New Years in New Mexico

We trekked 11+ hours to Ruidoso, NM to ring in the New Year!  We returned to the cabin we stayed at in early 2013!  Along the way we enjoyed meeting a friend for dinner in Abilene and a quick visit with Memaw in Crosbyton.

We were disappointed that there wasn't any snow in NM {and even more sad that Waco received snow while we were gone!}  Luckily there was some man-made snow on a couple of the slopes so that we could ski!  The first full day we were there we drove up the mountain and enjoyed a gondola ride to the top.  What a view!

On NYE we suited up in our ski gear!  We definitely over packed with warm clothes but ended up not having to use much of it!  Owen was excited about his first time to ski.  

While Emma and Owen started the day with a beginner's class Jarrod and I hit the slopes to refresh our skills!  There were only a couple of lifts open.  The kids did a great job and Owen was a speed demon! 

Before we left the mountain on NYE I briefly stopped by the Ski Apache Adaptive Sports office to inquire about what they offered.  I did not expect for Hudson to benefit from their services this year since I did not call ahead and because he is so young.  But GUESS WHAT?!?  The folks in the SAAS office were so kind and just so happened to have a time slot available the following morning!   

Upon our arrival on New Years Day they had three guys ready for us!  They had a tiny helmet and bi ski that fit Hudson perfectly!  We strapped him in and headed outdoors.  The guys were FABULOUS with him and were willing to stay out as long as he could handle.  Luckily the slopes were not at all crowded and we were able to take Hudson up several times in a row.  It was incredible how they conveniently got him on/off the lift and then glided him down the slope.  He yelled "wheeeee"! and each time our group reached the bottom he said "more"!  He loved it!!  What an unexpected but unforgettable experience it was to have Hudson join our family on the slopes :)

In the SAAS office they had this sweet therapy dog, Leah, who was so gentle and patient with Hudson.  He met a best friend!

Hudson also enjoyed tubing down the kiddy slides at the tube park!

We really enjoyed our time in NM!  We ate lots of dirt pudding, played many rounds of Skip Bo, assembled a puzzle, fed deer in the yard and celebrated the New Year in style!

HAPPY 2018!!