It's that time of year again . . .

Yes, we are packing our bags, planning our menus, and going to bed at night praying that our legs are in shape - again. We leave on Thursday for our favorite weekend of the year.

This will be our 4th year for our "yurt trip" with our favorite friends. Matt, Jeannette, Mike and Laurie and the Howells (that's us) will drive south to Wyoming / Idaho and trek into the Tetons for a 5 day back country ski trip.

We have a blast. Great leg burning skinning and climbing, amazing powder, fluffy white snow as far as the eyes can see, a warm and luxurious (it's all relative) yurt to come home to each night, great company, and lots of laughs and friendship.

It also has happened to fall on Pete's birthday weekend the last 3 years - an added bonus. Much to Matt and Mike's chagrin it also happens to fall on Superbowl weekend and - surprise - there's now electricity or power which means no football scores. Oops. The women are devastated!

So, hello 2009 - Pete's 34th Birthday and to some patient friends who will be skiing with a 6 month pregnant woman!

You can see a nice slide show and recap of last year's fun here. And you can see some highlights of past trips below here:

2006
Hellroaring Drainage, Centennial Mountains, ID


Darcy, Jeannette and Brooke

Pete looking hot.

Up, up and more up...

Lots of snow, 2-3 feet in one night!!!

2007
Plummer Canyon, Rendevous Yurt,
Targhee National Forest, ID

And this is what it's all about folks . . .

Brooke and Pete - the Grand Teton behind us... What a view!

Matt, Mike, Craig and Laurie - Jeannette was absent b/c she hurt her knee! Boo.

Ah, the High Life!

2008
Plummer Canyon, Rendevous Yurt,
Targhee National Forest, ID

We always have the BEST snow!

Beautiful skin tracks.

Jeannetteeeeeee and Brookeeeeee

Our cozy home away from home...

Happy skiers and friends!
Pete, Brooke, Matt, Jeannette, Laurie and Mike