A peek into Finnley's world.: Finnley's First Powder Day!

Finnley at the end of the big adventure. . .it sure was fun!

We spent Spencer's 31st birthday in a winter wonderland. About 40 miles south of Gunnison and 30 miles north of Montrose up Big Cimarron Road with endless snow and endless views of the San Juan Mountains. Once there, we stayed at "Jim's Ranch", a plush log home with access to beautiful skiing terrain via a private Snow Cat. . . SWEET!

It was a gorgeous drive to the ranch, we spotted a herd if winter elk just north of Buena Vista.

Fresh snow, YES!

We knew we were in for an awesome ski adventure . . .

But first, we were a little too excited for that and got ourselves into a bit of a car adventure. . . oops.

Finnley found it a good time for a nap in the snowbank.

(Don't worry people, she was way cleared from the scene)

A passerby was nice enough to help us in our endeavor - but in the end, he got himself stuck worse trying to get us out - oofda! Lot's of digging out, hooking up, and rally-ho-ing!

Though, after a couple of hours we made it up to the house! Ahh, what a life! A "litttle" mountain gettaway . . . Now, to the ski adventure. . .we bundled Finn up. . .

And off we go on the "Quad Cat". Wow Finn, let the adventure's begin!

Absolutely one of the most beautiful winter afternoons we have experienced. The sun was letting down behind the cliffbands casting an incredible light through the clouds and over the fresh snow, trees, and rock. . . ahhhhhsome!

We approach the skiing terrain and spot Spencer's co-workers working the powder turns. Can you see them? We push on, heading towards the Yurt, where all the trails meet. A cozy place to warm up and rest your powder turn weary legs. Looks like it will be perfect timing to meet the guys and catch the snowcat for a Birthday Run before the sun goes down. . .

At the end of the day, Spence got in a great Birthday Run, we saw some spectacular scenery, and Finnley experienced her first Snow Cat ride! This called for an evening of celebration- a few gifts, a great dinner and CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Happy Birthday DAD!

Here's the crew. . . Spencer, Mike, Craig, and Ryan (all part of the IAD clan)

and of course, sitting shotgun, our little Finn :)

We were on cloud nine- what a fun day of playing in the powder covered mountains - and having it all to ourselves. . .Yippie!

Not to mention, it was a classic bluebird and snowfilled colorado day. Here is the Cat in action!

We stopped to admire the incredible views. . .

Ahhhsome!

Mike watched over Finn in the Yurt for the first two runs of the day so Spence and I could ski together- Thanks Mike! I returned to give her some lunch and after another run, the other's joined us. Each "lap" took about 40 minutes.