Last Day on the Slopes

Thursday was our last day on the mountain.  Bummer!  We awoke to overcast skies...

and by the time we made it to the top, it was snowing pretty heavily!

We had to scratch the original plan of having professional photos taken, but these worked just fine.

We could hardly see down the mountain--thank goodness everyone was in bright colors!

Check it out!  Even Cami got in the group photo this year!

The snow capped trees were so beautiful...

but it was much colder than any other day there.

We visited the little birds once more...

and then spent the afternoon on the far right side of the mountain.

I was so proud of our little ski team.  In the far distance, you can see the Rendevous warming hut.  We skied this run a couple of times and they just got better every time!

By late afternoon, we were on our final run of the trip.  Tired ski peeps right here.

Mom and I went to pick up some chips and guacamole at Slopeside to go with our chicken tacos that evening.  Everyone was exhausted, but in the best kind of way.

We packed up and were on the road back to Murphy the next morning. 
Another fantastic ski trip is in the books.  We love Steamboat.

Winona's, Mountain Coaster, Tubing and Dinner at Saddleback Ranch

 Wednesday was our non-ski day and was honestly one of my very favorites.  I enjoying skiing as much as anyone, but it's also really nice to see what else the mountains have to offer.

We spotted a hot air balloon from our balcony that morning.  Great way to start the day!

Everyone got ready early...

and we got on the shuttle to downtown Steamboat.

Winona's for the win!  We simply love this place. Best breakfast in town.

We walked in and out of all sorts of cute shops, then the kids took turns "riding" this horse.

When we got back to the base of the mountain, we saw this new structure.  No wonder they call Steamboat, Ski Town USA.  Home of 89 Olympians!

It was such a warm day...no snow was on the concrete at all.

That didn't matter to us.  Our mission was to ride the Mountain Coaster!

It was an 8 minute ride to the top, followed by a very speedy descent to the bottom! 

SO MUCH FUN!

The kids loved it so much that they begged to go a second time.  We switched riders and went zooming down once again.

Pure greatness!

A few hours later, our adventures continuing at Saddleback Ranch. 
Time to do some serious tubing.

Two of the most enthusiastic tubers in town!

This place was gorgeous!  Look at this majestic view!

Everyone had a ball...

from the youngest...

to the oldest!

Life is more fun with this little kid:)

After about an hour, the adults took a break...

and watched the action from the this scenic vantage point.

Cheers to Spring Break!

Our amazing day still wasn't over, though.  After tubing, it was time to take a sleigh ride to dinner.

So very cool!

We all enjoyed the half hour ride up to the lodge of Saddleback Ranch.

It was like something out of a movie!

Lila and I couldn't get over the beauty of this place.

As we rounded the bend, the lodge came into view.

They were serving hot chocolate and hot apple cider inside!  We ate a delicious meal and then a cowboy gave roping lessons to the kids.  Madison was the only one in our group who was brave enough to try it.  She did so good, though! 

After the roping lessons were over, they turned the music on and the lights down.  This little lady got the first dance with her daddy.

And these silly cousins tore up the dance floor! 
It was a day filled with memories that I know will last for many years to come.

Terrific Tuesday

We awoke to yet another beautiful day in Steamboat.  

The sun was shining and it felt so nice on our faces as we went up the ski lift!

It was such a neat thing for the oldest and youngest to be able to ski together.

Another fabulous view!

We did a few easier runs first...

then took the gondola up to the top.

Hey girls, y'all want to try out this blue run?

"Sure, mom!"

Jackson found Caleb once again and enjoyed skiing with him for a lot of the day.

Even though Steamboat was the most crowded that we had ever seen, there was still plenty of room on most runs.  

And it was greatness that it was warm enough to be able to take off our helmets on the ski lift and cool down a bit.

Jared and I were in awe of this little ski bunny.  She was such a champ on the slopes!

We skied all day, without even going back to the condo!

Another trip to see the birds...

and smiles for days.  Such a fabulous time with my favorite peeps.