Park City Ski Trip - Day 1!

 So one of the really cool things about Stevens Pass being bought by Vail Resorts is that our ski passes work at a bunch of other mountains. After school on Friday, we took a two-hour flight to Salt Lake City and made it to Park City by bedtime. The kids loved that on Delta the seats had mini televisions. I was just happy that we navigated ourselves through two airports with the skis and boots and luggage. I was worried about it but it ended up being not that hard at all. Phew! Plus this kid crew is becoming more and more helpful and capable by the day.

Reed has been inspired by "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and is keeping a very detailed journal complete with illustrations. Very cool!

We were surprised at how room and cozy our condo is. Two giant rooms - one is the living area and the other a giant bedroom and each side as a full bath. Sweet!

We stayed at Sweetwater Lift Lodge and it was perfect for us. We were kitty corner from the base area and it wasn't too bad of a walk (thank goodness because I'm carrying both mine and Reed's skis). Going north, we were just a short walk to historic Park City Main Street. And the Audi Q5 we rented on Turo was awesome. I want this to be my next car (but maybe the Q7...). It was super fun to drive and the kids liked the giant sunroof.

The lodge has some really beautiful common areas, snacks, DVDs, a game room, and a pool/hot tub/sauna area. It really had everything we needed.

View from our room at sunset.

Hot Tub at the Cabin and Christmas Parties!

'Tis the season for annual Christmas parties with the Shorecrest Social Studies Crew and with Book Club. Both were super fun and I am lucky to have such wonderful colleagues and friends in my life. 

Meanwhile, at the cabin, the hot tub electric work was finally done and we were able to commission it and begin using it! The kids and I got dumped on the weekend we were there. Stevens Pass wasn't open yet for skiing, so we just played and enjoyed a relaxing weekend. The cabin really is turning into a very nice getaway with the little upgrades we've been doing. I love it out there so much and feel very fortunate to have it for our family.

DECEMBER - PNS Winter Swim Champs

 Charlotte and Reed collaborate on stories and videos together which is pretty cool. Charlotte qualified for PNS swim champs at the King County Aquatic Center and it was fun to share that experience with her. I remember swimming there for big meets like High School State Champs when I was a kid. It is a really incredible facility. Charlotte got best times in all three of her events! We celebrated with Thai food for lunch!

Thanksgiving!

The kids and I had a different kind of Thanksgiving this year. Since they were with me only on Wednesday, we decided to get the house ready for Christmas, decorate the tree, have a yummy dinner with Nana (not Thanksgiving themed), and watch a Christmas movie. It was fun to make the most of it with them. On Thanksgiving Day, I gathered with family at Kirstie & Peter's house and we went on a very rainy walk to the waterfall.