Steamboat--First Day on the Slopes

Sunday began bright and early.  I fell asleep with Cameron in a twin bed, but then moved over to the empty twin bed in the same room.   I was so afraid she might fall out of bed that I couldn't fall asleep until after 1:30 am.  Alas, my fears were founded, because she rolled right off of that bed at 2 am.  I was awoken to a very loud thump--oops!  Sorry, kiddo.  I scooped her up and we went to sleep together in the big king sized bed after that--move over Daddo.  The big kids were so pumped that they had a hard time falling asleep, and goodness knows they weren't about to sleep in. 

Afterall, this was right outside our window!  Hello Steamboat!

Who can sleep when it's almost time to ski?  These three were so excited to get back on the mountain.

Madison took off first, but I caught these two skiing the half-pipe, albeit a little bit cautious at first.

Lila made her way down and gave me a big thumbs up as she skied past me.

Get it, kids!

Thankfully the lift is a 6-seater, so we all fit nicely.

The view was breathtaking and we only had a few lift-mishaps that first day!

After a couple hours, we were in need of a rest, and needed to take off our extra layer.  It was almost 50 degrees!

We got rid of our fleeces and neck gators and refueled with a little hot chocolate.

Then we hitched a ride up the gondola.  About half way up the mountain, the weather started to drastically change!

We were amazed at how foggy is started getting...and then the snow starting coming down.

We skied Tomahawk, but it was snowing pretty hard up there, so we made our way back over to the middle of the mountain.  All in all, it was a good first day of skiing.  We were trying to balance teaching the kids good ski-skills, while still having fun.  Jackson was still wedging, but not as much as Mama Wedge (aka Lila), and Madison was somewhere in between.

Boom had a little too much confidence in Maddie's ski ability at the beginning and took her down Vogue--a pretty steep blue run. I went to help but just couldn't get her down the run.  Two ski patrol angels appeared and offered to help us.  The man had Maddie take off her skis and he gave them to the woman.  He picked up Madison like a baby and skied her down the run--thank you, thank you, thank you!  Just one more reason why we love Steamboat--everyone you meet is SO NICE!

Very soon it was time to head in for lunch.  Lila raced her daddy back to the condo!

Jackson had one last go through the box in the terrain park, and we went in to refuel.

This little snow bunny just didn't make it back out that afternoon.  She was exhausted and opted to stay in for a three hour nap.

We all made it back safely and spent the evening at home.  I cooked vegetable soup for dinner, while the kids played in their lair.  The perfect way to end the day.  Laid-back and loving life.

We were so tired that night!  The big kids went to sleep with no problems, and I just stayed in the twin bed with Cami all night.  I've had better sleep, but at least she didn't fall out!

Steamboat 2016 - Here we come!

We have been planning this trip for 6 months and last Saturday the big day had finally arrived! 

Somehow we got our 8 bags checked, made it through security without losing anyone and were at our gate with time to spare.  So far, so good!

Cameron was so happy to finally be on the airplane.   She buckled up, put on her headphones and watched a little Mickey Mouse to pass the time.  Before we knew it, we were on the runway in Colorado.

As we were walking off the plane, she kept shouting, "we made it!"
Yes we did.  Everyone was smiling from ear to ear.

American Airlines promptly delivered all of our luggage and we found our shuttle bus.  About 10 minutes into the ride, this chica was out like a light.

A little while later we were at the entrance to our home for the week--Hello Edgemont!
Oh how we have missed you.

This time we got the big four bedroom condo, which meant the kids had this awesome room all to themselves.  It had two bunk beds, plus toys, a big TV and an Xbox.  Wow!

Maddie claimed the top bunk and Lila took the bottom.  Bunk beds = happy kids.

After we set down our luggage, we went to check out the view from our balcony.

Not too shabby!

Then we went down to let the kids play in the snow.

I'm so thankful for this time I get to spend with my family.  Making memories for sure.
Love this lady!

There was a big concert going on at the base of the mountain.  We could hear it perfectly and still had all the room we wanted.  Perfect!

First family pic of the trip.  After four tries, we finally got it:)

The first few looked something like this.  Miss Thang has a mind of her own!

We sat down by the fire and just started to soak it all in.

Ski trip with this guy = one happy girl!

"I throw snow on my head, mom!"

So happy to be here for Spring Break.

We didn't waste any time and got right to making some good s'mores.

Yum!

This view.  My kids with their Gigi.  Making s'mores.  My heart was so full.

Add a little hot chocolate to the mix and we were living right.

Me and my favorite 9 year old.  

Pretty soon the sun began to set.  Magnificent.

It was a beautiful beginning to our trip.  

We ended the night with dinner at Slopeside and Cameron made a new friend.  This kid loves dogs so much and this was the sweetest animal.  Stay tuned for our first day on the slopes!

Fun Friday!

Few things are better than Friday afternoons spent outdoors.  Today it's sunny and 70 degrees.  Perfection.

My girl and I took a break from packing and headed out to the trampoline.

We did tricks, played Ring around the Rosie, sang all sorts of silly songs and just had the BEST time.

Wacky hair! 

Cameron loved soaring like an airplane, too.  It inspired us to lay on our backs and look for airplanes.  We listened to all the outdoor sounds, including lots of chirping birds, and ended up seeing five planes.  Every time ,she'd ask where it was going and then tell me that we needed to get on that plane and go to Colorado.  Smart girl!  Soon enough.  

Get outside today!  It does a body good.   

Open House

It was Open House at all Plano ISD schools last night.  Who ever thought it was a good plan to do this a day before Spring Break, I have no idea.  Don't they know that lots of parents are drowning in laundry while still trying to shuttle kids to and from activities?  Sheesh! 

 

But alas, the oldest three were SO excited and proud to show off all of their hard work.

 

 

Lila showed me her research project on an insect, lots of art work, her favorite computer game and other projects that were hanging around the room.  I am very proud of my super-star student!  We just had a conference with her teacher this week and she said Lila is one of the smartest in the class, along with being a very good helper to other students and her teacher.  Proud parent moment for sure.

I enjoyed seeing all of her work, but I was so impressed with this painting of a city skyline.

Jackson's portfolio was just as impressive.  He had a pizza project, this art project, made a book and plenty of other things.  He is excelling in school and his teacher made a point to come tell me again how wonderful it has been having him in class this year.  She said he's as smart as a whip and a great leader.  Can you feel my big smile?

 

I have no doubt that this little one will follow in her brother and sister's footsteps!   I bet she'll be just as smart, but probably with a little more sass.  She is such a hoot!

Little Ski Bunny?

As we were packing for our ski trip this morning, this little one tried on a few things. 

Fleece?  Check.  Toboggan?  Check.

Then she said, "I go ski, too!"  Oh my.  Something tells me that this little girl is NOT going to be content watching Jackson, Madison and Lila take off down the mountain.  I'm pretty sure she is going to insist that she gets to do it, too.  Stay tuned!