Well, we are officially back. The weekend was a typical DC weekend – a birthday party today (Aidan M. turned 5), a puppet show at the Kennedy Center, lunch at the Hoffmans' yesterday, and the usual slew of errands and meals and baths and books and paper dolls and tea parties for Clara Belle the Dog and "Mary Poppins" (which made M cry). Buppie babysat three nights in a row so that we could make it out to the movies – very much appreciated, especially as we're getting into Oscar season.

Here are some photos from the birthday party today:

As I was unpacking, I came across some things from the trip that I wanted to include here. The first are the written comments the girls got from their ski instructor: "M is doing great. She balances well on two skis and is getting the pie form down. She should continue working on making a pie and turning. She is a joy to work with." and "A is doing great. For the first time, she caught on quickly and is controlling herself well with two skis. She should focus on making a pie and turning next. I loved working with her."

Here are the comments from the ski resort's daycare center, where the girls spent most of the following day: "A is so fun! She had a blast playing babies with her new friends!" and "M is adorable! She makes friends so easily and has a great personality!"

Yep, I agree!

And here are some photos from our Colorado trip. The other kids are Sophie and Esther, with whom we stayed.