Skiing in Park City

We love going to Park City to ski every year and this year we were able to visit Mini, B, Aunt Kara and Leo during our trip.  It was Alexis's first year on the slopes and Evan could hardly wait to get back on the snow.  We took so many amazing photos and only have room for a few here but see the full gallery if you want the extended story.

Fueling up before skiing.


Ready to head out the door!


Getting on our gear.


All set to go!


Alexis on the move...





Evan heading up the lift with Mommy and Daddy.


It's family ski time!



Time for an after - ski snack!  Yes that is a whole hunk of cheese on a giant cracker.


And a dip in the pool.

Evan is in the reindeer club for his lessons and enjoys it.  He is getting better at going down the green hills.  As much as Evan likes skiing, he equally enjoys all the hot chocolate breaks and the fresh baked cookies at the lodge.   Alexis enjoyed talking about skiing and trying on her winter ski gear (no big surprise from a little girl who spends half of her life dressed up).  She was less enthusiastic when we dropped her off at the Bambi club.  3 year olds spend most of their day playing inside at the Bambi club.   They are taken out for an hour for a private lesson.  Alexis cried when upon dropping her off they had her take off all of her snow stuff.  She had wanted to go skiing not go to daycare.  Overall she liked her skiing lesson but was not impressed with the Bambi club.   She would have preferred to stay home with Mini and play in the snow, which in fact she spent one of the days doing.
Alexis's favorite part of the trip was playing with her Cousin Leo.  This was the first time when the two cousins were old enough to really play with each other.  It was so cute to see them talking to each other and playing.  When we got home Alexis asked when Cousin Leo could come over for a playdate.     All in all we had a good trip.  Can't wait for the next trip out!

Attending the inauguration - a true DC event

We were lucky enough to be given truly amazing seats for President Obama's second inauguration.  We woke up early, took the train into DC, waited in a massive security line, and finally made it to our seats just 15 minutes before it all started.

Our seats were right up front - there were maybe 15 rows in front of us total.  It was truly awe inspiring.    Jill and I both felt very American and patriotic.  Looking back on the mall and seeing a sea of one million people was incredible.  The ceremony itself was relatively short, the singing and speeches were nice, and seeing everyone up close and in person was pretty special.

On the way home there was an almost 2 hour long line to get back on the Metro.  We spent the rest of the day in Arlington having lunch, relaxing, and recounting what we just witnessed.

Here are some of my favorite photos.

Ginger bread house in January?

We were so busy in December we never got a chance to do the ginger bread house, but better late then never.  Here it is.

We've moved to hot glue to keep the house together.  Having a solid foundation lets the kids really have a blast decorating.   My guess is that equal parts candy are on the house as in Evan and Alexis's stomaches.