We don’t have a ton of family out here in Colorado so we usually take Christmas Eve to find a little adventure just the four of us.

This year we decided to drive up to Vail because I have always wanted to see it at Christmas.

We decided to get in a hike before heading into town along the White River National Forrest North Trail.

We put some ice cleats on the kids but I don’t think they needed them. Also the trail had been used since the last snow fall so snowshoes were not needed either.

The hike was so nice, it was along a river in a canyon. I would love to do this again in the summer or fall.

After our hike we drove into Vail Village in search of lunch and coffee.

Vail is always so beautiful and it was gorgeous for Christmas.

Most of town is nice and dry because the sidewalks are heated! This little area with the tree is full of snow, because it’s a fountain where kids can play in the summer.

Same restaurant summer vs. winter.

We came home in time for a quick dinner and bedtime before Santa came to visit.

We also made some reindeer food to sprinkle on our lawn.

Our elves stayed one more day so they could do Christmas Day with us.

We woke up early to open stockings before Christmas breakfast.

Sorry it’s so blurry, so grubby hands got to my phone.

Our traditional Christmas breakfast.

After opening presents we went out for a bike ride/run. The kids got new bike bags for Christmas and Emmy loved bringing her stuffy with us!

We spent the rest of the day enjoying time with my parents and brother. It was so nice and relaxed with lots of yummy food. We brought Christmas Sangria to share and Orange Cranberry cake.

We made it home with just a little bit of time to play the new games the kids got from my brother.

We ended up not traveling for the holidays like we did last year, and I am glad we didn’t so we could spend the time with family. But we have plans to wake up on a sandy beach next year!

How was your Christmas?

Any resolutions/goals for 2023 yet? I am still working on mine.

If you celebrate we hope you are having a joyful day with people that you love.

I really try to follow the wisdom of “No Bad Weather, Just Bad Gear” but today I had to hand in my “outdoorsy mom” badge and stay inside all day.

Like much of the country we had a crazy cold snap come through giving us four inches of snow and the coldest temperatures that I have seen since moving to Colorado.

I do believe that you can (and should) get out in almost all weather but we are not set up to go out in sub zero temperatures.

We just don’t usually get this cold so we settled in for the day doing all the fun Christmas things like baking, wrapping presents, playing and watching movies.

The Grinch, fuzzy blankets and a heating pad, these kids were living the life.

Just two more days with our elves, we will miss them!

What is your favorite thing to do on a snow day?

If you are getting bored with your go to running workouts or just want something new and fun to do over winter break Active list a fun list of 12 workouts to try:

https://www.active.com/running/articles/the-12-workouts-of-christmas

We are doing all the last minute Christmas things like Target runs, Library visits, running on the treadmill, elf shenanigans and watching Christmas movies.

I can’t believe Christmas is so soon I am not ready for it to be over.

We are fully enjoying our break and seeing friends more.

Then we grabbed a pizza for dinner and watched The Nutcracker and the Four Realms on Disney+ and we loved it!

For many years I would dance in Oregon Ballet Theater’s production of the Nutcracker. I loved it so much but it also dominated our Christmas season, so many thanks to my mom for driving me downtown Portland at least every other day so I could perform during this very busy season. I remember wearing pink foam rollers to school so my hair would be perfect for evening performances. I am not sure how we did it all.

Props to all the parents who are doing all the things to help their children chase their dreams!

We are loving Winter break over here so much. I love doing school with my littles so much but it’s also nice to just focus on the fun!

Our elves reminded us that we need to get out and go camping again. Pondering weather camping every month of 2023 should go on my goals list….

We grabbed some friends and spent the day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

There is so much to see and do at DMNS that we could spend three full days exploring here!

The kids loved the discovery zone and the new Oceans exhibit.

After getting home we made some peanut butter fudge then went outside to play in our backyard. I am feeling like we need way more time outside and the upcoming weather isn’t looking outside friendly.

Trying to increase our hours outside to over 1000 again is also on my possible family goals list.

I just love her so much! It was pretty chilly out so I made peppermint steamers for the kids to enjoy while playing outside.

After our day at the museum we decided we needed to watch Night at the Museum for the first time. The kids loved it and I loved cuddling on the couch under the softest Christmas blanket.

How is your break going?

Have you started thinking about your 2023 goals/New Years Resolutions?

We have been having some cold but dry weather around here and I am really craving some snowy runs.

I went out running with the kids today on dry tails, which was also nice.

Most of the day we were running errands and preparing for Christmas week, I can’t believe it’s so close! I have not even started wrapping presents….we are in trouble!

We have been having lots of fun with our elves and will miss them when they are gone.

While we haven’t gotten much snow yet, hopefully we will get much more this winter. I am so looking forward to peaceful snowy runs.

I don’t know if it is like this where you live but here in Colorado the temperature matters way less than the weather. If it’s sunny and in the 20s, you can run with just a t-shirt if you want, but when it was actively snowing and a bit windy I needed many more layers. I could run down to 0 F if it was sunny but I have found that if it’s snowy or windy that 16 F is my limit.

Here is what I like to wear to keep things comfortable when it’s snowing:

Gloves are of course an important layer, I have THESE but I am not picky and my hands are usually fine.

When running in the snow I recommend wearing trail running shoes even if you are running on the roads/side walks. The extra traction comes in handy. I actually try to run on trails or paths when it’s snow because I feel like it is less likely to be icy and more forgiving if I were to slip. I have tried Yak-tracks and sheet metal screws as well, but trail shoes are my favorite for snow. If it’s too icy I just like to hit the treadmill.

I love my Hoka Challengers.

Wool socks are a must! These keep my feet warm and do okay if they get damp from the snow.

I love to wear a hat with a bill to keep the snow out of my face and eyes and then put a fleece headband over to keep my ears warm. I have had my headband since college! I like this hat and just got  this headband.

I have THIS neck/face warmer and can breath easily while staying warm *works great for skiing too.

A good jacket is key to feeling good on the run. If it’s not too windy or snowing hard I like my fleece jacket. It breathes well while keeping me warm. If it’s windy, raining or snowing hard I like this down jacket.

This quarter zip is a great base layer *runs small.

Lastly a fleece lined pair of leggings are key. I really like this pair, but if you are looking to save money I have gotten some from Costco for less than $20