off to the side of the road and find a hill to sled down. It was a gorgeous 40+ degrees and we all got exhausted hauling ourselves and our sleds up the hill! Surprisingly, Anika & Kat were the daredevils on the sled while Drew preferred to throw snowballs. (Well, throwing the snowballs wasn't surprising but not being fond of sledding was!)

Suited up and ready to go:

All done and warming up:

The fearless return:

Hot Chocolate:

A few at the snow (captured from my Flip video):

Bullfrog & Butterflies

Here is a preview of the upcoming spring recital for Anika's class.

Anika can READ

Another fun first for the Wickers. Anika came home with an earlier reader book and much to her surprise (and Mom's) she read it all the way through. It is so fun to see her go through this process. And, of course, our little mimic Kathryn couldn't be outdone. She had to sit next to Anika for "reading time". (And she had to pose like her, too.)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

A Family Bike Ride

It was a BEAUTIFUL day in Northern CA, and a great day for our first family bike ride. Now that Andrew is very confident on his new two-wheeler, we hooked up the burley and off we went. The kids were amazing - no falls, quick recoveries from mistakes, followed directions, etc. I couldn't be prouder. Also, we are in a great area for biking, no hills and a great bike trail near by.

We had to stop and play at the park on the way back. Kathryn was ready to run!

Sorry this is so dark; I wish you could see the delight on her face as she jumps on the bridge.

My Monkeys:

While Mom's Away. . .

While I was enjoying myself in Chicago, the kids were enjoying themselves at home with Nene & Papa.

Andrew poses with Anika's new guitar (hung just like daddy's!)

Apparently the kids were taking pictures with the camera (I'm including this one for all my midwest relatives and friend:-) Come for a visit!!!)