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