Actually using our ability to self rescue...

My parents joined us in Durango for Christmas and New Years. It was during this visit that we experienced what Ryan likes to refer to as an "Epic Three Generation Jeep Adventure."

Ryan, my Dad, Henry, and I all jumped in the Jeep. Looking back, it's a good idea my Mother decided to stay home. We were going on a Jeep adventure, show my Dad some of the surrounding area, find some snow, etc. etc. We also found ice, lots of ice, hidden under snow. As we drove along the trail, all was going well, until Bear lost traction and started sliding back. As he slid, he also began to turn, turning towards the edge of the cliff. Luckily, our tires hit some dirt and kept us from sliding off. But it was at this moment, nails dug into the seat, that I leaned forward and told Ryan, "we are going to need to use the winch." And we did, we successfully self rescued.

Can't say I took many pictures during the self rescuing attempt. This was taken after we safely maneuvered Bear. I was the driver, my Dad controlled the winch, and Ryan securely attached us to a sturdy tree. Notice the cable...

We basically attached to a tree, used the winch to turn Bear so he was no longer perpendicular to the trail and edge of the cliff, and slid down the trail to the portion that was not covered in ice. It only looks like snow in the picture, but under the snow was a thick layer of ice. Lesson learned, when Jeeping in winter, when encountering snow covered, edge of cliff paths, before proceeding, get out, check for ice. 

Henry playing in the snow.
This was taken earlier in the day, prior to our epic adventure. 

Other, less intense activities during their visit included, a ride on The Polar Express, a visit to Santa, and glasses of chocolate milk with Grandpa.

Allllll aboard the Polar Express...

A visit to Silverton to see Santa arrive on a fire truck.
It couldn't have worked out better, Henry is currently obsessed with fire trucks. 

Playing under the Silverton Christmas Tree while waiting to chat with Santa.
Not a lot of snow here, this and the Jeep adventure have been the only snow experiences Henry has had. Figures, we move to Colorado for snow, and we get no snow
(but I am not complaining, too much). 

No fear of Santa this year. He sat down and got to business.
No time for smiles. Telling Santa he wants a fire truck for Christmas. 

Nothing starts the morning better than a nice, cold glass of chocolate milk. 

I hope everyone had a memorable Christmas and 2018 is treating you well.