Snowy Vail

Matt's company had a two night overnighter at a hotel in Vail that we could actually bring the whole family to in December.  We had a lot of fun swimming and exploring and the kids loved staying at the hotel.  That is always an adventure.

 I think this is the first time we have ever taken the kids ice skating.  Gideon liked it, Eden loved it, Larke hated it and Rush was indifferent.  We had a hard time getting Eden to leave, she has asked to go ice skating again since then.  I think her and Matt will have to have a Daddy/Daughter date for her birthday.

 On the first evening they had S'mores and Hot Chocolate which we didn't get to enjoy as much because Larke wasn't feeling very well and by that time was very tired.  On the second evening they had a Magician and Face Painter that the kids all loved and they thoroughly enjoyed the party and playing with the other children.  The Magician was very fun and Gideon has had a small obsession since then with learning to do magic.  He has put on 2 shows for us at home.  We'll see if his interest lasts at all.

 Rushmore playing Peek-A-Boo in the closet.

 The view from the balcony was nice.  We only wished that there had been more snow.  We had been hoping to go sledding and play in the snow a lot.  But Snowy Vail was really lacking in the white stuff.  Oh well, we still had a great time.  Sunday we went to church at a small Branch that was half English and half Spanish speaking.  They had earphones for everyone and an interpreter no matter what language was being spoken.  It was a cool experience.

 After Church we went on a Gondola Ride to the top of the mountain and watched the skiers and snowboarders go down the slopes.  The kids thought that was pretty awesome until the gondola stalled on the way down.  Then they got scared that we were going to be stuck for forever.  So Matt tried to make light of the situation and told them that he would climb on top of the car and bite the cable in half and then we would just slide down the hill the rest of the way.  The kids were then not sure which of those 2 options was more scary.  Matt and I were enjoying teasing them a little bit until the gondola got going again and we were saved from either scenario, Thank Goodness.

After that we drove the beautiful drive between Vail and home and marveled at God's creations.  Really only 2 things missing from the trip.  Perfect health for Larke and some snow to revel in.  Still a great time.