Schneeshulaufen

Did you know that at one time, I was fluent in German?  Why is this relevant you ask?  It's not.  I just wanted to point it out.  And also- schneeshulaufen is german for snow skiing.  And THAT'S what this post is about.  Skiing in the greatest snow on earth, on the most beautiful mountains on earth, and with a few of my very favorite people on earth.  

It has always been my dad's dream to ski with his grandkids.  Mission accomplished I think.  He has taught my oldest, is currently working on my middle and he thought that this was the year to start on my youngest.  Kate was stoked.  She hates being left out of anything- even if it's hard.  So we outfitted her in the cutest pink helmet we could find and set her loose on the mountain...  Actually what's funny about this picture- I have one of me at the same age doing the same thing with the same stubborn look on my face.  I should dig it up...

"Grrrr.  I'm ready.  Show me the mountain."

Look how tiny her boots are!!  The skis were to die for!  And... she actually did really well for her first time out!  That girl has legs of steel!  She was so cute to watch- she would sit and chant leg movements to herself.  "French fry.  French fry.  French fry." (straight skis) "Pizza.  Pizza.  Pizza." (snowpolow) "HAMBURGER" (that's code for fall on your butt).

And Ryan... as ever... looking stoked about having his picture taken.  Oh wait... no.  No he's not.  But he was excited to go skiing- even if he didn't look like it.  He's still pretty cautious on the slopes though.  And he has a hard time remembering how to turn when the run gets steep... he just about went off a cliff- until SuperMom sped in and saved him.  

At least I can always count on Ty for a goofy smile... he was excited too.  He loves skiing, and after today- I have to admit he's getting pretty good.  He can go just about anywhere.  He loves going fast too.  He left grandma behind in the trees on one run.

Love this bunch of skibums!