February Family Visit

Phew, it was a whirlwind weekend and I'm still recovering from all the fun and activities. My mom flew in from Reno, and my sister, Erin, and fiance, Nik, flew in from Portland.  I think Zach and I managed to entertain the heck out them from morning til' night.  Erin and Nik skied on Baldy with Zach on Friday while my mom and I ran some errands around town and got our nails done.  Then we met up for lunch at the River Run lodge.  That evening we enjoyed a comedy show in Sun Valley.  I laughed so hard I think the baby did a couple forward rolls.

Nik, Erin, Jeannie, Sarah & Zach outside SV Lodge.

Zach & Nik at the Comedy Show.

Erin, "Gretchen Fraiser", and Sarah.

 Nordic skiing for the girls and backcountry skiing for the boys the next day before a delicious lunch at my favorite, Galena Lodge.  Then it was time for the Ladies Baby Shower at Margo's (more to come on that).

Erin posing SV style on skate skis.

Classic skiing at 8 months pregnant.

Zach's aunt, Jane, uncle, Tony, and his girlfriend, Stephanie also made the journey to our valley this past weekend.  It was wonderful to see them all and learn about some of the Latham family history in a 150 year old cradle and rocking chair passed down to us for the baby.

Sarah, Jeannie, Erin, Jean, Kat, Jane, and Stephanie at the Lathams.

It was such a treat to have everyone in town to celebrate baby Latham and enjoy the little snow we still have in the mountains.  Thanks for coming and please come again soon! xoxo

Sarah, Jeannie, and Erin.

Nick's Birthday Celebration

Zach's dad, Nick, had his birthday last Thursday and we celebrated half way up the ski mountain at the Roundhouse Lodge.  Dining via Gondola is always a treat and this was extra special with the arrival of Nick's brother, Tony, and his girlfriend, Stephanie.  My mom was also in town so she was able to join a total of 10 people for a delicious fireside meal. 

Nick you may be getting older but it's clear to me your still young at heart!

Here is the man with all his birthday loot including a handmade duck caller from brother Tony.

Valentines Be Mine

Happy Valentines Day! 
And Happy Birthday to my niece Avery :)

Empathy Suit

Last night Zach and I had our first birthing class.  We joined 9 other couples at the medical center in Hailey to learn what we could about the in's and out's of labor, delivery, and baby in the first two hour session of a six course series.  Our teacher, Larsen Peterson, was great and has 30+ years of teaching experience under her belt.

The teacher asked for a volunteer and I quickly nominated Zach knowing this might be for something good.  And indeed it was!  Zach had to put on an "empathy suit".  The suit simulates what it might feel like to be pregnant for a man.  It's 30+lbs with a belly and breasts.  The teacher then adds additional weighted lead balls into the stomach to simulate what it might feel like to have something kicking inside you.  Zach had to get "dressed", tie his shoes, sit down on the floor, and try to get comfortable all in the empathy suit.  I think he would agree he has a whole new respect for what women go through while being pregnant.

The picture quality isn't the best because it was extremely hard to focus when I was laughing so hard.  But those who know Zach can surely visualize him flopping around on the floor with grunts and moans. 

Ski the Rails

Saturday I headed out with Lucy in tow for a community event called, "Ski the Rails".  What was once the old railroad tracks through the Wood River Valley is now the summer bike path and winter ski trails.  It's a wonderful asset to the community and there is never a day where someone isn't out enjoying it's benefits. 

Lucy watching out of the back of the bus window.

Bus full of skiers heading to the start in Ketchum.

Ski the Rails is basically that.  People start out in Ketchum and ski down to Hailey (about 11 miles) to meet at the Sun Valley Brewery for music, food, and beer (or water in my case) afterwards.  Lucy and I joined Jenna, her husband, Willie, and their dog, June, for the bus ride up and ski back down to Hailey.  We classic skied and enjoyed the glide, sunny day, and treats along the way. 

Lucy and I at the start ready for action.

Jenna and I mid-way at a booth.

Finish line at the Sun Valley Brewery.

I was a little more then exhausted on Sunday but it was well worth the enjoyment of the day. 

Baby Pool

My office decided to set-up a little "pool" for the Latham baby arrival.  Having about 18 guys in the office any reason to gamble seems like a good idea to them.  There is a calender for guessing the date the baby is born and the sex and an envelope for your $1 guess.  If you guess the baby's weight you could be the first non-Latham family member to hold the baby ;) 

Someone added Lucy's picture on the top right as inspiration.  I love our dog but goodness I hope our child isn't as hairy!

Special Spoon

Zach's grandfather, Ken, is more than your typical craftsman.  He has been known to construct a building or two from scratch.  A regular do it yourself kind of guy.  In his spare time he makes belt buckles, jewelry, tools, and more. 

I have been admiring his handiwork for years particularly at Zach's parents house in one of Ken's hand crafted "tea spoons".  A spoon with a lid that has holes in the top and bottom for steeping tea.  To my surprise yesterday afternoon I received a package with my very own teaspoon made of copper by grandpa Ken.  I was thrilled!  

I know he put a lot of time into making this and I plan to treasure it for even longer :)

Elk Crossing

After work yesterday I was driving home and came across a herd of elk trying to cross the road.  They were in single file and slowly waiting their turn to risk the run across Buttercup Road.  Luckily, there was enough light out to spot these creatures because not only can they be seriously injured or killed but so can the driver.

I slowed down of course to give them right of way but they weren't interested in negotiating.  So I snapped a  few quick pictures with the pink sunset in the background and kept rolling home.

Chinese Hurdler

Zach was laughing so hard he was crying over this.

Ski Inspiration

If you haven't noticed skiing seems to be my main topic for blog postings as of late.  But that is the time of year that our little snow town thrives.  Hence, more ski stories...

My friend, Megan, and I headed to Quigley Nordic trails on Saturday to get a little exercise.  This time last year Megan was pregnant with twins and didn't know what she was having.  Now she happily tows along Briggs and Lucy (10 months) in a chariot weighing at least 60lbs.  She chats merrily as we ski along only slowing down slightly at hills.  I am huffing and puffing more as I get farther into my pregnancy.  Seeing Megan relaxed and casual outdoors with two little ones gives me great inspiration for the future.   

Lucy, Briggs, and Megan

Megan with the chariot.

On Sunday ,Zach joined Lucy and I for a free day of skiing and we managed to take a video of some of the fun.  Unfortunately, I can now see my ski form needs major improvement.

Lucy is a fan of skiing to say the least :)

Zach also squeezed in a ski tour with friends and took more photos to share.