What I'm listening to

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Christmas in Wyoming

Coming home to Jackson is always a highlight for me, whether its in summer or winter. Whether the entry is flying over the mountains from Salt Lake or driving over the pass, I start to feel this intense sense of excitement when I know that a view of the valley is almost upon me. This year, I knew I had Colleen and a car full of my favorite little girls coming to get me, making the homecoming just that much sweeter. I absolutely love spending time with the Wachobs! Colleen and Erik are amazing examples of Christ-followers and so much fun to be with. We had a crazy week scheduled and all of it was a great time.
First up, Christmas with the extended Wachob/Hanks clan at the Teton Science School site in Kelly. We spent a few nights with Becky and Doug's family, eating together in the dining room, decorating the tree and playing games in the main lodge, and sleeping in the motel-style rooms. Every day was just gorgeous - beautiful, bright snow, clear, stunning views across the valley to the Tetons, and if it wasn't sunny it was pleasantly blizzarding (you'd have to be from Wyoming to understand). We spent Christmas Eve snowmobiling and cross country skiing to Granite Hot Springs, followed by a beautiful candlelight service at First Baptist. E, C, and the girls and I spent Christmas morning together before heading back out to TSS to join the larger, crazier group for more skiing and snowshoeing before dinner. We stayed for another day and a half and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.










Each of the rest of the days I tried to connect with friends that I only get to see when in Jackson - dinner with Lisa on Monday, lunch with Susannah on Tuesday, a ski and lunch with Cindy, Heather and the kids on Wednesday (including getting the suburban stuck in their driveway and braving the snowstorm to get back over the pass). We went skiing up the Death Canyon trailhead on New Years Eve, then I crashed the Willcox home that night-we watched Shrek 4 together, eating popcorn and apples just like old times. Mom arrived that evening, and we were able to enjoy time together and with Dan, Beth and Abby Cadol on Saturday. Sunday I joined the Ahlums for a game night and had a great time with Corrine, Lisa, and crew. Monday I reluctantly flew home, as teaching was calling me back to reality. You can never get enough time at home!







Before leaving for Jackson I was able to spend a quick night and morning with Amy and Forrest, and here are some pictures from the "Christmas morning" I had with them, as well as some from Mom and I exchanging gifts:


Best surprise: Ryan and Emily sent me this teacup and plate from Germany - I had admired it when I was visiting them but didn't buy it. So thoughtful of them!!