vail = love

maybe it's the fact that our little family is all together this weekend...maybe it's the ridiculously beautiful weather, maybe it's thanksgiving (and the start of the Christmas weekend)...or maybe it is just the magic of Vail...but I am in love with this place!! I planned a mini-getaway this weekend when cris and the gang flew home after scoring a great groupon, and I am so glad i did! I picked up 2 very excited little girls in Denver yesterday, and after a quick stop at the Ski Consignment shop to pick up some new-to-us ski gear, we headed on over to the Vail area. It has been SUNNY!!! which this hawaii girl loves, but it's not so good for the skiing!

This lovely Thanksgiving day we started off with an amazing hike. The sun was shining, and there was just enough snow to keep these girls busy making snowballs and sneak-attacks. Don't you just love the husky hats i found as "welcome back to colorado" gifts! they were a HUGE hit, and kept their heads warm, and their fingers toasty too!

The lovely Miss Laura joined us for our adventure!

Me and Laura...

There was lots of running and giggling, and pretending to be doggies...

and the sun was shining allll day!

quick break for a family photo!

and, of course, my husband had to skip a few rocks....

Mama and Daddy can you see why we fell in love with this place???? it's gorgeous! complete with scenic footbridge!

Cris...

Laura...

the girls had a blast running through the snow.

instead of walking on the easy path, they would find knee deep snow to traipse through

We even found a lovely playground for the girls to spend some of that endless energy

Laura is full of energy too!

just about balances out...

Daddy and Mommy have to have some fun too!

After we explored for a while, we headed over to one of the fancy resorts in Vail for Thanksgiving dinner. The resort had an amazing turkey buffet, and was offering lunch for free to military servicemembers and their families! is that amazing or what!?!? so we head a gourmet thanksgiving lunch (no preparation and cleanup! only downside is no leftovers either, haha!)

after lunch we headed over to the actual ski area to check it out. We rode the Gondola all the way to the top, and it was AMAZING!!!

Guess who's learning how to whistle.....

view from the top (well, almost the top)

the girls making snow angels!!!!!

beautiful and amazing!!

daddy and his girl! Vail Village - it is REALLY this adorable!
nothing finishes off a fun-filled day like starbucks!
the christmas trees were lit!!!
Never a dull moment with these girls!! they find ways to keep themselves entertained at all times!!
oh....and one more piece of big news...Juneau learned to swim!!! yeah!!!!!