Ski Pagosa

Dearest Colton and Jax,

You kids had been asking to return to the slopes ever since we pulled out of Pagosa last March.  The Haryckis were going for New Years so we knew that'd be the perfect opportunity to revisit our favorite cabin in the woods!

For this trip we decided to break up the driving by stopping in Sante Fe for the night.  Y'all were pumped to see your first bit of snow!

We mainly saw Sante Fe in the dark but it was obviously cool.

Our trendy hotel was set up so that you two had your own bedroom!

We woke up, ate breakfast, and finished the last few hours of our drive.

We went immediately to the rental shop and I thought you looked like such a teenager with your snowboard!

Back at the house, you kids played in the little snow that was on the ground.

Y'all played outside for quite a bit, the moms were fireside with books, and the dads were off on a snowmobiling adventure.  I'd say everyone was about as happy as could be!!

When it was time to call it a night, the checkerboard was a popular spot to be.

The next day was interesting.  The snow started coming down and the wind kept it blowing - somehow always right towards our faces!?  I managed to find you at ski school, Colt, and followed your group for a little while that morning.

Us adults were able to fit in a few runs together.

We tried to smile through lunch in hopes that you'd feed off our energy but you were both miserable when you came in : (

So we decided to only go up one more time before driving back to the cabin through the snow.

The Haryckis came over for fun and games that night (and why don't we have pictures from that?!?!) and we all decided to skip the slopes the next day.

Turns out, that was a smart decision because it snowed and snowed and kept snowing the entire time that we slept.

When we woke up, our porch looked like this!!!!

The Haryckis came over again for driveway sledding and snowball fights!

Michelle cooked us a yummy NYE meal but I don't think any of actually saw the clock strike midnight.

The 2 feet of snowfall made for the most perfect day of skiing the following day!

Jax, you returned to snowboard lessons that morning but quickly graduated and joined us on some blues!

We shared our favorite moments over a yummy dinner at Pagosa Brewing Company and then packed for the drive home.

We hit the road early the next morning and y'all are again wondering when we'll return.

December

Dearest Boys,

Everyone was in the Christmas spirit and December was filled with festivities.

The Facklers hosted everyone at their house and us ladies spent quality time together decorating that big tree behind us while Laura was busy serving up drinks.

While we found random items to use as decorations, you two stayed with Grandpa and Grandma and worked together to do some charitable giving.

You also made your annual gingerbread houses.  One stayed at Grandma's and one came home to ours.  I loved this added decoration in our kitchen!

The 5th grade projects continued and we spent one night at school at the Bridlewood Bazaar.  You made beanbags to sell.

We met up with Grandma for a visit to Bass Pro.  I never know which visit will be our last but I'll keep taking these pics as long as you keep smiling.

On one random day, I had these beautiful flowers delivered to school courtesy of your cute dad!  I typically don't like getting flowers as they seem like such a waste of money but these was a pleasant surprise since it happens so rarely!  His sweet card thanked me for being patient with him as he transitioned into a new job.  Take notes, boys - this was a smooth move!

We bundled up for the Grapevine scene to celebrate Brandie's birthday.

After seeing Prestonwood's spectacular program last year, we knew we wanted to show it off to others so went got extra tickets this year and took Grandpa and Grandma with us.  Other than the rude row behind us, the musical did not disappoint!

And, just like that, it was time for your last holiday party of elementary school.  Luckily, I was able to sneak away from school to spend just a few minutes enjoying it with you.

A few days later, the 5th graders were shown "the video".  Dad and Colt had plans that night so you and I went out to dinner together and had an interesting talk where I snuck this photo during one of your enlightened chats.

Soon after, Grandpa and Grandma arrived from Indiana to stay with us for a few days!

They treated us to see Trans Siberian Orchestra and it was a cool experience albeit a little long for an 8 and 10 year old.

And who better to help us with Santa's cookies than Grandma?!

Grandpa helped in his own special way too ; )

Christmas morning was so joyful that this is the only photo I took!

That night we kept with our domino tradition.

It was our turn to treat them so we had some authentic Texas BBQ before they returned home.

Tis the season for family and friends!