We had a great time skiing yesterday. Despite the chilly temperatures and falling snow we managed to stay bundled up and warm. The fresh powder was perfect.
Julie asked to skip a lesson and ski with us instead. I was hesitant but her instructor assured me that she was ready for the big trails. She said that it would be good for her to apply the things she had learned in the classes on her own for a day. So off we went.
I was nervous since I hadn’t skied in over six years but surprisingly it all came back to me very quickly. While the borders were strapping their bindings I headed to an easy looking trail. Unfortunately for the kids, it was across a simi-flat area ,up a little hill. Not knowing much about snowboarding I didn’t realize that they can’t stand and move on the boards without a downward slope and they absolutely can’t climb up any kind of hill while strapped into the boards. My plan was quickly aborted and we headed down the trail that was closest to us. It became evident rather quickly that we were on steep terrain. This was obviously not a green trail. Great, the first time Julie tries the real slopes I send her down a steep, bumpy blue one! The other kids fly down the hill and are swiftly out of sight. Dh follows them while I stay behind and coax Julie down. We take it really slow. After about 100 feet I can sense that her confidence is growing and she speeds up. By the time we reach the halfway point, she is flying down like a pro. I was utterly shocked at how well she did.
Overall, I was happily surprised with the skill levels of most of the kids. Joey had some difficulties though. He has always been my timid one. He tries to go down the slopes in a crouching/sitting position. I think he is afraid that if he stands that it will be more painful if he wipes out. He had a hard time steering and keeping control of the board when he was so low to the ground. Several times he went into the trees and it seemed like he wasn’t enjoying it very much. Joe’s taken lessons for two years so I was taken aback with his troubles. He was a bit apprehensive, since the girls wouldn’t be joining him, but agreed that for the next few times he will be going back to ski school. If he continues to struggle I’m going to have him try skiing instead. I want him to enjoy himself and he can’t if he has no control of his board. I’m sure that once his confidence builds up he will be awesome.
We were exhausted but felt fine and all were fast asleep by 7:30 last night. Today, however, I hurt. My legs are very sore. There are two toes on my right foot that have been completely numb since last night. It's weird because they weren't squashed in the boots nor were they cold at all yesterday. It is the strangest sensation. The kids are bouncing around like normal. I'm the only one walking with a limp. I am turning into a little old lady. :) Dh works on Thursdays but didn't seem to have any trouble this morning. I guess it's just me.
Almost there
Julie was very impatient. She kept asking me why I was taking so long to get my boots on. "You're burning daylight Mom!"
Julie, my sister Maggie, and Megs are ready to go
Joey relieved to have made it back to the lifts. He is ready to try it again.
Nothing beats a great cup of hot coco to warm you up after a long day on the slopes. :)
The kids were wearing thin. They had had it and were less then amused when I suggested they sit in the sleigh for a photo. Notice the lovely hat hair? lol
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