25 January 2012
We were able to go to Hope Lodge again this year. We hit the one big snowstorm of January the week we were there. It snowed most every day and the snow was unlike typical northwest powder. It was super soft and light. It was truly amazing.
The kids all still get along and have a lot of fun together. This annual trip is a nice way to watch them grow up together. More of the kids are skiing now which changes things a bit too. It was during this trip that Julia reluctantly tried to ski on the main beginner run without a harness or me holding her in any way. That marks her day as a true skier. She said “I didn’t know skiing was so much fun” and now tells Tim that “I love skiing”. I think we found the sport for her. It was just hard to get her to leave the ski area after that day.
The views from Stevens pass can be pretty beautiful. This photo was taken one morning as the sun was still rising. Promises of a bluebird fresh powder ski day.
During the girls ski lessons this year Tim and I have been able to ski/snowboard together for 2 hours. It was a nice treat as usually we don’t ride at the same time. The last few weeks of lessons weren’t quite as snow filled (one was a downright rain storm). But we managed to have fun nonetheless.
18 January 2012
The birthday celebrations started with a party on Saturday. 8 kids including mine, came over for some party adventure including painting a wooden suitcase, pirate visiting and obstacle course, pizza making and cake eating.
School was cancelled again for Julia’s birthday due to a snowstorm. Julia was bummed at first as she was looking forward to pajama day at school. It was rather pretty outside though and even though we were mostly housebound I think Miss Julia had a fun day.
We braved the elements and took our broken sled over to the park for some fun. The coffee shop was next for some lunch and birthday treats. On our way home we ran into our neighbors headed down the road to sled the “big hill”. It was super fun. Much steeper than the park and our broken sled kept it from going too fast, so perfect for the girls. After sledding we went back home to watch a movie, then waffles for dinner (Julia’s choice as the restaurant she picked out, and many others, was closed).
8 January 2012
Julia began her official ski lessons on Sunday. She loved it! Her class stayed on the magic carpet, but her teacher reported that Julia was the strongest in the class and that she had a great attitude.
Julia (and Kayla and Ella) all stayed on the magic carpet for many more runs practicing their skills. Julia hopefully will be on the chairlift soon!
Kayla was learning some new skills too, such as beginning to parallel ski. Despite being sick, she had a good time too, and was joined by her good friend Ella in ski lessons.
1 January 2012
Vicky was able to visit us the week after Christmas. Tim and I were a bit under the weather, so we weren’t a whole lot of fun. She went to Olympia with the girls for a night, and was the first overnight visitor at our cabin. Tim and I were lucky enough to snowboard together two mornings in a row and had some amazing powder. For Christmas, Vicky made these lovely dolls for the girls along with some clothes. Thanks to Lila too for underwear and hats for the dolls. The girls are enjoying these dolls and we all had a good start to the new year.