Memories...

Sick or SICK!

Without jinxing either one of us, Russ and I were the only two members of the Steamboat Springs family to avoid a hacking cough and flu symptoms the past two weeks. Julie went down first, then Sam Carberry followed closely by momma Jenelle Carberry.

Since we weren't sick, we decided to get some SICK powder turns this weekend as we discoverd a new spot tagged "The Fingers," in North Routt County.

I'd finished a big deadline on Thursday and took Friday morning off to go hike with Russ (pictured) and two other friends who live here in town. We skinned 3,000 feet before noon (three runs down) and I felt only marginally guilty for leaving Jenelle home with Sam.

Saturday, I hung out with my two ill loved ones, pampering them as best I could. Late Saturday evening, I called Russ and we both had the same thing on our minds: another Fingers session Sunday morning. This time we brought along the camera.

It had snowed a few more inches and covered our tracks from Friday and we were lucky enough to surf the overhead "Champagne Powder," a famous cliche' here in Steamboat. It was light and dry and I was bummed Jenelle couldn't be there with us to enjoy it (we somtimes trade with friends, leaving Sam with them so we can ride together).

We'll have to wait until early February to get out together again. I have to attend Outdoor Retailer in SLC next week (where I'll get to see Emily B.) and Jenelle is heading to a yoga workshop in Boulder when I get back.

Live, love and be happy,

Joe

Snow, snow, and more snow!

Yes, it has been dumping all week. We can no longer see out of our loft windows. Today the sun finally broke through the clouds. Yesterday, Joe, Russ, and I went backcountry skiing at Buffalo Pass. We were excited to see that we were the first to ski, until we started to break trail through what was by far the most snow I have ever tried to plow through. There was over 3 feet of the fresh stuff. We took turns leading the way up the mountain and as we worked, we anticipated our descent. At the top, we deskinned, locked down and got ready to float in the powder. However there was no floating or any sliding for that matter. We basically had to break trail back down the mountain. It's hard to say it, but there was actually too much snow. Somewhat defeated yet not entirely dissatisfied, we returned back to the car. There is much joy in just being out in the depth of winter, the stillness, the inner warmth despite the bitter cold, and yes even the struggle.

Sam loves the snow. We took him out later that day to sled and roll around in the fluff. He thinks that dad is really neat when he does a front flip off of the snow pile. Afterwards, Sam immediately does his sign for "more". Sometimes I think that he is obsessed with certain things. For example, he insists on wearing goggles and my ski helmet around the house and even must eat with these things on. I hid the helmet and goggles when he went for his nap today. You must admit that he looks pretty cool. I hope that the snow is finding you as well. Much Love, Jenelle

Intro

Welcome to our blog. Mary gave me the idea (hopefully she gets hers up and running soon). I thought that this would be an ideal way to share a glimpse of our lives here in Steamboat with everyone. Of course most of what you will see are pictures of Sam, but as we get the hang of this, I am sure that our blog will evolve. I just wanted to send out a big thanks to Jay and Amy for their time spent here for Christmas. They got to see Sam at his best on Christmas morning. And of course thanks to the rest of the fam that arrived the following day. Now you understand the journey with a toddler. But as Andy said, it was worth it. Despite the below zero temperatures we managed to build a skate ski track, ski, soak in the hot tub (the boys took a few dives into the snow), cook, eat, laugh, and talk. It was such a treat to watch Elly and Sam play. Their kisses are the best. Today I took the holiday decorations down and am always a little melancholy when I do this. Luckily, Summer made the family dvd that we can all watch to remember how fleeting life is. (Nice work Summer!) I love and miss all of you. Jenelle

Excitement

Christmas Morning