Badger Creek

On December 20th, we took a trip to Badger Creek to visit our good friends who run the place, Brian and Natalie Ashton. They have four adorable children that play so well with our children. Brian started working for Richard at the music store back when he was still in college just before he married Natalie. We started the music retreat with them, and have stayed good friends through the 10 years and several moves (their moves) we have known them. They have lived in Preston, Wyoming, Arizona, and even just up the street from us! Now, they are at Badger Creek in Tetonia. Badger Creek is owned by the University. In the summer they do initiative/ropes courses for youth and college groups, and they have cross-country skiing and a sledding hill going during the winter months. I took lots of pictures, and I am going to post a lot because they just turned out so stinkin' cute!

Here are the kids getting ready to snowmobile over to the sledding hill. Thomas is holding their baby, Paul. I know, it made me a little nervous too!

The nice thing about this sledding hill is the rope tow. All you have to do is sit on your sled and the tow takes you up the hill! You can see the rope behind Marianne.

Natalie with Paul - So cute!

Brian with Sage. At least, I think that is Sage! Where are her eyes???

This is Brigham. He and James are only a couple months apart. 

Thomas thought the green toy helmet would help keep snow out of his eyes. Hmmm...

The kids all ready to go back for hot chocolate! Annie was definitely ready to go, I think. She is sitting next to Sarah. They are also the same age, and play so cute together!

I thought Sarah's hair was pretty hilarious.

Natalie and I whipped up some bacon-wrapped chestnuts to go with the hot chocolate. Yummm! Natalie also made some fabulous chocolate cake, and did I forget to mention the delicious steak dinner that Brian cooked up for us? We were so spoiled!!!

We played a game with the kids called Slam Bang - or is it Creepy Crawly??? Not sure. Actually, I think Brian had a completely different name for it!

Marianne and Sage

A great evening with such great friends! This was such a perfect way to start out the holiday break!!! Thanks, Brian and Natalie!