The Wallaces: Adventures with Andrew and Austin: New Year's Eve in Idyllwild

Kyle often has SO many ideas of things that he wants to do on his days off that it is hard to pick just one. But on New Year's Eve day, while Andrew was taking his morning nap, he decided that we had to take Andrew up to Idyllwild to see the fresh snow that fell a couple days prior. So after Andrew woke up, we packed the beast (a.k.a. Kyle's truck), packed enough warm clothes for Andrew, and tons of snacks. We were Idyllwild bound! The drive up was great. Andrew sat in the back and talked and talked and talked and talked! He is very fond of his vocal abilities and likes to make lots of new sounds and words. He certainly kept himself entertained.

When we arrived to Idyllwild, the place was bustling! We have been several times before but never filled to this capacity. It was like Disneyland, you had to wait just to get in. If you haven't been to Idyllwild before, you must. The city has a population of about 3,500 people and is so adorably quaint and cute. We love to go up there every year, especially during the winter season with the snow. So in Wallace tradition, we had to take our little man to get his first taste and feel of the snow. After a pair of long johns, long sleeved shirt, sweat shirt, and a snow jacket, Andrew looked like the kid from "A Christmas Story," you know, the kid who could barely walk down the street because the padding of his clothing prevented him from walking. That was Andrew! He looked ADORABLE!!

Kyle found us the perfect spot, an empty parking lot of a very snow-filled school yard. At first, Andrew didn't care for the cold or the snow. He certainly didn't seem to be interested. But once Kyle decided to throw a little snow ball at our little marshmallow man, the games were on! Andrew came to life and was beside himself. While he couldn't pick up the snow because of his mittens, he loved trying to grab it and enjoyed watching Kyle be silly. Andrew was all smiles and giggles. I went crazy taking pictures because every moment was so perfect.

You want to have a snowball fight?

It was absolute gorgeous day!

After we played in the snow, we walked into the town and if you know Kyle, you know that finding a coffee shop is the first item on the day's agenda. Apparently, it was everyone else's idea too. The line was out the door and people were jammed into this pint sized place like sardines. Again, if you know Kyle, you also know that he doesn't do well with waiting in lines. So the coffee idea...OUT! Instead, we enjoyed walking throughout the town and checking out the shops. Andrew sure caught the attention of all the ladies in town and man, he knows how to work it! The kid has game I tell you! It's like he woos them in and then once he has their attention, he tilts his head and gives them this look of "how you doin'?" It's frightening to know that my toddler knows so much on how to impress the ladies. Geez!

After walking around town, Kyle couldn't take it anymore and decided to give the coffee house one last try. The line was still just as long but at this point, he was cold and wanted caffeine. So he waited in line. Meanwhile, Andrew and I shared some snacks on the front porch of the coffee shop. I would say a good 30 minutes went by before Kyle emerged from the coffee shop. Thankfully, the coffee was delicious so no complaints. The wait was worth it! On our way back to the truck, I noticed this wooden fence that was so "outdoorsy" and lined this field of trees. It was too picture perfect to pass up so in full blown paparazzi mode, I had Andrew stand in front so that I could snap a few pics. And wouldn't you know it? They turned out to be the best pics of the day. I just love this little boy more than words can say!