Colorado!!

I had THE.MOST.WONDERFUL.TIME with my family on our trip to Breckenridge, CO this year. The most wonderful time. I don't know how I got so lucky with the group of people I was born into- but I could not be more grateful.

The whole family was together (including Nanoo, Punkin and Gabriela's new boyfriend Jake) in a cabin we rented. It was a really nice and large place so it comfortably allowed us to have a loud gift unwrapping session, great big family dinners, down time, movie time, family council time, pool table time, baby admiring time (consistently flowing everyday), nap times, learning how to crawl time, hot tub time, Ipad gaming time, and then a place to rest our soar little butts after some serious ski time. I loved every second of it.

Skiing was such a treat for me too! I was really nervous at first (Les and I took our first day to the hill with Dad as our instructor- of which he is AMAZING at) and we both quickly picked it up and had so so much fun- and did pretty stellar I might add. It was Martin's first time ever on skis, and he was practically a professional. No fear whatsoever, and a lot of skill. It was so fun to watch. Nate and Belle took to their first time on snowboards and both did so well (minus Nate had a bit of hurt wrist) with Ryan and Jake as their teachers. And Mom and Hannah both just swooped down the hills without any aid. I think it is safe to say we all got the bug to hit the slopes. I am really going to push for Nate and I to get some gear of our own and do this a few times a winter. So much fun!

We finished off our trip with an afternoon in the airport. The Casariego's, Franks and myself all had flights leaving within 20 min of each other and because of a predicted snow storm we decided to make a day of the airport to avoid problems. It was quit the ordeal but I really enjoyed spending the afternoon camping out at the airport together--- we even got to visit Santa!

NOW GET READY FOR SOME SERIOUS PICTURE VIEWING....

The Casariegos and future Smiths had a full day of fun together before meeting up with the rest of the family.  Here we are enjoying some amaizng wings and letting Calvi play Poker. 

 BABIES

Calvin on this trip was a Mommy and food lover.  He needed to either have Mommy, food or a ball to have a smile on his face.  He is such a sweet baby.  I especially loved my time with him before all the commotion.  Snack of choice: Cheetos.  Furball addiction: to Punkin.  Setback: Poor guy was sick :(. We had some serious bonding, he is such an angel.  BIG update... Calvin learned how to crawl in CO.

Easton is so much fun.  He too was in I need Mommy stage but a little more comfortable being passed around. I took full advantage of this and held the stinker whenever he would let me.  Eman has such a personality and makes me laugh so hard.  Things I learned... LOVES dogs, the bigger the better at that.  May skip crawling all together- doesnt even do the all fours on the floor rocking thing, just wants two fingers to hold on to and away he runs!  Also, loves to pose for the camera.  Poor little one also got pretty sick on our last day.  I love this little boy so much!

SKIING

Poor Nate hurt his wrist while learning to Snowboard, but other than that, all reports said he did AMAZINGLY!

Mom and Dad took a FULL day to ski just the two of them.  I am so glad they did it too.  They had such a good time.  Later that afternoon Dad took Leslie and I out to learn.  He was such a good teacher, made Les and I look like we have been doing this for years.  THANKS DAD!

The first day snowboarding clan.  (Martin was off learning to ski with Dad and Mom- of which he was AMAZING).  Thanks to Ryan and Jake for taking the time to teach the newbies. 

Les and I after our first outing.  We were both so nervous but did so well-if I do say so myslef.  I sooo caught the bug.  Had the best time!

Easton's meltdown on the ski lift before Hannah and I took him to lunch and he had a nice long nap :)

CHRISTMAS TIME!

MORE PHOTOS...

Cousin bonding time!  It was so cute, they would get so excited to see each other.

I was so excited to take this picture!- Calvin on the other hand.. not so excited

Our first night there Nate was itching to go out and play in the snow.... so we did :)

OOpsie... I drove the car into a snow bank... even Nanoo had to get into the action to try and push the car out.  We got it out.  My family is a real stud when it comes to snow trickery.

AIRPORT

We all had flights at the same time to head home.  It was such a sweet time for me to spend with my siblings.  It was chaotic and we laughed a ton.  We even got to give the boys their first visit to Santa.  Saying goodbye was the hardest thing for me to do.  I hate that we all live so far apart, but love all of our family vacations and time together.  I love you family!!!!

Poor boys were sick :(