Skiers!

We took the kids on their first skiing trip on Friday. Mission Ridge lacks snow in a major way, but the bunny hill had enough. We drove up the mountain and through the clouds to a sunny, warm and beautiful day!

We rented gear on the hill for a surprisingly good rate. Here they are before any skiing happens.

Shannon's story and Mitchell's got off to different starts. Shannon struggled mightily. The one ski, one boot method didn't suit her fancy.

Mitch, however, worked hard to walk up the hill sideways several times. He was very focused and patient!

Shannon melted down. Completely. We had to go to the truck for a timeout and a near-nap. Poor frustrated baby girl.

Meanwhile, Mitch was working on the balance and comparing the one ski to a skateboard.

Then Grama got him on 2 and he walked up a few more times.

The enthusiasm was evident. Grama promised he could ride up the rope tow if he climbed up once more.

And he did! Over and over and over again! He loved to be let go and come flying down the hill into my arms. I was running along the base of the slope (in ski boots, mind you) catching the kids as they came down a la Holden Caufield's catcher in the rye. 

Shannon saw the joy Mitchell was experiencing and wanted in on the action. She, too, rode up the rope tow and came down solo. I never got a photo of them careening downhill completely turned loose because I was running and catching. The smiles were huge, though!

This is the end of the day. They had a great time overall with no major injuries, no one was cold, and the smiles won out. A successful introduction to skiing! If only tickets would always be $10...