The 11th Amendment - The Right to Ski on your Birthday

I have vowed never to work my birthday again.  I have now enshrined in the MurphyOleary constitution the 11th bill of rights. 
"Congress shall make no law  prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of birthday celebrations, or the right of the people peaceably to enjoy their birthday without fear of interruption such as working, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances should the gifts not be up to scratch"

We escaped to Tahoe to enjoy some way too early spring skiing.  Note the happy work-free Friday faces.

Heavenly Valley was just that...Heavenly.  The sun shone, the skies were clear and Lake Tahoe was crystal clear.  This photo was taken from the top of the mountain - at Sierra resort.

This photo was taken from the highest point of Heavenly Resort - 10,040 feet.

Fred takes on the icy north facing slopes of Heavenly

We stayed at Stateline - just where California and Nevada meet.  Fred couldn't resist the lure of the casinos and hit the blackjack tables.  First Mary Beth fleeced him and later Marielena Guadalajara.  He blamed my sound advice for his bad luck....donate the money to charity at least it goes to a good cause.

Christmas at Camp O'Leary

Christmas would not be Christmas without the annual swim - a tradition exported from Ireland.  Of course there is a bit of a difference jumping into the ocean in December in Ireland compared to New Zealand.  Frankly it didn't feel much warmer and I missed the flask of Baileys coffee waiting on ths shore.  Bay Watch wasn't a patch on the O'Learys.

Christmas morning we loaded up the car and headed north to Forest Lakes Christian camp....well it was before before we got there anyway.  Fred and Carolyn preparing the Christmas Lunch.

The girls (Carolyn, Alison and Joanne) slaving away in the kitchen preparing Christmas Dinner

While the girls slaved in the kitchen the boys enteratined themselves playing Volleyball.  Here Michael and Dan high-five kiwi style.

 The Christmas dinner.  Not clear if the turkey has knocked Mark out already.
After lunch, we enjoyed a spot of cricket.  the Black Caps would be proud of this lot.

 Afternoon Nap - wonder who that is hiding under the cap.

 While Fred napped, the gang played on the lake.

 By the end of the day everyone was tired and happy enjoying an little imbibing with our friend Mr John Jameson.  A miracle in a Christan teetotaler camp!!