Hail to the Chief!

We have been so lucky to have Hill's family come for a long weekend every President's day since we have lived here. It is so much fun to host all of them and play in the snow together. This year love was in the air as Valentine's Day fell during President's weekend. Ahhhh...

While Annie, Emery, Millie and Hugh rested, the rest of the crew headed out for a snow shoe hike.

Bryson, Kathryn and Addilyn on top of the world!


Emery got some special time with Millie and Hugh Baby and Kathryn and Addilyn had some down time on Saturday morning. So, we got to hit the slopes with Hill's siblings. Fun, fun.

As folks headed out of town on Sunday, we had everyone stop at Cheryl's farm. It was a very Martha Stewart experience as some collected eggs, others pet horses...and miss Addilyn got her very first goat ride!!

Thanks so much for everyone making the effort to get here. We know between arranging flights from Portland and hotel rooms for the overflow, it can be an investment. But we love having you come to our home!

Lauren & Josie Skiing

As those of you who know Hill, patience is one of his finest qualities. And his patience has been shown time and time again as he has taught many members of the Austin family how to ski. He started off with yous truly...then onto Toby, Austin, Natalie, Josie, Lauren and finally James and Grace.

Here is a little clip of Lauren and Josie skiing this weekend. It is hard for the kids when they only get one or two days a year on the slopes. They spend all day remembering all their bodies need to do to not fall. Then spend the whole year remembering they knew how to do it. Then they get back out a year later and have to learn all over again.

All the kids do a great job, but we have been blown away by Lauren's natural talent. Just wish she lived closer and we could ski with her more often!

Winter Carnival

The Winter Carnival really is one of the best things about life here in Steamboat. You feel a real sense of community starting at the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast and walking over to Main Street to watch the locals, young and old alike, compete in the street events. It is magical how the town celebrates its snow. We have been so fortunate that for four of our five years here, we have had family travel up to enjoy the festivities with us. This year Annie's parents along with her nieces Josie and Lauren came up.

Papa with the three stooges.

On the top of Mt. Werner. Nana REALLY enjoyed the gondola ride up...and down again.

Josie getting a free ride from Uncle Hill's skis.

The girls in the tree outside the church after eating pancakes! Monkey see, monkey do!

Emery and Lauren inside a snow sculpture on main street. Silly kids!