Family ski trips are among my top five favorite childhood memories. I loved that we were all together, got to stock our condo shelves with fun food we didn't usually get and that we were outside in the beautiful Rockies enjoying nature, beautiful scenery and a touch of exercise. I love the smell of the hot wax when you walk into the ski shop, the feel of the wind hitting my face as we would race to the bottom of the run to beat our chair lift. I love the sound of the skis gliding over the snow with a bright blue sky above.
I've waited so patiently for the boys to be old enough to ski so we can begin making these same family memories. This year was it. We left the house at exactly 8:24 am on a Sunday and pulled into Denver that same night around 9:35. Pretty good time with more stops than usual and three excited kids in tow.
Monday morning, after a fun morning swim with the boys, we set out to tour a candy factory. The boys were far more interested in the samples rather than the tour.
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| Kennon enjoying a sample. |
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| Fashionable set for swimming. |
We spent the afternoon at the Denver Museum of Sci*nce and Nature. Grayson is fascinated by animals so he had a great time. Brayden was in a funk so not so much. Kennon goes with the flow.
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| Family picture before the museum excursion. |
Despite our best efforts to avoid altitude sickness Brian, Brayden and I were feeling it. The boys recovered, but I contracted something else and was down for the count Tuesday and part of Wednesday. It wasn't pleasant, but after much sleep and thanks to my mom and Brian taking care of the boys, I bounced back and had a great trip.
The boys love the mountains and couldn't wait to head to ski school.
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| Brayden and Grayson ready for ski school. Kennon ready for a day with Nannie B. |
The boys LOVED skiing. They went straight to ski school and never argued (kind of a big deal). Brayden went to ski school three days and then skied with us the last day. He did awesome. He already beats us down the slope. I've had a long standing reign for being the fastest, most in control skier in the fam, but I think my title may be in jeopardy.
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| First official day skiing with mom and dad. |
The trip was even more special because my mom shared it Iwith us. It is such a gift she enjoys travel and we love having her with us. Having another adult help with the boys makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone. She is still a great skier. Hopefully, she has some fun too.
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| Enjoying lunch at the base of Peak 7. |
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| Brayden on a not-so-fun flat stretch. |
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| This is what dreams are made of - Nannie B and Brayden skiing together. |
Grayson enjoyed ski school too. He took a break and stayed in with Daddy while Nannie B and I skied one day (an awesome day together, by the way), but returned to ski school on the final day. He will be ready to ski with us next time.
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| Grayson after ski school |
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| Kennon and Grayson relaxing in the tub after a long, hard day. |
During our post-ski afternoon rest we enjoyed hot chocolate happy hour. Every evening we shared a good meal in our condo and curled up together to watch a movie or play a game. Brian and I got to read an entire book each. Mom and I spent an entire day together skiing and talking without any interruptions. These are a few of my favorite things and memories I pray our family treasures for a lifetime.
