Colorado (and this is the LAST Christmas post!)

(another heads up:  pictures, pictures, and more pictures!)

So we drove the short 6 hrs to Travis' parents ranch right after Christmas 

where we got to spend a few days with his family.

We had a great time.  They have a beautiful ranch (complete with cows and horses)

so the girls had a ball...and again, lots of new experiences for them.

First off..."Christmas morning"...take 3!  But we didn't mind!

Hearing the Christmas story...I think they're holding up Mary and Joseph?

Once again, a very focused Sarah Grace.

Notice the soccer ball...a very fun gift for Ellie.

The weather was unbelievable.  So beautiful.

There was snow everywhere but the temps weren't super low

so we could be outside a lot and didn't have to worry about being cold.

But we did still have to bundle up!

We did a LOT of sledding.  This was our first time out

and the girls were into it from the get go.

The newlyweds were able to meet us there (Bret and Abby),

so that was fun to get to be with them.

Gracie's snow angel.  Pretty good, huh?

Cousin Alicia...it's been so fun getting to know her

over the last 7 or 8 years.  Love any time I get with her.

I found these great snow suits on huge clearance 

at the gap for the little girls and they were perfect!

(complete with hood, booties, and mittens!)

Even Emmy was able to crawl around in the snow!

And of course she loved it...felt like she was one of the big kids!

Climbing through the tunnel Trav made them...E wasn't so into it...

think she might have her momma's claustrophobia!

More sledding.

On to bigger and more challenging hills!

The girls got more brave every time, to the point that they were 

flying down the hill by themselves!

With or without a sled!

SG always surprises us with her courage!

My man.

He makes life so fun.

Abby and Emily

We also played lots of games...

the kids,

and the adults.

This is Uncle Roger holding Gracie while playing 42

(MANY hands of dominoes were played!)

We were so glad Roger, Sandy, and Alicia came!

Another family pic!

So fun to have everyone together...even Gigi and GranBear!

A beautiful sunset behind the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

We also had a little early family snowman birthday party for Emily...
Jackie is so great at throwing parties!

 I think Emmy loved being the center of attention!

Such a fun cake!

Jackie let the girls help decorate it.

Then our last day there we got to ride a train through the Royal Gorge.

(thank you Uncle Roger!)

It was much fun!  I don't think the kids have ever been on a train,

except for the "T" in Boston, of course.

I like being at the bottom of the gorge better than the top.

Taking a look from the open car.

Another fun time with family.
Those memories are priceless to us.

And with that...Christmas with the Phillips is finally all recorded!
We survived the month of December!

And though it's almost February I feel like I'm still catching up in more areas than just the blogging world...
but we would say that every moment, every mile traveled, every late night, early morning, long day
was worth it.

But we're ok to not get back in the car for a long drive for a good little while!

(at least not until we go to World Mandate West in San Diego in two weeks!)