All I want for Christmas....

...is a weekend at the Ritz Carlton!  (Forget my two front teeth!)

This year, rather than running around Christmas shopping and spending too much money on too much stuff, we decided that we would rather spend some time together in the mountains, eating, drinking, skiing, spa-ing, and well, more drinking. We were able to score a little place in Beaver Creek (thanks Scott Factor!!) for a few fun-filled days.

And so it begins.....

But first, it was time for some holiday cheer....

Cheers Peanut!

The greatest Mom ever!

Peter and Chris happy to finally have a drink in their hand knowing it was going to be a long weekend with the Lucas girls. 

Aforementioned Lucas girls
Peen and Chris taking it in. 

Chris having a tender moment with P and T.

Then some good times on the slopes.  We were fully prepared to have very little snow, since it was still pretty early in the season, but we ended up getting 2 feet of fresh powder!  It was unbelievable!

P and T ready to tear it up!  (if only their legs were!)

Amazing snow!  (photo courtesy of Meg)

Woohoo!  My brother in his element.  (photo courtesy of Meg)

The siblings

Good times on the lift with P and T.

Meg and Jeff

I think the snowboard is actually just an extension of my brother's body.

P. looking like he owns the place.

While we were all out on the slopes, Mom was inside baking up a storm....

Mmmm.....cream puffs and nut cups (or pecan delights as Chris prefers to call them)!

Oh, and a brief montage of Peen detaching her jaw to enjoy said baked goods:

Mom was appauled.  As I am sure Peen will be when she sees I have posted these pics.  
Good stuff Peanut!

And the skiing continued.....

Waiting for the lift to open. (P and T not pictured as they were still in bed)

Jeff shredding in the pow pow. (photo courtesy of Meg)

P and T still loving it.  (The pain has not set in yet)

View from the top of Meg's board. (photo courtesy of Meg)

And of course, Meg.

My sister got the wild idea to dress up as a giant gingerbread man, who we adoringly called Gingey.  She actually skied in that getup all day!  People went crazy for it!  Asking for hugs, pictures, and ginger snaps (which unfortunately she didn't have).  I have never laughed so hard! We captured some fantastic video footage that will follow shortly. 

Introducing.....GINGEY!

Gingey on the lift with Chris.

And P and T continued to fight the pain as they were having way too much fun!

But would do it again and again, as long as the ski valet keeps showing up.  

Time to dry out the boots in front of the fire....

And of course nothing quite finishes off a day of skiing like cocktail hour in the hot tub.....

View from the tub

Chris was feeling a little warm so he decided to lay in the snow. 

 We all thought he was crazy, but....

....he was feeling pretty good about it!

And this guy is always feeling pretty good.....

A last look at the view, before we head on down the hill back home.

P and T seen here smiling, although crying on the inside knowing there will be no concierge at home.

Good times, amazing snow, great food, and some fantastic memories!  Merry Christmas!!