Within 30 minutes of the last final of the semester submitted, I was headed North. What a giant relief to be done with school for a couple of weeks through the Holiday season. I packed my bags, grabbed my skis and immediately got on the road and headed North to Sacramento and Liz and Nic’s house.

When I arrived they were making home aid pizzas and drinking with friends. They let me know that my bedroom was ready, as it always would be for when I came. I love em.

The next morning we were up early, with only a few hours of sleep. After renting skis we were headed to Squaw Valley in Northwest Lake Tahoe. If you are active duty you can get a season pass for $25, instead of having to pay the normal $120+ ski rate for the lift ticket. Sayyy what?! We even got a fancy pass with our picture on it and everything. I’ll be going back again this season.

ski, Ski, SKIII!!!! So excited to be on the mountain again this season, especially with these two.

Looking good for the middle of December!

Taking that ski lift selfie. Had to be careful though, I lost my pole on our way up the ski lift. I mean seriously who does that?! What is it amateur hour?

Nic & Liz love!

Photo shoots are the norm when you’re with me, haha.
My best Japanese look.

They thought I was taking photos of them…!

Haha, there’s always time to stop for a quick selfie, especially on this day, the weather was so nice.

Stopping for lunch and they were giving out complimentary waters, probably because they weren’t serving any hot food at the cafes on the slopes. It really made no sense, but okay we’ll take the water and get a few beers.

The day was absolutely gorgeous, and the powder was really good in some places, not so good in others. We even went on an adventure in the woods, which was a very good time, even if it was sketchy in some places.

Sneaking photos over there.

We skii’d until the lifts closed, so it was a really good day. Did some great runs, had a few great wipe-outs, what more could you ask for?!

This was the last run of the day, we skii’d down to the parking lot but were a bit farther off than we thought and had to catch a shuttle back over to the Village at Squaw Valley to get to our car. It was so easy and fun.

After dropping our skii’s off at the car, we meandered through the village, one very specific mission in mind. Bailey’s hot chocolate.

But first, let’s get warmed up! Nic’s caption for this photo: That girlll is on fIIIre.

Then I sat down for a pic. We were set on getting our family Christmas photo together, which was my idea, and one I wouldn’t give up.

Then we got it! The guy taking the photos definitely #nailedit!

Checking out what else is in town.

So lovely, I love ski towns so much! Lights on the trees, cold crisp air, the ambiance, snow covered mountains in the background. Doesn’t get any better. Well actually, I was still on the mission for the Bailey’s laced hot chocolate!

Christmas tree in the center of town. Such a wonderful day, especially right after the relief of having finished finals

Out came the carolers. Must mean Santa is on his way.

Yep, here he comes!

Hiiiiii Santa!

Liz was beyond excited, haha.

Video Credit: Nic

Across the street was an Irish pub, and I figured that was a good place to search for Bailey’s, so we snuck inside for a drink and to warm up.

Yep, they did indeed have Bailey’s laced hot chocolate and it was DE-LIC-IOUS.

After our drink, we headed back outside and towards the car.

So many Christmas decorations, definitely a good place to get into the Christmas mood.

Just a few more minutes by the fire, I’m trying to keep my toes warm without burning my shoes.

Liz and I stopped for one more pic, then walked back to the car.

The last photo on the mountain, but I’m not worried, I’ll be back.

After we got back home, we ate dinner, started watching home alone, and made Christmas cookies. It was the perfect end to the evening, with the Christmas tree lit, hanging out with family.

Perfect. Take a guess on how long these cookies lasted for… 😉

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