Safety First!

Our heads are now a little safer on the slopes, thanks to our new, fancy-schmancy ski helmets!  Don't worry, it's not because we're doing any daredevil stuff...helmets are just the norm around here, and we're finally catching up.  :)

Trying to look tough...

...losing the tough look and entering into giggle zone :)

I have no words for this one :)

Of course I chose blue!  :)

When in Juneau...

Everyone told us that the best way to survive the winter in Juneau is to become a skier.  Whether it's downhill or cross-country, do it.  So, we are.  Downhill, for now.  

We took one formal lesson through the ski school, and another informal lesson with an acquaintance (a former massage client who was interested in trading massage for ski instruction).  We go at least once a week together, sometimes twice, and sometimes Brian is able to go more than that.  

We stick to the green runs, and are slowly gaining confidence and courage the more we practice.

We're finding that it's a great little community up there on the slopes.  Lots of camaraderie and a fun vibe in the air.  People are constantly waving or calling our names out from the chair as we go by, giving encouragement, and vice-versa.

Small-town skiing is what this is, I guess.

Needless to say, it's been fun :)

More Christmas from Juneau

Later Christmas Day, we went to our friends Matt & Maggie's house for dinner.  They were nine days into parenthood at that point, with their new baby girl, Ginger.  They're also fellow midwestern transplants, and for obvious reasons weren't able to travel for the holiday. :)

Our "nice" Christmas pic :)

Brian wants to remind us: someone is always watching you...

Matt is also into photography and took an interest in my camera.  So, we actually have a couple pics of me from the day! :)

Bring on the vino!

Brian playing around with my new camera lens...thanks Tom & Lo!

The smitten and tired new family :)

Wintery Christmas in Juneau

After a really nice visit with Brian's parents, Lew & Val, we had a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  

On Christmas Eve, we went skiing, played Brian's new favorite game Settlers of Catan, and went to church in the evening.  We have gone skiing 6 or 7 times so far and are getting a little more comfortable and confident each time.  Still sticking with only green runs (the easy ones) :)

Here are some pics from our trek up to the ski area (which is only 15 minutes away from our house!)

Proof that the sun does shine in December!

This is where we don't ski, but others do!  They hike up with skins on the bottom of their skis and then ski down.  

On our way home to warm up!  (It was freezing that day.)

Hot chocolate with Bailey's, Eggnog with rum (or rum, with eggnog?), and some game-playing.  Totally fun way to spend an evening before heading off to church :)

We decorated our door with all the Christmas cards we received.  So fun to see everyone's smiling faces :)

Merry Christmas!  Brian made me a pancake breakfast and even did the dishes!

He also got me these really beautiful earrings that were made by a friend of our's  He picked them out at the Juneau Holiday Market when I was in Ohio.

Good taste, Brian!