After the presents were open, the cake was eaten and the pinata busted open it was time to play "style".  Those are Ava's words.  Ava received a make up case filled with make up for her birthday that one of her aunt's picked out.  (Pay back my sister)  I do have to say it has been one of her favorite gifts.  It was a huge hit.

The Hello Kitty Pinata!!  Ava helped fill it with candy she was soooo excited!!

Happy Birthday Ava!!  She is 4 now and insisted on a Hello Kitty Party!  She asked for all her girl cousins to spend the night and needed to have a "Pee-ata".  (Pinata)  It took me awhile to translate that one.

Starting off the New Year Right!!

Mike and I got to spend New Years Day up at Mt Baker.

We strapped on our snow shoes and put on our packs and 

headed to the back country to camp.  Along our way we ran

into a group that was coming back from camping and they

tipped us off to a group of snow caves that were just made 

and currently vacant.  I've never slept in a snow cave before

so we checked it out and much to our great surprise they were

sweet.  4 star rating in regards to the world of snow caves.  

The one we stayed in had 3 separate rooms and big enough to 

stand in.  We want to go back as soon as we can.

Mike snuggled up for a long winters nap.
This is our camp grounds.  Nice and inviting don't you think!?
Another entrance to one of the other snow caves in this area.

                          This is me coming out of the snow cave.
Closer image of Mike standing in the entrance of the snow cave.
            The entrance view from inside the snow cave.

Mike standing in at the entrance of our "bedroom".  The kitchen is the rectangular nook just behind him.