We had such a wonderful time in Park City with Os's brother and his family for a week in February. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "I LOVE SNOW!"
Skiing was the dominant theme of the week. My NieceK is already great on the slopes at age 6. She even skies groomed blues. My favorite memory of NieceK from the week was her giving a fist pump and shouting, "This rocks!" as she glided down the hill. Here is NieceK with Uncle Drew, Grandmere and Grandpere.
Moose had a rough first day of ski lessons, but after a request for a different instructor and a little talk with him about having fun and working hard at new opportunities he took off like a shot. He was riding chairlifts by his third day (and was happy to recite exactly which ones he had ridden and how many times). I love this picture of Moose, BBear and NieceK.
Moose quickly made it his goal to be the first one down the run (turns or no turns). Uncle Drew bet him that it will take him 10 years before he can ski as good as him and Moose was determined to get a head start on that bet. Grandpere and Moose going "steep and deep". Yes, Os's dad was able to ski with his grandkids even after his heart attack in December.
BiggiE had a great time skiing, too. He was begging to go again. When we got back home his friend, Judah, told BiggiE he had missed him so much while he was gone. BiggiE replied, "Utah is a great place for a kid like me!"
In standard BiggiE fashion he was happy to be wherever he was. He told me his favorite part of the trip was eating snow (and playing with his cousins and skiing). Eating snow took the cake, apparently, and he did a lot of it. We had to have a detailed conversation about what exactly is considered "fresh snow"-- good for eating. He had swiped some snow off the bummer of our car and asked if it was fresh snow. Fortunately, it snowed many of the days we were there so there was some fresh snow to be had.
Jelly Bean had a great time playing with her cousins. Niece Bana and Jelly Bean both loved putting on "ligas" (Niece Bana's name for leotards).
I think the caption for this photo is, "Smile if you want, Mom, but I didn't get to go skiing."
A family of skiers. Poor BiggiE was so tuckered out he was as floppy as spaghetti.
I wish I had a picture of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They both ended up having to work a lot of extra hours while we were in town and they were gracious hosts.
Os's mom has a great shot from one of our dinners out, so I'll add it if I can get it from her. (Got the pic! See end of the post.)
Skiing! Here's a list of some of the thanks bubbling over in my spirit:
1. The wonder-grace of finding myself knee deep in snow
2. The way fresh snow absorbs sound
3. The familiar, but forgotten thrill remembered on the first run
4. Lungs to feel the burn of high altitude and racing heart coming out of chest
5. The extra friendliness of strangers of a great snow day
6. Time alone with Os on a chairlift
7. The dancing fluidity of turns down a snowy mountain
8. An aspen stands' stark beauty in winter
9. Ache of every muscle after being pushed hard at play all day
10. Laughter that bubbles from person to person until finally we can stop and smile for the camera
