smugg's

This week my family is all at Smuggler's Notch in Vermont for our annual family ski trip. My grandparents own a beautiful condo that they've been going to since my mom was in high school. We've taken a family vacation there every year since I was born. Usually my aunt, uncle, cousins, grandparents, parents, brother, and dog are all there! It is hands down one of my favorite places to be in the world. 

This is my first year not making this trip up to the Notch. My family says they don't feel too sorry for me, because I'm here :) They are right because I'm incredibly fortunate to be here, however, it's still hard to not be there. So many of my favorite memories with my family are during those weeks. My dad has made it a tradition to always carry swedish fish on him, so whoever gets to ride up on the chair lift with him, gets some on the way up. A couple years ago, he also started the "flask of Bailey's" tradition, where we take shots of Bailey's and cheers to funny people that we can think of. It sounds silly, but we have cried laughing over yelling funny names and taking a shot of Bailey's. As a family, we have some of our best talks on the chair lifts. We spend the week skiing, snuggling by the fire, relaxing at the hot tub at night, playing board games, eating dinner together, snacking way too much, and completing a crazy puzzle.  Luckily, thanks to Skype, I was able to chat with everyone last night which was so fun! Thank you, modern technology.