Tinkham was introduced to the snow on her very first hike and she had a decent time, but it wasn't the kind of go-crazy adventure she needed so she could fall in love with the snow. So... we needed a go-crazy adventure, but an easy one. After all, she's still a puppy.

We don't ski (well, not much), but we do love our local ski areas. Mostly because they keep the roads plowed, control avalanche danger, and provide easy access to the snow. And as a bonus, they don't generally call the cops when you go uphill instead of down. All our other trailheads were either closed by the snow or would require a lengthy hike to get to decent snow so we climbed into the woods from the parking lot while everyone else stomped toward the lifts.

We didn't go far and we didn't climb high, but Tinkham got to see Tubbs snowshoes in action for the first time and go crazy dashing about in the snow. I'd hoped she'd sink up to her neck and really tire her out, but she was still so small she floated along the crust while the rest of us punched through even with snowshoes.

She also had to pose for a million pictures as we worked to get our Christmas card shot. That's the only reason you see all three of the kids and the dog together and smiling.

Pictures done. Snowshoeing done. Puppy energy done. Time to head home. The other reason we love the local ski area is it's only 20 minutes from home. That's just a little longer than it takes to drink the hot cocoa, which is perfect since we can get more at home.