Spring Break Colorado Style

I took this shot after a full day of skiing.  There is my boy, in his long underwear and snow boots, heading back to town with me in tow.  I was still saddled with my ski gear, in my ski boots, holding all of his Luca's gear as well.  He skipped ahead of me, happy in the sun.  I told him that we were on a hunt for dinosaur prints.  He found some prints and I asked what kind of dinosaur might have left them.  He said, "Mom, please, these are ski boot prints."  I was tired from the day but so happy to see him unencumbered and confident.  These are the moments of motherhood that are exhausting but riddled with meaning.  At the end of the day, when we review what was our best and worst moment, this was a hard one to explain.  That this, here, was quite possibly my best moment. 



There is a real buzz in the air the morning of a ski day.  I love the feeling of looking for gloves and long underwear, the anticipation of a fun day, and the feeling of a eating a big breakfast with everyone.  We stayed with my mom's friends outside of Vail in Cordillera.  They were the most gracious hosts and their home is truly stunning.  Mia and Luca both said, "Mom, you should just a house up here too."  Yes.  Exactly.  I'll get right on that. 





These two had an absolute blast and went on a scavenger hunt facilitated by my mom's friend Cindy.  She would ask them to find a snowflake with a certain characterisitic and the kids would disappear to find the snowflake that matched the description.  She had prizes so, natually, my children think Cindy is nicer than me and want to live there.  I don't really blame them. 



Mia has been waiting for all four us to ski together.  No lessons.  Just out on the mountain as a foursome.  We did it!  Remember when I explained the process of dressing a three year old for a ski day last year?  Those days are long gone.  Luca dressed himself and didn't even complain about any of the awkward gear.  

Luca mastered the lift and was so proud of himself.  I love the sense of confidence that everyone on the mountain instills in small kids. As we approached the lift line, I gave Luca a thumbs up and said, "Don't think about it.  Just hop on."  The lift operator gave him a high five and tossed him up like a you would hoist a pillow onto a top bunk.  Seamlessly.  Easily.  Luca was hooked. 

Mia wants to be a professional snowboarder or a surfer.  She only skis now, as is somewhat fearless, but she wants to take up boarding next year.  Here we go. 

V and Luca on the lift.

Fries.  Soda.  Candy.  And tons of laughing.  These two are either fighting or laughing.  They think the menu at the ski lodge is awesome.  Don't even get me started on the eating options.  I know that when I ski, I just succumb to the power of the mountain and eat like a frat boy.  I have to say, a day of junk food is so good it hurts. 

Snack break!

Winter

We're still here.  Through the months of snow.  Through a computer crash.  Through lots of time tucked inside, or outside bundled up, we've made it.  Like spring buds, we're poking our heads up through the ground and relishing in the idea of warmer weather and SPRING BREAK. 

Life has been a bit blurry, in a good way.  Raising kids seems to move time at warp speed.  Teeth growing in overnight.  Attitudes developing within hours.  Questions ripening with richness and depth in seeming seconds. 

We laugh a lot around here. 

I bring the kids with me most places, and they are usually the best dates.  I always tell admiring patrons that yes, yes, of course they are wonderful, engaging, and charming in public....they save up any behavior that is not stellar for when we're at home.  To be honest, it's fine by me; they feel safe at home, as do I.  We can unleash our less attractive selves when we feel that we are surrounded by love and support. 

I've been giving them lots of independence, always have.  They like to take the money and order totally by themselves.  I'll sometimes grab a seat and wait while the two of them navigate lines and tall counters.  Life is complicated and often not sized the way we all want or need.  I consider this valuable training. 

I found this photo tucked inside a box of old photos.  That's me in the middle, and my big brothers on either side.  When I saw this photo, I smiled.  Our siblings have such an impact on who we are, who we become.  The two of them and Emily are foundational to my every fiber. 

My babies

We swim a lot.  This kid is pretty good but still tells me he's not convinced swim team is in his future this summer.  "It's a lot of swimming" he tells me.  Yup. 

Of course, Mia sets up workouts in the laplanes when we swim.  She is workhorse and will swim for one straight hour.

I saw this and smiled.  Usually, I don't buy into the whole notion that our lives are supposed to be "extraordinary" or "amazing".  I think that sets us all up for some kind of defeat.  Why can't we lead totally ordinary lives but be good people and find humor and meaning?  Despite my cynism toward this movement to be "inspired", I still liked this.  Every day can be special.  Treat them as such. 

Met up with a bestie for a yummy lunch.  Old friends have a way of bringing out the very best in all of us.  I've been lucky in that department; the collection of women I have in my life is something I treasure. 

We're planning a road trip/camping trip this summer and can you tell a few people are excited?  I'm actually really excited too.  Tank tops.  Hikes.  Blazing sun.  Yes please.