Winter Fun

I grew up as a skier, a water skier that is. Joey however grew up as a snow skier and his family has a long family tradition of skiing. In fact his Grandfather was a founder of Crystal Mountain ski slopes here in Washington. So when winter hits we hit the slopes. Now the first few times I went skiing it was definitly a laughing matter. I spent more time on my bottom than on my feet. Joey fell down a couple times he was laughing so hard! Needless to say it wasn't the most fun I've ever had and I wasn't sure snow skiing was for me.

Well its been two years since we've really had a chance to go skiing. Babies and living overseas have kept us off the slopes until this year. Last wednesday we bundled up the babies and gathered the gear and off we went. There were 18 of us including 4 kiddos under the age of 3. I was anticipating huge rubbish parties but it ended up being one of the best times I've ever had on the mountain.

Since there were so many kiddos who wouldn't be joining us we decided to alternate taking runs. I was able to head down the mountain twice. The first time, in the morning, I was my usual scared self. I tried to think positively but all I could think of was my buns hitting the snow as I jumped off the chair lift. Miraculusly I never fell off the chair lift and I even made it down most of the run upright. The very best part is that now when I fall down I can get myself up! No more rolling around in the snow desperatly trying to get my legs under me. I've finally gotten pretty good at getting up!

Me, Sarah & Gretchen ready to take a run.

So for my second run I made it without too much fear and without too much falling! It was great. I loved it. The kids had fun too. Benson didn't know we weren't at home, things are pretty much the same wherever he is. And Josiah survived with no nap and a few cold fingers from the snow. His favorite part was going up and down the stairs with Gramps. All in all it was a great trip and I can't wait to hit the slopes again!

Josiah and his cousin Thomas eating Oreos, cookies make cold fingers warm again!