Hitting the Slopes

Mike tells me that ever since he became a dad he has had a dream to teach his kids how to ski so he will always have friends to ski with as the years go by.

Sometimes dreams come true.

It’s taken time and patience, but now we’ve got 4 official skiers in the family instead of one. (I still haven’t come around and don’t feel so inclined yet. I’m kind of enjoying the silence of the house while everyone else is up the mountain).

Although she enjoys skiing for the most part, Mary Kate is too busy to go often, but the boys and Mike go at least once a week, sometimes twice. Once they get up there and get in the groove Mike can barely get the boys to come home. They love it, rain or shine.

I sent a camera up with Mike last trip and I love what he brought home for me. It does my heart good to see my kids having some great bonding time with their dad. I’m so grateful for Mike’s willingness to take the time to teach the kids this fun sport. It’s been a good confidence booster too.

For instance…

 

…this is the kid who learned a year later than the other two kids because he was so afraid of the ski lift. Look at him relaxing up there now. Testimony that fears can be overcome!

 
Lift selfie!

 
Sibling ski lift bonding. It’s a slow ride up and lots of conversations happens while they ride. I love when Mike comes home with tales of what topics the kids wanted to explore while on the ski lift.

Sometimes friends get to come with,…if they are lucky…

Garrett, Kate, Sean and MK

 
Mike and the boys will ski in almost any weather. It was a good trust exercise to ski in the thick fog, but they did it. Again…conquering those fears!

 

 
The boys have built up some serious stamina against the cold. My body temperature drops just looking at these photos. You’d think they would want to come home after they turn to popsicles, but they just keep going.

 
One reason I wish I was on the slopes with everyone else is to witness the brotherly love going on with these two. Skiing together is making their bond even stronger. I think it’s my favorite benefit from this whole gig.

Some days the weather is cold and wet, but some days are just beautiful and sunny at the resort. These are the favorite days. Such a great cure for that dreaded nature-deficit disorder.

 
Jonathan might be the most obsessed of all. He has found his passion. When he’s not skiing he is home studying the map of the resort, memorizing all the ski runs and their locations. He shows me each and everyone and tells me how many times they ran them that day…oh, and making certain I know which color diamond run they are.

 
Here is the dedicated and skilled instructor. He’s now a pro at teaching newbies to ski. I think he should patent his method.

 

These ski days have a rhythm and order that goes like this..

-ski boots in the house the night before so they will be warm when you stick your feet in them
-make sandwiches and pack snacks into dad’s trusty backpack
-make hot chocolate and pour it into the ski thermos (don’t forget the cups)
- get dressed in warm underclothes (don’t forget the wool socks)
- pack up the truck with all the gear (so much gear)
- drive to the resort (the boys talk non stop the entire ride)
- ski for a few hours until cold and hungry
-find the lodge and get warm while eating lunch and drinking hot chocolate
-ski some more until everyone is exhausted
-come home and tell mom all about every tiny detail of the day (and how many times Jeffrey got lost)
- sleep really well that night

 

Love this picture of all my favorite skiers and the guy in the orange jacket who thought he was so clever. Makes me laugh.

And one little video to finish things off. Mostly because Jeffrey is so proud of his new skid-stop skill…