Holiday in the mountains

Happy 2013 everyone! Wrapping up 2012 proved to be a doozy for the Foxes, but we're thrilled to continue our new adventure in the new year.

After finally unpacking the last of the boxes and getting settled before Christmas, we were able to enjoy the holidays with a little rest and exploration of our new home town. Justin and Cindy had us over for their family celebration for Christmas Eve. It was fun to hear the native Idahoans tell us all the places we need to visit first, and the food and games were a blast. Everyone made us feel so welcome.

For Christmas Day, we decided to get out into the town a bit and hike around the river. We were in for a surprise as we learned of the true beauty hidden just off the main streets here in Eagle. We started with this view, just while driving around town to our hiking spots.

We found a great trail just off of Eagle Rd, and we ended up hiking around the most beautiful scenery of the river, the river rocks lining the banks, and the mountains in the distance. We also came across some beautiful homes, and their backyards faced the river. I told Dave to tell these people they are living in my house, and they need to get out soon.

Here's just one of many awesome views we had that day.

After a few days of work post-Christmas, it was time for our next holiday adventure. The Arringtons invited us to spend the long weekend at their lake cabin in Cascade and partake in some winter sports. We dusted off our ski clothes and jumped at the kind offer. We were ready for some snow!

Cascade is located in the mountains about 90 minutes north, and the Arringtons' cabin is right on the lake. The drive up was spectacular.

Once we got settled in, we headed straight for the ski slopes. Brundage Mountain is located just 30 minutes from the cabin in McCall. The town is spectacular, and the ski resort was a perfect blend of great trails but not huge crowds. Justin, Cindy and Dave took off for their trail adventures, and I took off for a beginner's lesson. :) My instructor, Gary, has been teaching for 35 years, and he was patient and kind and really re-introduced me to skiing in a way that makes me can't wait for more. It was a beautiful day on the mountain (and I only fell once).

We headed back into town with weary bodies and enjoyed a yummy Mexican dinner (yep, can't take the love of Mexican food out of the girl).

For New Year's Eve, the girls did a relaxing day in the cabin while the boys went ice fishing. Dave loved his first experience out on the frozen lake, and they caught quite a few fish. Here's Justin and the ice fishing set up.

We also learned just how much Sydney loves the Winter weather. She had a great day running around on the frozen lake and in the snow outside the cabin. She was definitely the biggest snow bunny of us all.

Our last stop before heading home was tubing. What fun! We spent two hours trying our hand at every type of configuration. Dave and I even tried belly first down the hill together. Here's a view of the hill.

Now it's back home and back to reality. We learned that the activities in Idaho for Winter are abundant, and I also learned I need some waterproof boots. :) We're looking forward to a happy 2013, and let's face it, if these two can get along, there's hope this year.