Our "stories" in pictures (by popular demand):
In December, we had our new annual tradition - a small wine tasting party where each guest brings a bottle of wine to taste along with food to complement it (or is it vice versa?!?). Picture below is of the (empty) bottles that were served. GREAT idea for a party, by the way! Very fun and fairly low preparation required!
Next, Jamie's 8th birthday party - this year she chose a party at home. We had an animal theme, with a great live animal show from Pacific Animal Productions. Here's our "baby" blowing out her candles.
Also in January (and in February, and in March...) - it's Girl Scout Cookie time! This year Ann is one of the troop's Cookie Moms so we are immersed in cookie paperwork, cookie boxes, cookie distribution, etc. Here's Jamie in sales mode.
Our first major trip in 2008 was a week-long ski trip to Breckenridge. We stayed at Beaver Run Resort, just at the base of Peak 9. The accommodations were average, but the location was GREAT. We skied 5 days and did a day of tubing at Keystone. I never thought I'd say it, but a week-long ski trip was a bit too long. We had allowed an extra day at the end of the trip to make it to Denver (in case of bad weather). We were calling the airline for options to return early, we were ready to play golf!!! But all in all, a good trip. Jamie is very comfortable (but cautious) on the slopes, and had fun in ski school for 3 1/2 days. 
We had 3 fantastic weather days, the rest of the time it was a bit gray with some snow flurries. Our last ski day was sunny, almost Spring ski conditions. Jamie got tired of skiing, so Jim and I took turns with her at the resort pool. Great contrast to see her in her bathing suit and Jim skiing up to say "hi" in the background! 
Family photo at Keystone... The next photo below is of the Keystone tubing hill. And finally, pictures of our own snow bunny!!!
On our way from Breckenridge to Denver, we made a stop at the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs. Greeted by two old "geezers" totally in character with the mining theme, little did we know this would be one of the highlights of the trip! Totally fascinating tour, and quite a famous gold mine, too. Our guide chipped some small sample stones for everyone in the group so now we have our own gold-veined nuggets. I'd totally recommend this stop if you're ever in Colorado.
