Merry Christmas One and All

Santa's in the Sandwich Islands as I write, making his way to our eager home. May your morning be filled with tidings and good cheer, presents and treats, happiness and surprise, and may your sweaters always match.

Merry Christmas 2010!

Day on the Slopes

Beaver Creek, Avon, Colorado, December 16, 2010: Snowshoe Adventures at 10,000+ feet.

We even got to take the lift

Ben thanks our fathers for supplementing his wardrobe: shirt and neck warmer courtesy of Don and ski pants thanks to J. ;-) It pays to know outdoorsmen in your size, huh?

Warming yurt -- a welcome place to kick the snow out of your shoes.

Today, we reluctantly descend and leave our beloved Westin Beaver Creek, which was lovely, overpriced, and wonderfully comfortable. The good news: we may see some prairie dogs at lower elevations!

This side of the Continental Divide

We've just finished Western Family Nacho Night, after a long soak in the saline infinity hot tub out in the snow. And wow, it sure feels like vacation!

I owe all of you an apology, because it's difficult to describe how pleasant and wonderful our time has been without sounding like I'm a braggart or like I'm insensitive to those who don't have the privilege that we are blessed to find ourselves with now. That said, THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!

Tomorrow: braving the elements for a snowshoe venture, which will involve three chair lift exchanges and trail mix. Don't be too jealous (Matt, that mostly means you. Luke would LOVE wearing a Northface dog-jacket in Beaver Creek).

Destination: Vacation

It's lightly snowing in Beaver Creek, Colorado this morning, and your daring adventurers are off for some alpine trekking. Photos and details to come. Vacation: it's the best!