For about 12 years now (except 1 year when the races were cancelled due to lack of snow), we have headed to Beaver Creek (BC) the first weekend in December for the only World Cup Ski Races in the US.  Admittedly – we are Ted Ligety ‘groupies’ and he has taken 1st place many years at these races.  It all began with the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy – when we were sharing an apartment with Ted’s parents as he won his first Olympic Gold Medal;-)  The whole experience was unbelievably exciting – never to be forgotten.  So – each year we trek to BC to remind us of that incredible February day and to watch Ted be interviewed, race and enjoy his new little one, Jax.

Steve Nyman and Ted Ligety being interviewed in advance of the races.

Ted, son Jax and Grandma Cyndi.

While the races were NOT cancelled this year as they were last year – there was VERY little snow except on the race runs (FIS & BC had done an incredible job of prepping the race course so the races could be held).  So for the first time ever, we got to walk the golf course we stay on because it was not snow covered.  That was a good news – bad news event – –

Oh crap! Who knew, ski races and no snow, we should’ve brought our clubs.

The next couple of weeks were filled with activities.  Friends from Park City came to visit and we had a nice evening and afternoon with Sarah and her sons, Cash and Tor.

Enjoying Scottsdale Christmas with Cash and Tor (Mom Sarah taking the photo).

There are always lots of volleyball games on Saturdays with niece, Demi – –

Niece Demi’s volleyball season is up and running.

— and our annual trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the luminarias.  The last several years there has been a special exhibit during the holiday season, so we get a 2-4-1 experience – the luminarias and the special exhibit.  This year it included the sculptures of Jun Kaneko (discussed a few posts back when there was a similar exhibit at the David Wright House).  An awesome evening;-)

Fun to see the Jun Kaneko ceramic sculptures rising out of the desert!

By this time – the full Christmas season was upon us.  The Biaett’s loaded into Barb’s car and ventured to the Illuminations display.  Thousands of lights ‘twinkling’ to various Christmas songs amaze you as one drives through in the car – with hot chocolate at the end;-)

Illuminations

The Biaett Christmas ornament.

Then it was Christmas morning and presents were a plenty!!

Opening packages at Barb, Andrew and Demi’s on Christmas morning.

After presents, breakfast and brief naps we were on to round 2!  Everyone appeared at our house for Christmas dinner, good cheer and thankfulness for a wonderful year.

Getting ready for Christmas dinner at our house.

From our house to yours – we hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration!  We now had to get ready for round 3 – as the Shoe Crew was on their way for more celebration;-)

Elizabeth & Gary at home in Scottsdale