For the third year in a row, we made our way to the state of Colorado to enjoy a change of scenery.
Last year, we flew into Denver and drove the 4 hours to South Fork, CO. This year, we were staying in Pagosa Springs, so we decided to take the additional flight to Durango and save ourselves a 5 hour drive. (As you will read later, that was a poor plan.)
The first thing that A and the girls did was go dog-sledding. There was one problem, though: the area had an unusually low amount of snow. With no snow to sled upon, the alternative was to let the dogs pull a wheeled-vehicle. Here are some photos.
The rest of us drove up to our ski spot (Wolf Creek Ski Area) to check out the pass. There was very little snow to enjoy, so we turned around back home and started thinking about other things we might do (like hiking). Thankfully, the very next day (Sunday) the pass got 8 inches of snow, so we were able to go skiing as planned.
A and I alternated skiing and watching the girls. A did a really great job of planning activities for them. The weather at the lodge was also quite mild (30's and 40's) so we were able to go outside with them a lot.
We really enjoyed staying with A's sister's family!
Their girls were very sweet with their cousins, despite the 6- and 8-year age differences. The youngest, (R) started snowboard lessons on Wednesday and was doing double-black diamond slopes by Friday. Watching her follow instructors off a cliff was amazing. What an amazing kid!
There was some concern about A being able to ski due to her expecting mini-Dailey numero tres, but she did fine!
One afternoon the oldest (L) very nicely offered to watch the girls so A and I could ski together for the afternoon.
Post-skiing, we were able to enjoy a really nice outdoor hot tub!
After stopping in Durango for the morning, we started our journey back home on Monday the 23rd. Unfortunately, the airlines had other plans. In Durango, the aircraft had mechanical problems, so we missed the last flight from Denver to Nashville. We spent the night in Denver but all direct flights to Nashville were booked, so we were routed through Houston. That flight also experienced mechanical delays, yet again missing the last flight to Nashville. After spending yet another night, we were finally able to be home on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Spending three days in airports with a 2 year old and a 5 year old is not recommended.
After a friend picked us up at the airport and took us home (thanks, K!) we were re-united with Wilbur, the chickens, and our own couch. Never have I been so happy to be home!