Fabulous February...

... at least so far!

A few weeks ago, I was able to get my first backcountry ski in.  Unfortunately, we made a wrong turn and ended up on a flat track... no elevation gain means nothing to ski down.  So, we hiked about 2 miles in with our skis, then turned around and followed our tracks out.  But, we still got some decent views and it is always good exercise.

We were so excited to have my family visit us this month.  My brother, his wife and their 2 kids came to visit. We absolutely LOVED having them here.  My only wish is that they could have stayed longer.

After picking them up from the airport, we started the long drive home in heavy rain/snow.  I know they were all exhausted from traveling all day, but everyone did great!  The kids adjusted really easily to the time difference and they were so easygoing the whole trip!

We had lots of snow for the kids (and adults) to play in! I think we got about a foot of snow at our house; more in the higher elevations.

We made the trip around the lake... played at a park in North Lake... went sledding... rode the gondola at Heavenly... skied at Heavenly (sort of)... and just spent lots of time together.

Cutest selfie I have EVER seen!!!  

Riding the gondola

It was so amazing to have them here!  PLEASE come back soon!!!  And bring Pa and JuJu with you!  :)  

Keeping with a FABULOUS February... we leave for Hawaii on Wednesday!  I'm a little bit excited!!!!  Stay tuned!!!

Excitement for Things to Come

I don't think I have ever been so excited about the month of February in. my. life.  

Unfortunately, I usually dread February.  It's cold... spring still seems far away... I've had several loved ones pass away in the month of February... it has just always seemed so "blah" to me.  

Not this year.  I am thinking only positive thoughts this February and we have SO much to look forward to: 

1) My brother and his family are coming to Tahoe!!! 

2) They are predicting 200% precipitation for the month of February!!!  We desperately need the snow!  Maybe I'll finally get more practice at powder skiing (and maybe I will get in shape).  

3) We are taking our first trip to HAWAII!!!!  

I am pumped!  That should carry me through to March.  

There have been several things that have happened to my sweet little hometown lately.  There are people going through much more than I am!  They are so inspirational.  Part of our move to Tahoe was to help us live every single day to it's fullest potential.  Sometimes I forget what a blessing my life is.  Several years ago (in February... imagine that), one of my PT professors recommended that I see a neurologist due to some muscle atrophy in my hands.  The next 3-ish years, I saw a couple of neurologists for testing to track the progression.  I had just done a HUGE project in PT school on ALS and as I did more research, I realized there was a legitimate possibility that my presentation fit the signs/symptoms.  

I am ridiculously blessed that I have a non-progressive neuromuscular issue.  A friend I grew up with, who has a very thorough understanding of neurology explained it very well:  "Being diagnosed with monomelic amyotrophy [which is what I have] is like playing the lottery only once in your life and hitting the jackpot!"  I couldn't agree more!!!   I have no excuses not to live every single day of my life!  Luckily I married a man who enjoys living his life to the fullest.  He pushes me out of my comfort zone and I am learning that life is good outside of my comfort zone!  In fact, I'm just making my comfort zone bigger!

So, to summarize: 

Life is awesome... 

February doesn't have to be depressing...

Just remember what a blessing every day is!

And... here's a few random pics from the past few weeks: 

When there is no snow... go mountain biking!!! 

Biking gets you muddy! 

Our dog is THE BEST CUDDLER EVER!!! 

We have cold rivers... they should be frozen solid! 

Seriously... we need SNOW!  

This was the same cabin last year in February! 

This is a start.  But, not nearly enough!!! 

Hate the mustache... but love him!

So happy and grateful for all of my friends and family (those that are 3,000 miles away and those that are 3 miles away).  Life wouldn't be the same without you all!