She’s Baa-aaack...La Nina has returned to Jackson Hole!

It's a wrap, summer is officially over...

Time to replace the bike rack with the ski rack!

Some people simply say that there are two seasons in Jackson Hole: winter and summer. Others claim "nine months of winter, three months of company." Yet some locals note the seasons as "winter, summer and "off." To clarify, "off season" is from the first snow fall until the lifts open (usually much of October and all of November). During this time outdoor activities are limited, many restaurants close or offer locals specials, and everyone does "snow dances" so that the slopes will open on time! Regardless of which camp you are in for naming the seasons, one thing is for sure - winter reigns here in Jackson Hole.

So farewell to the most glorious summer that I have ever experienced, thanks to beautiful weather and plenty of visitors. HELLO WINTER! It is actually beautiful to see everything blanketed in white again. Literally overnight we went from living in color to living in black and white!

The drive to our new home - can't complain about the gravel road anymore!
Never could really complain with this view :)

The neighborhood dressed for winter.

Winter wonderland!

Home sweet snowy home!

Bella's backyard playground!

My ever-changing view while doing dishes from kitchen sink - still happily scrubbing away!

The transformation of the golden aspen trees in the driveway.

I never knew that cotton grew in Wyoming!

Bella is sooooo excited that the snow came back - luckily it is her favorite season!!

 OH CHRISTMAS TREE! Bella and I joined our friends Paul & Kay on their Christmas tree hunt. They got the perfect tree - what a fun day. Thinking that we may be adventurous this year and cut down our own tree too. We will keep you posted on that - need to get a few things first...like a real saw (we only have the one from Derek's childhood tool kit)!

Not only did Kay pick the tallest tree...we had to cross a creek with it after they cut it down!
Good thing I work-out...

The Perfect Christmas Tree!

Bella and I found what we thought was the perfect tree!

Ask and you shall receive!
Kay chopped down the little tree and hauled it out of the forest as we hauled the big tree out - THANKS KAY!

JACKSON HOLE SKI SEASON - 4 days and counting...here is the latest "hype" from the resort and some pictures from today at the mountain.

 

Another historic
November Opening!

It's going to be awesome! We are opening over 3,000 vertical feet this Saturday. That's right: Thunder, Bridger Gondola, Casper, the NEW Marmot Lift, Apres Vous and Teewinot will be spinning for your powder pleasure!

The new Marmot lift getting prepared for it's first season.

Getting everything cleaned up and ready for opening weekend!

Did I say it has been snowing here? Yes, winter is back in full swing!

Thank goodness they are grooming the mountain - there is hope that I will be able to ski.
Still not a powder hound! Groom on!!!

It's beginning to look alot like a ski resort - bring on more snow!

So there you have it in pictures - it is definitely winter in Jackson Hole! Pack your sweaters, mittens, coats and boots and come on out and have some fun! We would love to have some winter visitors this year - the calendar is wide open (surprised??)!!

Family and Friends

As Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season rapidly approach we are reminded of the many blessings that we have. We have enjoyed good health, happy memories and we were thrilled to share our new home in the Wild West with so many family and friends this summer. Here is a picture recap of the many memories we are thankful for this year:

We were glad to have Derek home for a quick visit before he started work in the real world!

Courtz came out for a visit to the Wild West!

Ashley & Grandpa Ernie enjoyed a rafting trip down the Snake River together!

A fabulous week together with our parents!

Lucky to see my cousin Maureen as she had a quick business trip to JH. We decided that this would be the perfect spot for the Nelson/Freeman/Olsen Family reunion Summer 2012!

Who needs the Big City - The NYC Ballet was in residence in JH for a week!
We, of course, went to their performance - spectacular!

Happy Birthday good friend Kay! Celebrated by biking GTNP...beautiful!

Mike, Terri & Shayna spent a week exploring the Wild West with us.
Mike claims the only way to bike is pulling an extra 35 pounds - he especially enjoyed the uphill!

Shayna loved swimming in String Lake.

We were so happy to have Shayna visit - a great excuse to enjoy a  Chuck Wagon Dinner!

Another activity that I had been wanting to experience - the Stagecoach Tour around town. Thanks Shayna for making it happen! Jackson Hole is a great place to be a kid (or an adult who wishes she were still a kid)!!!

My Happy Hiker Shayna - she went non-stop!

Welcome Good Friends! Lots of fun & laughs, just like old times with Lori, Jim, Zak & Lia!

Vacation Bliss!

Hidden Falls is even more magnificent when shared with friends!

The Happiest Hour!

Girlfriends + Good Wine = FUN TIMES!

Picking up where we left off, with cocktails in the backyard - forever friends!

Twins, and lots of other fun for the weekend!
Good thing we are so smart and cute and skinny and funny - BFF!

Harvey & Kim came out to enjoy JH...and pay off the 2 bets (finally) that they lost to Barry!
Thanks for a great time & some great meals too!

What better way to celebrate the big 5-0 than with great friends, Anita & Greg, and great wine!

Ride on!!! Thanks for visiting often - next stop will be Carbondale, CO we promise!

Anita & Greg on their way to the top!

Paige came out for a visit before both girls headed back to college for their sophomore year (yikes)!

No better place than The Bird to hang out with girlfriends!

Ashley and her favorite Jackson Hole boys!

 Lots of fun times this summer - thanks to everyone who made the journey and for providing us with so many wonderful memories.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We will be thinking of you! Watch for us on TV @ the Macy's Day Parade...heading to the Big Apple to visit Derek for the holiday :)