Instead of jet-setting to Mexico or somewhere warm this year, we opted for the more economical ski trip. Driving to Huntsville, we knew the conditions were bleak--Snowbasin received none of the recent storms and the snow base was very limited. We were still shocked to see the barren landscape with absolutely no white in sight.
New Years Eve, we played games, admire Cory and Kristen's brand new wheels, and solved riddles. Kristen and Cory made killer taquitos with all the fixings, the kids played rousing games of Secret Hitler, and we desperately tried (and failed) to stay awake until midnight.
Happy New Year!
The next morning, we packed up our gear and headed out to be the first on this rainy snow day. It beat our very low expectations, although the snow was very heavy.
The hot tub experience was as good as the snow: not what you'd hope for or expect but it was still a good time!
Warming up by the fire with a book.
A rainy walk with the world's fasted walkers: Elise and Rach.
A nap after London's first day back to skiing since she was 3. Lucky for her, she has Blake as a teacher.
Playing Speed Scrabble and Boggle with Grandma, Elise, and Kate that afternoon. There's nothing quite like the feeling you get when you see pencils moving vigorously and yours is completely still.
Zac dressing up Cory for dinner.
This local diner was adorable and named after a beloved, AI-posing dog.
Gear! Please dry!
The next day, we had more to ski on. Brady and I made a bad decision and skied down some very questionable areas. He called it a day after that and had Zac pick him up. Cory and Zac had been working for hours on Zachary's college essays, and Brady joined them.
The fog was bizarre--so thick at the top it was hard to see anyone or anything, and then suddenly clearing up at the end. I was suprised, though, by how fun the snow was for the conditions.
Taking hops like a champ for a girl who was told she probably should not ski this winter.
We ended the trip making ham soup and watching a movie Cory had never seen--Titanic! The kids loved it.
HAPPY 18th Birthday, Zachary! We woke up early to make waffles and celebrate his big transition to adulthood!
We watched a slideshow of him through the years and looked at his baby albums. He also opened many of his gifts since he would be leaving early for the BYU basketball game with Cory, Kristen, and Brady.
While they were at the game, Kate and I got home from our trip to see the orthopedic doctor clear in Ogden in time to pick up Owen from play practice at help at the combined youth activity making homemade pizzas. We have a youth group of over 100 kids!
The next day, Zac opened his final gift and we ate cake and ice cream.
Friday night, we celebrated in Salt Lake at La Casa del Tamal--his favorite place. The food was spectacular and the singing terrible! We loved it.
The next morning was a beautiful ski day with snow all over the trees. A perfect day at Alta.
Zac had preference that night and came home as exhausted and sweaty from Mosh Pit.
The next day, he shared his first flip on a snowboard with us. WHAT!?
Brady left Alta early to meet up with his former mission companions.
A copule days later, he and Cohen geared up to ask dates to prom. No time to wait, despite prom being months away.
Chicken Joe! I can feel it in my nuggets that we should go to prom!
Owen playing in his first game of rec basketball. It was tough not knowing kids on his team this time around but he earned points with me for a treat for rebounding, assisting, and shooting the ball.
Celebrating Mom Edwards' birthday in Heber. We asked Mom questions about her childhood and heard her stories.
Another piece of furniture finds its home in our home.
Kate does not need anyone to tell her to make herself at home.
We returned Owen's 3D printer and ordered a replacement. Brady spent time with Owen reinstalling everything while I hosted book club. The next morning, his first creation was ready and waiting for him when he charged down the stairs to check.
It's the gift that keeps on giving.
With so little snow and so much sunshine all week, we expected ice and poor conditions at our Saturday Alta ski day. The crowds were manageable as we hopped through the single ski line, Kate led us through the trees and on varied routes each run, and the sun and snow were beautiful. I kept saying how lucky it was that we got to surf half our lives, and now ski. Kate and Owen are so fast, but I'm getting faster and a little more capable of keeping up. A few weeks ago after purchasing new boots and feeling little difference in my foot pain, I watched videos and adjusted my form. I'm having no foot pain while skiing now! It's delightful to have Brady with us on this year. He avoids the ice and is improving quickly!
