Recapping Our Epic New Year’s Mountain Getaway & Long Holiday Adventure
Happy 2012, everyone! The confetti has settled, the last of the bubbly has been sipped, and the festive glow of the holidays is slowly fading into the routine of a promising new year. How was your New Year’s weekend? Did you indulge in copious amounts of champagne, share a heartfelt midnight kiss with your sweetheart, or perhaps burn the candle at both ends, staying out with the owls until dawn?
For me, it was two out of three. Sipping sparkling wine and sharing a joyful midnight kiss with Mr. B were absolute highlights. However, attempting to stay awake past 2 AM proved to be a formidable challenge. There’s something about hitting a certain age when the alluring promise of a good night’s sleep far outweighs the fleeting excitement of the late-night hours. And honestly, I’ve always held the belief that nothing truly good ever happens after midnight. Think about it – even Cinderella, the queen of magical evenings, knew to make her grand exit before the clock struck twelve, and and still found her happily ever after. Some traditions, it seems, are best honored with a strategic early departure!
A Whirlwind Holiday Travel Marathon Across the US
Spending the final two days of our expansive holiday season nestled in the breathtaking Colorado mountains with our closest friends was truly the perfect crescendo to our epic adventure. If you’ve been following along, you know it’s been quite the journey! We embarked on what felt like a marathon of travel, navigating across multiple states and experiencing a true cross-section of American landscapes and hospitality. This extended trip was a beautiful, albeit exhausting, way to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. From sunny San Diego beaches to the snowy peaks of Vail, our holiday escapade offered a rich tapestry of experiences.
Our Grand Tour: A Multi-City Holiday Itinerary
Our holiday travel itinerary looked something like this, a testament to our ambition and perhaps a touch of spontaneous planning:
- Denver to Wichita
- Wichita to San Diego
- San Diego to Denver
- Denver to Vail
- Vail to Denver
Whew, indeed! Reflecting on the sheer mileage and number of stops, Mr. B and I couldn’t help but marvel during our drive home. We realized this was undoubtedly the longest vacation we’d taken since our honeymoon, or possibly even stretching back to our college days. There was a moment when we simultaneously turned to each other, a shared thought echoing between us: “What on earth is wrong with us for waiting so long?” It was a humorous realization, mixed with a genuine desire to make travel a more regular and intentional part of our lives. We’re already hoping to embark on another exciting journey this year and are actively seeking inspiration. Do you have any suggestions on where our next adventure should take us? We’d love to hear your ideas for memorable destinations!
New Year’s Eve in Vail: A Themed Onesie Extravaganza
But let’s rewind a bit and delve into the heart of our New Year’s weekend celebration. Every single year, our wonderful friends Nick and Tom, who have the enviable fortune of living in the picturesque mountain town of Vail, host an absolutely legendary New Year’s Eve bash. The defining characteristic of their parties is always a fantastic theme, which adds an extra layer of fun and creativity to the festivities, ensuring each year is uniquely memorable. Last year, for instance, the theme was famously bold and provocative: “ABC” – Anything But Clothes. It certainly made for some truly unforgettable outfits and stories!
This year, they scaled it back slightly but kept the quirky spirit alive with the theme: “One Article of Clothing.” This presented a delightful challenge for costume planning, encouraging guests to think outside the box while maintaining a touch of modesty. Given that Mr. B and I, in the joyous chaos of pre-Christmas preparations, completely forgot to brainstorm ideas, I had a sudden stroke of brilliance: why not embrace maximum comfort and hilarity by going in adult pajama onesies? The idea felt incredibly fun, a perfect blend of cozy and comical for a New Year’s Eve in the chilly Colorado mountains. We envisioned a sea of grown-ups frolicking in oversized, whimsical sleepsuits, and it sounded like pure joy and uninhibited fun.
The Great Onesie Hunt and the Pink Bunny Mystery
The quest for the perfect onesies led us on an unexpected, and frankly, hilarious, shopping spree through various mountain town retailers. Mr. B, with his characteristic determination and good humor, managed to unearth the very last remaining pink bunny onesie at a Target in Silverthorne. The catch? It was a women’s XXXL. While I adore Mr. B, I couldn’t help but ponder the fashion choices involved here. Not to be unkind, but if one is of a larger stature, why would the aesthetic appeal of a giant pink pajama with integrated bunny feet be the ultimate choice for a festive party? It struck me as quite peculiar, adding a layer of charming absurdity to his eventual outfit that perfectly suited the whimsical theme.
My own selection was a bit more edgy, or at least, I liked to think so. I ended up acquiring my pink onesie, adorned with playful skulls, from a Walmart in Avon. It felt like a subtle nod to my personality while still embracing the fun and comfort of the onesie theme. So, tell me, what do you think? Is pink truly the new sexy? In the context of a themed New Year’s Eve party where comfort meets creativity, I’d say absolutely! It certainly made for some fantastic photos and even better memories.
Max and AC channeled their inner aviators, arriving as the iconic duo Goose and Maverick, perfectly embodying their chosen “one article of clothing” theme with authentic-looking flight suits. Their costumes were a definite hit and sparked much conversation.
Due to Chance feeling a bit under the weather, Listy, Brad, Ashley, Adrian (the Lehments visiting from Topeka), and I opted to stay back at our place, creating our own cozy pre-party hub. Meanwhile, the more adventurous boys, including Mr. B, headed over to Nick and Tom’s to proudly showcase their inventive outfits and kick off the evening’s main festivities. This split allowed for both rest and revelry, a perfect balance for our diverse group.
While the boys were out, the rest of us settled in for a classic drinking game: Presidents and Assholes. It had been years since I last played, and I must admit, my skills (or lack thereof) hadn’t improved one bit – I still suck at the darn thing! But who cares when you’re surrounded by great company and have a refreshing Jack and Ginger in hand? The laughter and friendly competition made for a perfect pre-countdown warm-up, highlighting how sometimes, the most cherished moments are the casual, spontaneous ones spent with good friends, away from the main event’s hubbub.
Once the guys returned, the energy in our cozy gathering space shifted with renewed excitement. We gathered around to watch the iconic Dick Clark New Year’s Eve special, a timeless tradition that always signals the impending countdown and fills the room with anticipation. Between commercials, we spontaneously broke into several dance parties, and I can tell you, dancing in a onesie is an experience truly epic! The sheer freedom of movement, combined with the uninhibited silliness of our outfits, brought an extra layer of pure, unadulterated joy to the room. Then, it was time for the main event: the collective countdown. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6… 3, 2, 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!” The evening was beautifully short, incredibly sweet, and delightfully simple – exactly the kind of unpretentious, joyful celebration I craved after a busy holiday season. It felt just right, a perfect transition into the new year.
New Year’s Day: Icy Slopes and Warm Company in Beaver Creek
New Year’s Day dawned with a predictably slow start, as is often the case after a festive New Year’s Eve. I suppose that’s the natural consequence of enjoying plenty of bubbly and then attempting to hit the ski slopes the very next day. Brad and Ashley, however, were keen to get to the mountain early, eager to begin teaching four-year-old Adrian the exhilarating art of skiing. Unfortunately, Mr. B woke up not only with the anticipated hangover but also a rather unwelcome cold. Needless to say, his pace was less than brisk, and as a result, we didn’t make it to the mountain until noon, a slight annoyance given our early ambitions and the clear skies.
Despite my initial frustration with the morning’s slow progression, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The sun, climbing higher in the sky, began to soften what little snow there was on the slopes. And therein lay the biggest disappointment for any avid skier: there had been virtually no fresh snow in the preceding two weeks, leaving the mountain conditions far from ideal. It was, frankly, very depressing, as we longed for fluffy powder rather than the hard-packed surface we encountered.
Mr. B and I managed a couple of runs, but the experience was akin to skiing on a sheet of ice rather than through soft, inviting powder. There were only a handful of good runs open, certainly not enough to justify spending a full day on the mountain with our new, eager equipment. I was genuinely bummed. As a passionate skier, I’m absolutely dying to carve through deep powder, especially on my new K2 Missbehaveds, which are practically begging for some serious snow! The craving for that perfect run lingered throughout the day.
We took a few more leisurely runs together, mostly just exploring what parts of the mountain were open and soaking in the crisp mountain air. Eventually, we rendezvoused with the rest of our group at the top of the Buckaroo Express lift to cheer on Adrian as he practiced his skiing. He was absolutely adorable, navigating the gentle slopes with a mix of intense concentration and pure, unadulterated joy. Watching him, I couldn’t help but wish I had learned to ski as a child; kids truly seem to possess a boundless fearlessness on the slopes that adults often lose. As Chance started to feel the chill, Listy and I decided to stroll down to the charming Beaver Creek village. Our mission: to grab some appetizers and drinks, offering a warm and welcoming spot while we waited for the rest of the group to finish their runs.
A Must-Visit: The Blue Moose in Beaver Creek
For anyone planning a trip to Beaver Creek, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to The Blue Moose. It’s a fantastic spot that consistently delivers great value and boasts a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Their happy hour is legendary, offering incredibly tempting deals like $3 draws (draft beers) and $3 slices of delicious, generously portioned pizza. It’s truly the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day on the slopes, or simply to enjoy some casual bites and drinks with friends amidst a bustling, friendly environment.
Knowing we had dinner plans later in the evening, we wisely opted for a refreshing beer and a few choice appetizers to tide us over. Our selections were the always-popular crispy calamari and a generous serving of perfectly golden fries. Yes, yes, I know – the healthy resolutions typically kick in with the new year, but sometimes, you just have to embrace the moment, indulge a little, and save the healthy eating for *tomorrow*, right? It’s all about balance, and on vacation, indulgence often takes priority!
Evening Relaxation: Football, Tacos, and Onesie Comfort
After our delightful pit stop at The Blue Moose, we headed back to our cozy mountain lodging. The plan was to settle in and catch the conclusion of the Chiefs vs. Broncos game, a classic rivalry that always promises excitement. It was a nail-biter, but unfortunately for fans of the home team, poor Tim Tebow couldn’t quite pull out another victory this time around, leading to a close loss. The game, as always, sparked lively debate among our group, leading to the informal “CGM Question of the week”: Is it truly time for the Broncos to move on from Tebow? Is half a season enough to fairly judge a new quarterback’s potential and long-term fit in a demanding league? These are the kinds of passionate discussions that fuel sports fans, and it was a fun way to wind down the afternoon, dissecting strategies and predictions.
As evening drew in and everyone was comfortably snuggled into their post-skiing relaxation, Listy and I took charge of dinner preparations. At the grocery store earlier, we had brainstormed quick and easy meal ideas suitable for a large, hungry group that required minimal fuss. The unanimous answer? Beef Tacos! It’s a crowd-pleaser that allows for customization and is always a hit. It was a perfect example of our ‘village’ truly working together: while Listy and I handled the grocery run, Mr. B masterfully assembled the tacos, setting up a delicious bar with all the fixings, and AC whipped up a fantastic batch of Rotel dip. I truly cherish these moments of collaborative cooking and shared responsibility; it’s amazing how smoothly and joyfully things run when everyone pitches in, turning a simple meal into a communal event.
And yes, I absolutely enjoyed my dinner still clad in my beloved onesie. Call me a five-year-old if you must, but there’s an unparalleled comfort and joy in embracing such carefree attire, especially during a relaxing vacation. It truly embodies the spirit of unburdened relaxation. I promise I’ll revert to my ‘normal’ adult self by Tuesday – or at least, a reasonable facsimile thereof! This vacation has been all about embracing fun, comfort, and the company of great friends, and the onesie perfectly encapsulated that spirit of unpretentious enjoyment. Sometimes, a little bit of childlike wonder is exactly what we need to rejuvenate.
Returning to Reality, Cherishing Memories and Planning for More
This morning, Listy and I took full advantage of the opportunity to lounge around, savoring the final, lazy moments of our mountain escape. Meanwhile, the more intrepid members of our group once again braved the icy slopes of Beaver Creek for a few last runs. We ultimately decided to head back to Denver a little earlier than planned, a strategic move to beat the infamous holiday traffic that can often dampen the end of a perfect trip. This foresight paid off wonderfully, allowing me to accomplish a significant amount of tasks and mentally prepare for the inevitable return to work tomorrow. It’s always a bittersweet feeling, transitioning from carefree vacation mode back into the daily grind, but being prepared certainly helps.
Alright, with the last items on my pre-work checklist ticked off, I am now off to fully immerse myself in these precious final hours of vacation bliss. The long holiday adventure, from San Diego’s sunny shores to Vail’s snowy peaks, has been an incredible journey filled with laughter, good food, and cherished moments with dear friends. It’s experiences like these that truly enrich life, providing not just relaxation but a wealth of memories and renewed perspectives. I’m already looking forward to planning the next one, and can’t wait to share those adventures with you. Don’t forget to share your travel suggestions with me – I’m always on the lookout for new inspiration!
Have a wonderful evening, and here’s to a fantastic start to 2012 filled with new adventures, memorable experiences, and perhaps even some deep powder skiing!
Missed Our San Diego Adventures? Catch Up Here!
P.S. In case you missed the initial chapters of our epic holiday journey, you can catch up on all the fun from our San Diego escapades. Just click on the links below to relive the sunshine, coastal charm, and delicious food we enjoyed in Southern California:
San Diego: Day One – Coastal Beginnings
San Diego: Day Two – Exploring the City by the Sea
San Diego: Day Three – Farewell to the Sun