First and Third Grade!

Wow, it's a strange thing to have two children in actual "grades." And three children who have backpacks and need snacks, lunches and paperwork signed most days of the week!

Good thing I have a new hip-high filing system!

These two knew exactly where to put their things as soon as they walked in the door yesterday after their first days of first and third grade!

 

As you can see, they were not very excited, and didn't have any fun at all! ;)

Cousin-Palooza Part 3: Arnold

These two crazy grandparents not only make a habit of opening their home to nine grandkids under the age of eight, but it seems they're trying to entice them to come even more often!  

 

 

They were putting the almost-finishing touches on the most adorable treehouse you've ever seen as the SUV brigade carrying our kids and the Stecher Six pulled into their driveway. All their hard work and special touches -- including a basket on a pulley, a fun balcony, and a huge chalkboard inside the house -- paid off, since the kids were entertained almost 24/7 by "their" new house.  

 

 

 

Of course, we did other things during our four days in Arnold this time, including some hectic meals, lots of pool time, board games, and play time in the "bunk bed room," but for now, the lasting memory is of the treehouse, and we can't wait to get back to enjoy it some more!

Cousin-Palooza Part 2: Twain Harte

Less than a week after leaving Twain Harte this year, a small earthquake or shifting of rock occurred at the lake, precipitating the closure and draining of this sweet lake that has been home to Cecchin family vacations going back almost 40 years.

It's a little bittersweet to add these pictures to the blog, not knowing what is in store for Twain Harte... and future extended Cecchin family vacations!

Luckily we soaked it all in: the perfectly shallow water, the diving platforms, the sandcastles, the slides, the snack shack, the ice cream, the mini-golf, and the time with cousins! We're hoping we can return again next year!

Cousin-Palooza Part 1: Tahoe

Our kids were super spoiled in July by almost two weeks of nonstop cousin (and honorary cousin) fun, split between Tahoe, Twain Harte and Arnold.

In Tahoe, we rented an adorable little cabin in Tahoma that was biking and walking distance to the Stecher crew's cabin, and just 5 minutes from the beach.

 

From Day 1, antics like this were pretty much the norm.

 

These "triplets" weren't the only crazy ones. Just about everyone in the group was up for a silly time at the beach, thanks to Uncle Matt's blue boat, and our Daddy's obsession with renting water toys, including a paddle board, a kayak, and jet skis!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We explored a deserted, rocky dog beach twice, garnering my favorite pictures from the trip!

 

 

 

 

We had plenty of fun on land, too, especially since three of our days there included thunderstorms!

 

 

The Millers joined us for three days, upping the girl quotient even more!

 

 

We went out to eat as a group, and celebrated the fact that we weren't flat-out turned away from the restaurant by treating our crazy crew to ice cream. I'm proud to say that despite the fact that we had 11 kids in the ice cream shop, it wasn't one of ours who puked all over the floor while we were there! 

 

From l-r, back row: Joey, Lorelai, Molly, Megan, Annie, Mary, Tessa, Bridget, Clara

front row: Lily and Luke 

 

After a night like that, game night -- including copious amounts of beer and peanuts -- was definitely in order!!

 

We braved two nights out with our own little monkeys after the Millers left, and enjoyed views of the lake at Jake's on the Lake and our favorite, the West Shore Café. At both places, other diners were actually charmed by our kiddos, and went out of their way to compliment us on their behavior.

I'm pretty sure the trick to this was being sure to completely tucker them out with water sports, and also allow Joey to sample dinner from everybody's plate, including his own.

 

 

 

The cousin-fest continued in Twain Harte the day after we left Tahoe, stay tuned for Part 2!