Christmas in Colorado

This is the first year I spent Christmas away from home and although it took some getting used to, it was definitely one for the books. I ventured to Colorado to surprise my dad and to spend time with Steve's family. Coincidentally they only live about an hour apart, so that's lucky. My dad has been begging me to come to Colorado for three years now, and I can see why. The open space, the mountains, the wildlife, oh my! Such a beautiful state with such beautiful people.

We packed so much into two weeks from skiing (definitely not my sport) to visiting a zoo on the mountain to snow tubing to birthday parties to holiday celebrations to fireworks to ahhhhhhh too much to name. But the best feeling of all was being welcomed into someone else's family to celebrate such a personal holiday. When the man you love invites you to share in traditions with all of the people he loves, it's sort of an indescribable happiness.

I also got to spend time with my father and his family, whom I don't get to see very often. Here's a tip: If you want to see a grown man cry, surprise your dad on his birthday after not seeing him for an entire year. It really does the trick. Just kidding, love you dad (but really not kidding at all).

The hospitality and love I received from both my family and Steve's family has reenforced why I love Christmas so much: The spirit of giving (both presents and love) is infectious and contagious. It's a holiday where you celebrate Christ, but also where you celebrate your blessings. And boy have I been blessed this year.

I may have gotten carried away taking pictures in Colorado, however here is a small percentage of my favorites:

 See you next time!