This year our family opted for no Christmas presents in exchange for a White Christmas in Breckenridge, Colorado. We have been asking for a winter trip for probably a good five or six years now and we FINALLY got it!
So we packed our bags and flew out Christmas morning. We met Cody in Denver where he was waiting at the gate for us. How presh is this? He found a poster board and bought some markers to make a sign welcoming us to Denver. (He probably hates that I am posting this) (We did not coordinate matching maroon shirts.) 
After a full day of flying, driving, grocery shopping, and unpacking, we made it! I think it was like -27 degrees when we got there. Not really, but it might has well been.
The girls and I spent the first day at Ski School. I am proud to say we all passed with flying colors. However, Shelby was the only one who actually went flying during our lesson. I, on the other hand, jumped off of the ski lift in a show stopping, jaw dropping, “I’ve never seen this before” kind of way.
Really it’s just a hilarious picture I have in my head. Emily was on the lift ahead of us, she got off and fell right in the middle. As she got up, Shelby got off and fell immediately. I didn’t want to trip on her but next thing I knew the ski lift was starting to turn to make it’s way back down. Who knew the ski lift automatically stopped if someone was on it before going down? I didn’t. So I did what every rational person would do…jump off and hunker down as low to the ground as possible so the lift would not hit my head. Apparently I should have just waited.
Here we are at the top of the hill. So proud of ourselves and quite excited about venturing down the hill.
Can you tell who is who? KMB, SAB, EMB.
Seriously, not even a minute later, we start skiing down this hill. First the instructor, then Emily, then Shelby. I waited up top for her to get down the hill a ways. Next thing I see….Shelby flying down the hill gaining speed each second. She zoomed past the instructor, through the gate to the practice area, and finally fell flat on her ass. OMG it was hilarious.
And! That’s not even all of it. When we got back to the locker room to change out of our ski boots, Shelby had a panic attack. She couldn’t get her boots off and claustrophobia took over. Full out hyperventilating, laying on the ground, ripping her clothes off, crying, panic attack. TBH, it was nice that for once it wasn’t me having the panic attack. But, after many tears, some calming words, Emily watching, and a random lady’s help… we got Shelby’s boots off!
After our 3 hour adventure, we made it all the way down to the bottom of the hill. Ski School is EXHAUSTING. But the altitude did something to us. As soon as we got back in the car to head back to the house, we were like a group of third grade girls at a sleepover- giggling non-stop.
Tuesday was a morning for rest. Cody went skiing but not until around 9:30. He wanted me to drop him off at 8:30 so he could get a full day of skiing in. Then he saw it was 2 degrees outside and opted to wait for the sun to rise a little more. The girls and I joined him around 2:00 for one of the slowest ski sessions possible. Thankfully, Cody was as patient as ever seeing as it took us about forty minutes to get down a slope that could have taken him two. Hey, at least I tried!
#ADPi #gigem
I think maybe he was a little bit tired. Not sure though?
On Wednesday Dad took us snowmobiling. Seriously the most beautiful thing ever. Also one of the coldest things ever. But worth it. I felt like I was in a Hallmark Christmas movie driving through thousands of trees with snowflakes falling all over. Dad only got stuck once. #ofcourse
You can’t make this stuff up! It was gorgeous! You can see the snow falling IN THE PICTURE!
Allison is not pictured above because she was busy DOG SLEDDING. So jealous!
That’s her “mushing” (I think that’s what it’s called). Each of the dogs have a name and a role and are placed accordingly. Front dogs are smart + well behaved. Back dogs are “dummies” but the powerhouse of the bunch. I wish we could have all gone dog sledding but apparently we should have booked it in November. Maybe next time.
Thursday we went tubing. I don’t think I have ever laughed that hard. Sliding down a hill of ice on a tube at 30 mph really just makes ya make all sorts of funny noises. I think that was probably my favorite part of the trip. One hour of nothing but speed, laughs, and hauling a tube up a big hill.
We also spent some time walking around town. The girls and I tried to convince Dad to let us get a tattoo. He said no. We ate at a French Bakery and made our way down ALL.THE.WAY to the end of Main St. so Cody could visit Breckenridge Brewery. We had a beer (or two), and some cheese fries. Ya know, the normal things you do at a brewery. Cody geeked out over all of the brewing tanks/machines/thingy-ma-bobs. I people watched. Em sat on her phone. Allison joined us after walking around town. And Shelby tried a beer and just about spit it up. It was great fun!
Photo Cred: Me
Here is the little town of Breckenridge as night is falling. So dreamy and just about everything you could want in a White Christmas.
Oh, and the stench of weed was STRONG in this town. I think I got high just from walking in the ski rental shop
Alas, it was Friday. Our final day in our Winter Wonderland. The whole fam-damily loaded up and went to a sledding hill in downtown Breck. We laughed and fell and had a grand ole’ time sledding down the hill. Not so fun- hiking up a hill of ice.
Cody and I spent the afternoon with Allison. We road the Gondola- “Breck Connect” cause I am a child and just wanted to ride it for the fun of it. We ate lunch at what appeared to be a swanky steak house but really was just an overpriced diner. Then we went to a winery while Allison did some more photographing around downtown Breckenridge. We tried a few Colorado wines. Found one we loved. Unfortunately it was above our $18 bottle price limit, coming in at a steep $34.95/bottle. One day. One day….
Photo Cred: Me again
Found this cute little wagon sitting in the middle of a park area. Right before we got to the FROZEN RIVER!
Friday night we did as most Texans do, we found a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Drove 20 minutes to get us some chips and salsa. Apparently in Colorado you get cole slaw with your Mexican dinner. Hmmm…
Breckenridge 2016 was a blast. We made so many fun memories as a family. Cody got to see what life as a Buchtien really is like. Mom cooked a ton of food. We ate dinner every night circled around the table laughing as we told stories. After clean up was a round (or 2) (or 3) (or more like 4) of Spicy Uno. Every once in a while we’d throw in a game of Cards Against Humanity. Bukakke anyone? (Don’t look it up!)
(see…I told you not to!)
Now, we just need to convince Dad that the cold was worth it and another Winter trip is in store for next Christmas. (But let’s get some gifts this time?!? 😉 )
More photos taken by Allison.
And, in case you are interested. The Super Talented Shelby Ann put together a video of our trip!
Until next time,
