Back in the LEW!(?)

Laura and I left school on Tuesday and drove straight on through to St. Louis.  We arrived no worse for wear at about 5:30 local time (in the A.M.).  On our journey we saw the beautiful starry night and listened to a book on CD (Ken Follett's sequel--something about time not ending was the title).

We now get to begin learning and sharing family traditions as our parents get to meet and we all enjoy Thanksgiving together.  So far this morning we ran in the Turkey Trot of Kirkwood--Laura won the race, I was 49th in my division (it is the toughest division after all).  I guess Laura has set a tough precedent for herself if she's looking to uphold the tradition.  Now we are making preparations as people begin to arrive.  We made some pies last night, the turkey is getting ready, the kitchen is immaculate, and a cornicopia of food is on the counter.  

In our Annual game of Pre-Turkey Backgammon, I am a little nervous (in a warm up game I was BAckgammoned last night), but I'm sure I can keep it close.

In other traditions and news, Guapa has vanquished all of the squirrels and bunnies from the yard and has also defeated the new and improved (taller) fences!  She chased one squirrel right out of the yard into a neighboring yard jumping through, and later over the new gate--damn!  

I guess I'll sign off with a HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON!

From Weddings to Archie!

We were witnesses to a wonderful union--Ali and Adam tied the knot on A-train's Birthday.  We got to see some great stars in the planetarium and then watched the nuptials.  The two were extremely laid back and enjoyable at the reception--a true marvel and inspiration.
Adam and Ali inspired some excitement on our part also!  We've only got 7 months until our big day!  Laura couldn't keep her hands off of me!  On the way back to Kim's place where we stayed (thank you friend!) we got lost and ended up walking through a dry creekbed!
Here is Kate with little Archie Bernard!  We were so happy to see him and of course his great parents.  Laura and I went for a short visit but it was well worth it.  Kate and Ben are wonderful parents who already seem like seasoned veterans and it is obvious that they have support and love all around them.  Congrats to all three of you!  

First Ski Trip

Our first trip of the season was back in October.  I never posted the pics and am utterly embarrassed.  Kim accompanied us to A-basin when Allison was here.  I took one great run and then decided to retire until better snow arrived.  Kim and Laura took two.
What did I do while my fair lady was shredding the slopes without me?  I had a Bloody Mary of course with my new sis!  I had to search high and low but found her studying (yes, studying) in the A-framed lodge at the Basin.  It didn't take much coaxing to get her to come and have a drink with me.  

A Perfect Saturday

We began our Saturday this week with a hike in the mountains.  After waking up fairly early and packing the hiking gear and our snowboarding stuff we joined Guapa in the car and left for the bucks.

We went on a gorgeous hike and found some good back-country snowboarding spots and even some camping areas.  

After hiking we hit up the LEGEND (A-Basin)

The snow was not perfect but it was better and more plentiful than a couple of weeks ago.  Laura was sporting her vintage vest (think Marty McFly) and her new snow pantaloons.  It was obvious that she hadn't missed a step or forgotten skillz gained last year.   

I also got to try out my new snowboard (newly dubbed ROCO--and it certainly did) which performed beautifully.  I no longer experience the 'chatter' as I carve down the slopes, rather I can gently glide back and forth with the utmost ease.