I said goodbye to my friendship family Saturday night after spending a week in the most beautiful place.  Justin and I don’t take too many trips with big groups of friends, so this was extremely exciting for both of us.  Spending 16 hours in the car twice in one week with 5 other people seemed like it could get a little dicey, but we are all alive and all still friends.

We had quite a few adventures throughout the week.  I laughed more than I have laughed in a long time.  My abs were literally sore one morning.  We spent some time skiing/snowboarding together, but there will be more on that later.  
One of our quiet days, we took a nice little trip to Bozeman.  We spent some time shopping and had a great lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza.  It was nice to explore the little mountain town.  The gift shops had some seriously great finds and when you are with this group, it’s impossible to just browse the stores quietly.


We also had family dinner every night.  This began with an insanely hilarious trip to Albertson’s (a grocery store) in Bozeman on our way into town.  We had to ride the rest of the way to Big Sky with a car full of our luggage, our snow stuff and all the food and alcohol for the week.
Brady’s face is my favorite in this photo.  Each person took a night to make dinner and we ended up with soups & sandwiches, pizzas, tacos, pork/fish with baked potatoes, pasta and burgers (veggie & turkey).  It’s nice to act like grown ups and cook and clean all together.  

That’s the whole group except for Kinzie (she came Tuesday night late.)  The last day we were there was another quiet mountain-free day for me.  Brian, Justin & I dropped the rest of the kids off at the mountain for their below zero day.  We enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at one of Brian’s favorite spots and then did some shopping.  We headed back to the house where the boys played cribbage and we just hung out.  The house is extremely beautiful and it is such an amazing place to spend quiet time.

To sum it up, it was a beautiful place with some fantastic people.  I love this friendship family and I am lucky to have been a part of it for the week.
My husband – yep, you are pretty great all the time, but I’m especially thankful for your patience with me on the hill and your sincere desire to hang with me on the easier runs so we could spend that time together.
Annika – I’m so glad you came and got to know these people that much better.  Thank you for being such a good sport with getting iced and doing sea people moves.  You are a true Montana Outlaw.
Kels – you are a doll and an amazing rapper.  You look unreal in one piece pajamas. I had an absolute blast with you on and off the hill.  

Brian – Thank you so much for inviting us on this trip.  Without you, I don’t think I ever would have built up the courage to put on skis and attempt to go down a mountainside.  

Brady – I didn’t realize how much I had missed you being around.  I have always had a blast with you.  Aside from the physical violence you dished out and the constant threat of wet willies, it was all fun.  Just remember what my husband has on video on his phone…
Kinzie – You are a trooper and I’m so glad you managed to power through your sinus infection and still kick it with us. You really missed out on the crowded car ride, but there will always be next time.  Have fun at the Armadillo Race – I’m so excited to see photos.