Ruidoso, New Mexico

Christmas this year was a far cry from what we have normally experienced. Mom and Dad just recently purchased a cabin tucked away in the mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico and invited us up to spend the week of Christmas with them there. We had so much fun playing games, doing a 1000 piece puzzle (those pieces are TINY), and just relaxing. Here is a brief taste of the trip.



The view from their front windows... Can you believe it? We couldn't.



The adorable town of Ruidoso and a tiny glimpse of a snow covered peak.



Can you see the belly growing? I feel like every time I see another picture or catch myself in the mirror I am a new woman... or shall I say, MORE woman.



We ventured up the mountain so little Z could take a ski lesson. Snow bunnies? I love this pic of mom...she looks so happy.



A blank stare? No, so much more. I think his eyes are saying something along the lines of, "Look how warm I am in my hat (thanks Rhoda!) and multiple warm yet breathable layers (thanks BR for the fleece!). I told you the green coat, although very cute, wasn't going to be warm enough on the top of a mountain in late December. Should have worn the ugly hat and extra layers I told you to..."



Here is the man of the hour just before his lesson. He borrowed Zach's warm hat... what a charmer.



Started the lesson great...



Took a few minor spills that had to be documented for torment later in life... All in all he did a GREAT job for his first time in the snow.



Back at home post mountain freeze reading his new Christmas gift (a subscription to a home brew magazine) and drinking a cozy Christmas home brew of his own. This might be his ideal situation in life. And no, he wasn't posing. He always looks hat excited when he's reading about beer.

The last night we were there we were pleasantly surprised with a few inches of snow... So before we left in the morning we had to try out the sleds.



Yes, you can still sled down a hill when you are pregnant. And although it looks like I am on flat ground, the hill was soon approaching. My smile was in anticipation of the impending doom...and I thought, exhilarating fun. I went about 10 feet and hit a rock. At least I tried. The rest of the family went again and again and were much more successful than I.



This is to prove there was a hill...

We had a great time... Thanks again to Mom and Dad.