New Year, Old Friends

"Pink Pony" (as signed by Nina & Elise) with Seb as the pony.

The Christmas season had ended, and it was time to start thinking about our journey eastward. Our time with family was the perfect way to spend the holidays. The girls were sad to say goodbye to their cousins, as this was, by far, the most time they have ever spent with them in their lives. Everyone got to know each other a whole lot better on the trip. I think we all feel much closer to our Idahoan family. So, we packed up, and headed east.

Bye Bye Boise family

Originally, our plan was to swing through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming on the route. Yeah, ummmm.... have I mentioned recently that we aren't mountain folk? The only way to access most of Yellowstone in January is with a snowmobile, or a giant Sno-Cat. Our Honda Odyssey is neither. We weren't really aware of how snowy and cold it is there. It is. So, the beauty and splendor of one of our country's greatest parks would have to wait for another trip. We'll catch you next time Old Faithful.

Alpine Tramps

So, what now? Where to spend New Year's? We wanted to head east, so Colorado made the most sense. We called up our good friends the Rummel-Winfreys, and headed to the mountains near Boulder. Missy is another one of Jenny's longtime and dear friends. We've traveled up to their place in Colorado several times over the years. It would be a perfect place to celebrate the New Year.

Fozzie and friends.

The girls got to play with their friend, Luka, while Clark and Jenny got to hang out with some of their favorite people. We all stayed up till midnight, banged pots and pans, and screamed down the mountain.

New Year's Day we spent in Nederland, one of our favorite little mountain towns in Colorado. We stuffed our bellies full at the Indian buffet, then took a ride on the super cool, hand-carved carousel.

It was a great way to ring in 2014.

'Ned' as it's called by locals.

Happy New Year!