On the Slopes

Usually, I am very content to be home, yet every now and then, even in winter, even after a snowfall, I find myself eager to get out of the house. I was last out two weeks ago, just to prove the point. This time I had two great reasons to get out and about. I wanted to see the grandsons hit the slopes!

~over wintry roads~

Yes, last year may have been the Year of the Luge; however, this year is the Year of the Slope. The grands are on winter break so maternal grandparents and parents pooled resources for them to take skiing lessons. 

There is a charming little ski area very close by, which makes it handy. It is called Lost Valley and would you believe that John and I got lost there? ☺ Anyway, our daughter-in-law found us because we surely couldn't find her or the boys. The boys were up along the ridge and out of sight, but would be coming down eventually. We waited at the bottom of the slope near the ski lift where I amused myself by taking photos of the lifts.

I was amazed by all the little tykes zipping around on skis and snowboards then...

Their mom spies them right away. I was having troubles.

~same photo as above without arrows~

 One is to the left of the instructor and the other is behind her.

Here's Jake (the younger) waiting for instructions. It was good to see how attentive he was!

~Jake to the left and Sam to the right~

Following the leader in for a brief break at the lodge.

Lost Valley had fallen on hard times and was not expected to open this year. We are so glad that they did. Perhaps, one day, they'll be able to afford some updates to the lodge and return it to its former glory. I remember visiting a number of times over 40 years ago.

While chatting with the boys at break time, Sam shared that they had been having a lot of fun and that he was very tired. The day before, he had made a wrong turn and wound up going down a steeper hill all alone. I asked him how he managed to keep calm and get to the bottom without falling, which he had managed to do. He said, "I didn't keep calm. I was trying hard not to scream all the way down." Oh my! It had to have been exciting.

↑ Every mom might appreciate the option my daughter-in-law used with one tired Jake. Ha!

Our last look as the boys get on the lift and never look back.  It was interesting to see how skiing is taught. I hope that they get to graduate to poles soon. It's tough getting around otherwise.  See you next week!