First Day on the Slopes

After spending the previous day getting ski's, boots, helmets, and snow gear for the kids we had no choice but to head up to Sundance on Sunday.  Sam was never in the equation to come along but we made the mistake of showing him some little skis of Max's and he insisted on joining us.  Randy and I took separate cars knowing Sam would last one run.  After getting everyone dressed and to the lift, Randy and I realized we had maybe been too ambitious.  So. Much. Work.

I got to ride up with Max who was feeling very confident after his progress last year.

So... he forgot how to stop and turn.  Needless to say, our first run was not pretty.  Max took off straight down the hill and I had to helplessly watch from above.  Luckily he wasn't hurt physically but mentally he was defeated and pissed off.  He refused to put his skis back on.  Meanwhile, Sam needed to be carried down the hill which is not a task for the weak.   

It's times like these when I'm so grateful to have a partner like Randy.  When my frustration with Max is at an all time high, he takes over.  Hank had already made it down the mountain so I picked up Sam and skied to the bottom.  Randy had his hands full with Max.  By the time we made it down, I was exhausted and feeling like all our efforts were for nothing.  Randy somehow convinced Max to give it another try.  While the boys took another run, Sam and I decided a cookie and the lodge were in order.

There's nothing like a big fat cookie to lift your spirits.  I was ready to take Sam home but he was ready to head back up the mountain.  We needed to find Randy and the boys anyway so I agreed.

The lift ride was Sam's favorite part.  We met up with the boys to find everyone in great spirits.  Max and Hank were bombing it down the hill and having fun.  Randy and I took turns carrying Sam, skis and all, down the mountain.  I was starting to think all our hard work was worth it.  My dream of skiing with my entire family was coming true.  

Max never ceases to surprise me.  He goes from hating everything about skiing to never wanting to stop skiing in about 10 seconds.

After eating, they were ready to get back to it.

Finally, I got a turn to ride up with my first born.

I loved looking behind us to see these three.  Sam has never looked so tiny.

Sam decided he wanted to try to ski all by himself.

We let him free on the flat spots and he did amazing.

Being so close to the ground has it's advantages.  It's no biggie to fall.

Sam quickly became the star of the day.  He loved skiing to us.

I was amazed by his balance.  He didn't have edgie wedgies on and never crossed his tips.

Is there anything cuter than a baby on skis?  Our first day turned out to be a major success.  The kids had a blast and can't wait to go up again.  Mission accomplished.