Christmas {Sledding}

By far, the highlight of Christmas vacation for Nixon (and us) was sledding.  Despite temps that hovered in the teens or even lower, Nixon loved being outside, and we loved seeing the joy on his face.

Yes, Donovan is on skis pushing Nixon - how else would he get going fast enough?

Christmas {Celebrating}

Our Christmas celebration this year was special for many reasons, including being together with both our families for the first time in four years, but most of all because it was little Nixon's first Christmas.  He didn't really understand the meaning of it all, and like most kids his age he was more entertained by the boxes and wrapping paper than the actual gifts, but he had a great time being spoiled and loved on by everyone and we all loved sharing in his joy.

With his stocking - not really sure what to do with it!

Realizing there are toys in there!

Delivering a gift to Aunt Amanda

Hard at work - sometimes it got to the intended person, sometimes it didn't

Pepper jelly from Uncle Hoyt

This plane is cool, but this box is amazing

Checking out his new book

Hard at play

Christmas {Florida}

Hello everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!  I'm finally getting around to going through the hundreds of pictures I took during our Christmas travels, so get ready for a few posts recapping everything!

We started with several days in Florida, visiting with Donovan's aunt, uncle, and grandparents.  This was their first time meeting Nixon, so it was extra-special.  We relaxed, took Nixon to the park, and enjoyed time with family.  Nixon had a blast soaking up all the attention and we all appreciated the warm weather before going on to frigid Colorado.

So far, this kid is not a fan of grass

Sand is a little more fun, but he's still skeptical

Here's to 2013

Happy New Year to everyone!  Yes, I realize I'm a few days late.  Due to some technical difficulties, I've been a bit quiet on the blog lately, but I've got the issues ironed out now.  So, hopefully this new year will be full of blogging!

I've been enjoying the holidays back home in Colorado.  The last couple weeks have been filled with family, lots of food, and finally getting to experience some snow. 

I still have just under two weeks before I head back to Italy, so I'm staying busy relaxing (wait, is that even possible?) and trying to resist going to Starbucks three times a day.  Maybe I can squeeze a blog redesign in there as well?  Hmm...  At the very least, I do have some photos of my Thanksgiving trip to London to share with you all.  Stay tuned!

2013 promises to be full of exciting things, the most notable being welcoming Donovan home and my brother's wedding.  Aside from those, we're looking forward to whatever 2013 throws at us!

Skiing in the Alps (Part 2)

We loved Les Houches so much, that we went back for our third and final day.  The weather cooperated nicely and gave us a gorgeous Christmas Day.  

A big thanks to my talented sports photographer and his backward skiing capabilities.

Donovan and I shared a plate of spaghetti and some red wine for Christmas dinner.  Not exactly traditional, but tasty nonetheless!  

A great way to wrap up 2011 and hopefully we'll be able to get in some more good skiing soon!

Skiing in the Alps (Part 1)

For our first day on the slopes, we headed to Argentiere, on the north side of the valley.  The weather was perfect...we were on the shady side of the mountain most of the day but it was still comfortably warm.  Also, it was a nice clear day, so the views from the top were incredible.  Can't beat skiing in the Alps!  Or snowboarding, in my case.

For our second day of playing in the snow, we moved to Les Houches at the opposite end of the valley.  This ski area is home to the famous Kandahar World Cup downhill race.  This year the race will be in the beginning of February, so we may head back to partake in the festivities.  

...to be continued in part two...

Our Christmas Celebration

Hello again everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Donovan and I are back home after a fabulous several days in Chamonix, France.  We had three good days of skiing/snowboarding, wandering around downtown, eating amazing overpriced food, and enjoying being in the mountains and snow.  I'm still going through the hundreds of pictures we took, but I will have some to share soon!

For now, here's a glimpse at our own little Christmas celebration.  We spent Christmas Day hitting the slopes, and dinner that night consisted of a baguette, salami, and cheese.  So once we got home we wanted to do something a little more special.  And after traveling for almost two weeks, it was really nice to be back in my own kitchen.

Donovan requested Potatoes Au Gratin and I was more than willing to indulge in some guilt-free creamy goodness.  If there's ever a time to cook with cream, it's Christmas.

And of course, Christmas dinner would not be complete without a ham.

To make it somewhat balanced, we added some green beans and called it a meal!

Donovan, you're at a 10.  We need you at a 6.

After our enthusiastic dinner, it was finally time to open gifts.

There's nothing better than tearing off the wrapping paper to discover a Crate & Barrel box (thanks Mom!).  Unless of course, you're opening a new pair of boots.  And especially if they pass the smell test.

My new boots didn't require a smell test.

And now I'm off to enjoy some delicious leftovers.  I'll be back tomorrow with some pictures of our skiing adventures!