Bitter Cold New Years

After Christmas some friends joined us for the New Years weekend. It was FREEZING! The whole time was spent in the single digits and negatives. After a walk through downtown Aspen on the first day, we decided to spend the rest of the day inside with a fire. I'd never been so acutely aware of each nose hair as I was when they individually froze, blocking my nasal passages. The icy obstructions made inhaling through my nose less productive so I was forced to mouth breathe (I don't like mouth breathing when I'm not exercising). New Year's Eve was -13 degrees. We found a fire pit that kept us warm until fireworks shot off the mountain lighting up the slopes. Despite the cold we still went out to play. We went skate skiing and some others went snowshoeing. I've seen guys' beards freeze up, but I rarely see peach fuzz on girls' faces freezing up. It was SO cold, but very beautiful.

Some of the houses in the area were charmingly festive

Walking back from town. Notice Michelle hiding in her scarf

Me and Jenny. The only reason her hand could remain out of her glove was because it was holding hot cocoa.

Britt & Jenny

Happy Birthday Jenny - a bike gear bouquet from Britt (name that movie on in the background!)

Dinner at La Palapa

Britt had his own basket of chips

By far the most interesting dish on the table

I've never actually wanted anything even close to resembling this furry, all-encompassing head gear, but I would've taken it that night.

Cory & Tara

Before we found the fire pit we stopped under the heat lamps

Britt & Jenny at the weak bonfire that produced no heat

Dance party. Partially to celebrate, but mostly to stay warm (there was a DJ)

Lynn & Michelle

I can't resist the run and slide, especially in no-traction boots that were much more fun than they were safe. Nobody should be walking on slick roads with these.

Jenny & Britt - Ashcroft Canyon

Jenny, Britt, Brandon

Behind our heads is the spot where we got engaged last May

When our friends left we were lucky to still have one more day at my parents' to postpone the post-holiday/vacation depression. Even better, my sister and her boyfriend were also in from out-of-town. I wish we had overlapped more time.

Playing Sorry and watching surfing

Baylee & Me

I love their dimples