My Fair Laney: sNOw Vacation

Our ski trip to Park City, Utah was so much fun! However, it was NO vacation. Skiing is hard work for beginners. This was my second time to really ski, and I am improving (did a few blue slopes this time) but would still be considered a beginner. It takes a lot of focus and determination to get to the bottom of those long and steep hills, not to mention the use of every muscle in the human body. At one point, my sister (out of sheer frustration) said, "They should pay us to do this!" :) The ski lifts were my best friends, as they provided a moment of rest. I envy those who have been skiing all of their lives and can effortlessly zip down the slopes. They make it look so easy!

Despite the above, we had a great time. We stayed in the Canyons, just a few miles from Deer Valley, and absolutely loved our condo. I wanted to stay there longer! Last night, Scott and I were watching The Bachelor (we hate this show yet still watch every episode) and during the episode, the girls were staying at the Waldorf Astoria - right beside where we stayed. We could see our condo every time there was a wide angle view of the resort! It made us want to go back.

Our days were spent skiing at Deer Valley with a break for lunch at the lodge cafeteria. Each afternoon, we returned from skiing and relaxed in the hot tub on the balcony of our condo. After a long day of skiing, nothing felt better. Not to mention, the view was so pretty. Our evenings were spent going to dinner, playing games, and getting some much needed rest. Now, that is what I call vacation. :)

Here are some pictures from our trip! The first few are of Anna Scott before and after boarding the plane. This was her first time to fly, and I think she really liked it. She loved looking out the window during take off and landing. It is funny how things have changed. I flew for the first time at 10 years old and had to talk to the pilot before take off because I was scared to death. Now babies grow up flying everywhere. It has become a way of life and will be second nature to them as they get older.

This is a sweet picture I took in the airport just after arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was Wubbanub's first flight as well. This little pet has become a part of our family. :)

We loved skiing with Allison and Alan! Allison is a beginner as well, but Alan is a pro (and quite the daredevil). With the wedding only 3 months away, Allison was so afraid of broken bones. Thankfully, we all made it home fully intact.

Deer Valley is such a beautiful place to ski. There was a green slope named, "Homeward Bound" with breath-taking views. That is where we took the photos below.

Here is Scott resting during our long ride on the ski lift. Did I mention, the ski lift was my best friend?

What would a vacation be without an ice cream and candy shop? Whether we are sunbathing or skiing, we always need ice cream!

The candied apples didn't look too bad themselves.

Our second day of skiing was extra fun. My parents brought Anna Scott to spend the morning with us. Seeing all of the cute 3 and 4 year olds skiing with their parents and instructors made me smile about the day we dress Anna Scott in her ski gear for the first time. Oh the fun we will have! When she is our age, she may actually consider skiing to be true vacation! :) I especially love this family photo and the next one of our snow baby.

We celebrated my dad's birthday (January 11th) with dinner at The Farm. This restaurant is located in the Canyons, not too far from where we stayed. Thankfully, someone there took a picture of all of us together (the only one of the trip)!

Here is the happy couple to be married in April! I can't believe my little sister is going to the chapel in 2 1/2 months. And, I can't believe she is marrying the guy whose hand I shook on the first day of medical school, with no idea that he would one day be a part of our family. So happy for these two and can't wait for their special day.