reflection

what a beautiful thanksgiving weekend we had! the fresh snow and blue skies set the tone for a perfect, holiday celebration, montana style. we had a lovely feast on thanksgiving day, packing the grandparent's house with nearly twenty guests. we then enjoyed the next few days eating, going for walks in the snow, laughing, chatting and culminating with one group cross country skiing adventure. i was so proud of all the out-of-towners, most importantly of hilary, my big city dancing queen sister, rocking it out there on the xx skis. it is a funky sport for those of us who like to be in control seeing as how there isn't a whole lot of it to be had when coming downhill. it is so satisfying for me to share my world here with my family. having cooperative weather really helps! and then, of course, there is the little bucket, who continues to wow guests. she was as charming as ever, fluttering her long lashes, laughing and showing off her killer dimples. she is also miss competent these days, grabbing her toys and reaching for her reflection in the mirror. she rocked the two plus hour ski in the ergo, attached to her papa, just going with the flow the whole way (until about 1/2 mile from the trailhead when she woke up, hungry, cold and disoriented, sending her mama into a temporary guilt filled state while i tried to warm her red little cheeks and sooth her, worrying that we had had her out there too long, etc., etc., but, alas, she relaxed, had a long nurse, and was up and running for dinner and drinks at the old post shortly thereafter). what a champ.