Non-Traditional Christmas Eve

We did something completely non-traditional for Christmas Eve and went swimming in 19 degree outdoor weather . . . thermal hot springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming. It was my favorite Christmas Eve ever. I hope it becomes a tradition for years to come. It was so heavenly to soak in warm water and go from the freezing outdoors to the sauna. Plus, Annie was there with us, and anyone that knows Annie, knows how fun it is to go swimming with her. To get to Thermopolis, you have to drive through a Canyon and the center rock formation is for my brother, Brady. He and Armando spotted it last summer as they were rafting down the river and Armando had me snap a quick picture as we were driving by. If you know Brady well enough, you'll know why. Love you,  Brady!

On our way to the pool, Marcela spotted a dinosaur so we had to take a picture.

 Jacob and Keekee went along with us.

 Leafless trees and steaming water . . .

 As long as you're in the water, you really don't feel the cold . . . the outdoor slide on the other hand, was probably a bit colder, but for some reason, Marcela and Cecilia must have made about 57 trips down it. For some reason, they're skin and bone bodies didn't get cold.

 What, it's 19 degrees you say? And I'm grabbing metal? Your thermometer must be off! It feels like summer out here!

 Marcela always makes friends when we go swimming and these two had the same swimming suit.

 Armando was crazy and went off the high-dive.

 Unidentifiable silhouettes . . . don't worry Annie, these are the only ones I'm posting. ;)

 Mom just enjoyed sitting underneath the warm water.

I love pictures of my mom while she's laughing. They make me happy.