Winter Perks

There are some perks to living in Utah and having the greatest snow on Earth. 

Lately there have been a lot of really cool things to see and do that are snow and winter related. 

A couple of weeks ago I had been seeing all over instagram the Ice Castles. 

Rudy and I looked into it and headed up to Midway to check it out. 

From the outside it looked kinda tiny. But once you go inside it was really impressive. 

We walked around inside finding all of the intricacies of the Ice Castle. 

It was really cool and a fun outing. However, after about 30 minutes and taking a lot of photos I got really cold and couldn't feel my fingers. I didn't think about it until while we were there but standing in a place surrounded completely by ice can become quite cold. 

Last week was another fun snow outing and perk. 

We went to Park City to watch the World Cup of Freestyle Skiing. 

This was an Olympic qualifying event. Those that won would earn a spot on their respective country's team. 

It was probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It was unreal to see flips and jumps for skiing! 

I learned my mistakes from the Ice Castles and dressed really warm so it was more bearable. 

The night included hiking up the ski slope mountain. Crowding our way up to the front to get the best view. Aubry and I kept saying we were going to go after every single jump--but it was so cool I didn't want to leave. 

Then we found out there were fireworks at the end. I felt like I was on a group date for The Bachelor. 

On a mountain top in Park City and my own fireworks. 

{The night would have been perfect if I had not completely slipped and fell right as I got off the mountain--It happened so fast the next thing I knew I was straight back on the concrete. I am still feeling the pain from that one.}

It was really cool. And I am really glad I get to do fun things like this that are really close and easy to attend. 

let it snow....?

I am a firm believe in being jinxed. 

Just look at my wood cube key chain for proof. 

But apparently the key chain doesnt work, cause I have totally jinxed myself. 

I complain about Utah and then I move here. 

I complain about hating the snow and it is the worst winter in the past ten years.
It has been pretty rough. And I would say its just about to get better, but I don't want to jinx that either.
We have had some pretty rough snow storms where it just never seems to stop. And then if that wasn't bad we endured a terrible January with literally freezing weather.

Weeks of 7 degrees as the high.
Who knew I would ever shout for joy when we got to the high 20s during those weeks!!

Then we had the freezing rain storm. I didn't even know that was possible. But I had to scrape off the thickest layer of ice off my car that morning.

I have used my snow scraper more these past few months more than I ever did in the 4 years I lived in Provo.
I have {kinda} learned how to shovel my driveway. I like it in the sense that it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. And it counts as a work out too, right?

Have I mentioned that it has been rough??
It has been quite the adjustment coming back to this cold state.
Sometimes I had the urge to cry as I drove through the countless snow storms.
But then there were the mornings on my way to work I woke up to fresh layer of snow. And its so pretty, peaceful and serene...that I have to be ok with it.
The one good thing about snow is the skiing.

I went with Amy a few weeks ago and had a blast.

 Despite my first black diamond run ever to save her goggles, we had a really good time and endured a snow storm on the mountain.

Spring might...maybe...hopefully...will be on the horizon soon.
But who am I kidding, its Utah. We are bound to have a snow storm in June.
knock on wood.

12 days of Christmas.

Its gotten real Christmasy around these parts. 

And im loving every minute of it. 

My first 12 days of Christmas celebrations through photos. 

{girls night out for dinner at Roscoes. Christmas shopping and tree in Pasadena.}

{decorating the house. i really love all of our Danish decorations.}

{spotting Santa and the Christmas tree at The Grove.}

{picking out a tree with Chase and decorating.}

{the first Christmas party. Institute Christmas Party}

{Running the Santa Monica Christmas Run 10k!}

{and YES. I took photos of the run while running. I couldnt help myself. I really really loved running this 10k! It was a great accomplishment, Im really proud of myself for training and for accomplishing both goals I set for myself. And who wouldnt love running along the beach?? It was beautiful.}

Lots more Christmas still to come. 

Gotta actually do some Christmas shopping.

Need to hit up Candy Cane Lane.

And Party #2 with the Crew and our Secret Santa exchange. 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

'Tis the Christmas season!!
I dont know how its already December, but the Christmas season is already in full swing!

Ive been spinning Nsync, JB and Buble Christmas jams for days.
Its a frigid 60 degrees here in SoCal.
Our tree has been bought.
Decorations are almost all up.
And my Dad and I have participated in the annual lighting of the house, with minimal yelling. ha.

Linden got me into full on Christmas elf mode and are planning out all of our LA Christmas festivities.
Ill be kicking off the Christmas season with running the Santa Monica-Venice 10k Christmas Run next Saturday!

Other planned outings include:
Christmas Tree and shopping at the Grove. They make it snow every night!
Los Angeles Temple Christmas Lights.
Candy Cane Lane. best lit houses in LA!
Secret Santa and Christmas Party with the Crew.
Disneyland.
Los Posadas at Olvera Street.
And lots of Christmas movies with Cindy Lou Who.

Hopefully we can find the time to fit it all in!
Who's with me??