Vail, CO.

For Spring Break 2011 (most likely my last spring break ever), my sister and brother-in-law stopped by in Colorado for a few days before flying to Vegas for their one year anniversary (remember when they got married last year?) It was great to have them here for a little bit, and we took advantage of the fact that they rented a car and drove up to Vail for a ski adventure. Or perhaps more accurately, a let's-fall-down-a-mountain-together adventure.

We drove up last Sunday morning. After semi-checking in at the hotel, changing clothes, renting ski gear, buying a lift ticket, and riding the gondola up to the kiddy area/bunny slope (which is actually quite near the top of the mountain), it was already mid-afternoon. We tested our mad skiing skills on the mini-slope, but soon enough we just knew we were ready for more adventure (as if falling down while wondering if you'll be able to stop wasn't adventure enough).

Here's a view of the mountain from the bottom where we first got on the gondola. It might not look that steep, but you can't even see the top from this view. And, keep in mind, this was practically my first time, because really sliding down a mountain of ice in North Carolina does not count, even if you are wearing ski gear.

I must say, skiing was fun though. I didn't expect to like it (and don't get me wrong, I'm not going out to buy my own gear and season pass for next year), but it was fun. I think my stomach muscles got the most work out, as I simply couldn't stop laughing at people (including myself) anytime they fell. This probably makes me a bad person, but face planting in the snow is just too hilarious not to laugh.

We made it down the mountain, albeit sightly bruised and exhausted. And when I took off my ski boots, I felt a deep sense of joy, which only increased when food and an adult coffee (read: coffee with baileys, frangelico, and kahlua) was placed in front of me.

After a late lunch, we headed back to the hotel. The view from our room was nice.

M & I spent the rest of the evening teaching the group how to play Settlers of Catan and sipping on some wine. We topped the night off with a late snack at the hotel bar (surprisingly they even had a couple vegan options for my sister).

The next morning we were all pretty sore, so attempting a different snow sport was axed from the list of things to do. I still, a week later, have the remnants of a bruise on the inside of my right knee. We decided to take it easy. We rode into town to visit the one and only brunch place in Vail (how is that even possible in a state that idolizes it's eggs, pancakes, and breakfast burritos?) It was a teeny tiny, little restaurant, but the food was good.

The little town of Lionshead is actually pretty cute.

After a few more pictures in front of the mountain, we headed back to the hotel, and were soon on our way to Denver.

It was a fun trip. I'm glad to have skiing checked off the Colorado to-do list, even better was enjoying the experience with family!