So today we went to Big J’s, BJ’s, then TJ’s to do a little shopping.  Big J’s is Big John Leyden’s tree farm for a Christmas tree.  We learned about him back when we first moved to RI because he was on some morning TV show.  So my parents have been going there forever, and Nikki and I have been going there since we moved to NK.  Then is was off the BJ’s for diapers and the usual big box store needs, then Trader Joe’s for their awesome foods.  So far, we’ve got the tree up and lit, but no ornaments yet.  The cats are wondering around wondering what we’re up to.  Elias seems to like the tree in the house, but he enjoyed the walk outside more.

Yesterday I got to go skiing for the first time in 10 and a half months.  It was my typical bus trip (yaah free skiing!) to Stowe.  It was decent snow for early December again (last winter started early as well) and was very cold (highest temp I saw on the thermometer while skiing was 0º).  They were still working on maybe half the trails that are usually open, but there were still ~8 runs with good coverage.  It was nice to get out again, but honestly it was weird not seeing Elias or Nikki for an entire day. Check out the shots of the new Stowe lodge. This place is MAMMOTH! They even clear your trays for you. But they’re also not afraid to charge for that service, that lunch you see (chili, fries [because they had no bread bowls?!] and a powerade) cost me $17.50. Yes, almost $20. Normally I don’t mind paying for lunch while skiing on a free ticket, but that’s getting ridiculous. That seriously cut into my beer money for apre’ ski, so it was PBR for me… 😆

Here’s another video, this one’s from this morning after Elias’ morning nap: