Ski Day!

We decided to hit the slopes, while Papa, Grandma Debbie and the Wirthlins were in town. 

Skiing makes my heart happy.  Beyond happy.  There's something about the snowcapped trees, fresh powder and skiing down the mountain fast that makes me grin from ear to ear.

 

I've been waiting for the chance to get my babies on the mountain and the timing seemed perfect while everyone was in town.The major factor being...Grandma graciously offered to watch the 'littles', aka Ethan and Owen, so we all could enjoy the day up the mountain.  It was too good to be true! We were hesitant at first, knowing that it would be a really long day for Grandma with the babies.. but she insisted and the plans were set.  What a gift!

 

I showed the kids YouTube videos of kids learning to ski so they'd get a good idea of what to expect.  These snow bunnies spend hours sledding so I didn't think the cold would phase them.  However, I did worry about all the equipment strapped to their bodies. 

 

Mylie and Luke both loved watching the videos and were jazzed.  Mylie was a little more nervous than Luke.  He was confident from the get-go that he wasn't even going to fall.  :)

 

We signed all the cousins up for ski school.  They would have 2 hours in the morning, we'd pick them up for lunch then another 2 hours in the afternoon.  We had our fingers crossed that it would be a positive experience. 

 

We stopped for rentals for the kids and Papa and were on our way up to Brighton. 

Everyone in the back of our car was beaming!

The first sign of trouble was when Luke tried to walk in his boots. It was a LOT harder than he anticipated.  It wasn't too long before he was in tears and had to be carried.  As we signed the kids in for school, he started to complain about his tummy hurting.  Justin took him to the bathroom numerous times, gave him food and tried everything we could think of to help that tummy of his.  Papa even tried to track down some meds. 

 

Then..we clued in to his comments.. "I'm too sick to ski."

Nerves.  My little guy that wasn't even going to fall made himself sick to his stomach. 

I then recalled the first day of preschool and the tears that were shed. 

My tender little guy. He's a lot like his mama.

 

So.. I did what every good mother would do... I left him in tears with his sister.  Ha! The ski school had my cell and I told them to call if Luke didn't cheer up.  My nurturing little Mylie didn't even hesitate.. she put her arm around Luke and kept telling him it would be okay. 

 

 The kids were set and we were on our way!

About 20 minutes into skiing we were on the lift and my phone rang. It was the ski school.  

My heart sank. 

It was one of the instructors and they needed to confirm that we were picking the kids up for lunch.  Hooray!

I checked on Luke and they said he was just fine.  What a relief!

 It was a gorgeous day on the mountain! Definitely overcast, but the fresh snow was perfect. We were all pretty giddy to be kidless and skiing our hearts out.  Or boarding.. in Justin's case. :)

We fit in so many runs that morning.. it was almost ridiculous! I can't remember the exact number, but it was around 8ish. The lines were so short. I think the longest we waited was 5 minutes to get on the lift. But mostly, we skied down, hopped right onto the lift and were back down again.

 I had a hunch that the rest of the world was doing their last minute Christmas shopping, with it being just a few days before Christmas.  The best time to go!

I'll be honest, I couldn't get back to my babies fast enough! We couldn't wait to hear all about their morning.

They were pretty beat, but loved every second.. despite Luke's look below. 

We filled up their tummies and heard all about their class and their badges, which kept track of their progress. Not before long, their food was gone and they were begging to go back.  So that was that.. and off they were again.  Amazing!

We were happy to get back to it as well! These lift pics are my fav.  Leedle and Bonjovi.

The only word that keeps coming to mind was.. perfect! The perfect day.

 We kept in touch with Grandma throughout the day. She sent pics of all the fun that was taking place at home.  What a relief to know that Ethan and Owen were happy and having the best time!

About 30 mins before the lifts closed, it was time to pick up the kids. We couldn't wait to go down the kiddie hill with them and to see all of their new skills.  Mylie advanced quite a few levels for a first timer, which was exciting. Luke did great as well but his legs were starting to feel it.

I'm pretty sure Justin has some great footage.  Papa, Luker and me riding the lift up.  

Myles on the lift with Justin.

 Sure enough, when we got to the top, Mylie was off.  Justin headed down with her and documented the whole thing.  I stayed back with Luke and his poor little legs were noodles.  It was a long day for a little guy! His muscles were definitely feeling it.  We managed to get down together just fine.  I was bummed that I didn't get to see him in action before the fatigue set in, but I know that he did great.

 

Despite the fact that I was fighting a terrible cold, our ski day was phenomenal. 

Great company, great snow, great new skills for my babies and great memories!

We can't wait to get them on the mountain again and see more of their skills in action. 

We know we have to take advantage of the 'kids under 7 ski free' at Brighton before my Mylie gets too old!

 

Special thanks to Papa and Grandma Debbie for making it all happen! We love you and can't thank you enough!

It was just one of the highlights of our time with them. More to come..