Brian Head Vacation

We rented a cabin and drove 8 hours to Brian Head, UT to spend our spring break frolicking in the snow and pines. Ben was able to shed the edgie-wedgies and ride the lift with Dave. (5 and under are completely free! With a paying adult, of course. And don't forget a helmet (not free and not cheap.) And the opportunity cost of said adult not enjoying his own time because he is going hoarse from yelling words of encouragement and denying pleas to quit.) Ben is a true champ and loved his last three runs of the day.

Dave's mom was with us the entire time, as were cousins Sam Parry (Jer's age) and Liz Eames (Elaine's age). My parents came up for a night and day, and my cousin Angee brought her two youngest up for a few nights and a full day inbetween. There were the usual fiascos such as broken collar bones and hips . . . JUST KIDDING! Although Talon did hurt a shoulder which pretty much voided any fun he was having before the injury. And Turner was positive he didn't need more sunscreen . . .

Anyway, here are a few of the recorded memories:

Sammy

Alex

Elaine

Liz

Jer

Liz turned 12!

Talon, Grandpa Porter, Turner, Jer, Alex, Elaine, Liz, Sam

William blinking with one eye.

Ben readies for his last run.

Mother, Nurturer

In sharing time on Sunday, they obviously talked about mothers. Alex filled his handout with the standards: "prays, reads, helps, cooks, cleans, hugs, loves, XXXXXXX's, talks". Ben put a little more thought into it: "tucks me in, loves me, helps me, cleans my ears, tickles me, gives me lunch". It is nice to be appreciated.

The Big Ski Extravaganza!

Dr. Roland with Alex, Elaine and Jeremy about to ski a run at Powder Mountain.



We took a quick trip to the Ogden Valley to spend some time skiing with Dave's past boss at UT Southwestern. I had planned to stay in the "cabin" (huge beautiful home) with Ben and Liam, but they both wanted to try skiing. Ben just assumed all along that he would be skiing. Liam really had no idea what it was all about. I decided that now was as good a time as any for them to try, especially since it is relatively inexpensive here at Wolf Mountain, and there is a "magic carpet" conveyor belt rather than a rope tow. So I got them up early and suited them up for a lesson. Ben caught on right away. I am so excited for him. He will be able to ski with the big kids in no time at Brian Head in a few weeks. Liam was not as enthusiastic, but did really well for his age (3). He did what the instructor said and she didn't have to give up on him. In the video, Liam is the one in dark blue with the light blue instructor motivating him to make a big "pizza" (snowplow to me). Ben is in the yellow jacket who is supposed to make 8 big turns on his way down the hill.

The older kids and Dave spent most of their time at Powder Mountain, a few miles away. They had a blast and learned to parallel this year. They even got comfortable on all the big, bad black diamonds! Dave got to do a few powder runs with the Rolands. Everyone had a great time and we are so grateful to the Rolands for opening their winter paradise to us! Photos follow.

Ben and Liam snowball fight.

Ben is ready to shred.

Liam loves his skis.

Liam is losing enthusiasm.

Liam started to cry at this point, but was still able to function and follow directions.

At the top of the "hill".

Thank heaven for edgie-wedgies! They kept the kids' tips together.

Ben goes off on his own!
Relaxing after a big day on the slopes.

The Powder Mountain Posse: Rolands, Dave, Elaine, Jer, Alex.

Jer about to catch air!

Alex about to catch air!

Elaine at least 6 inches up!

Jer Plays Football

Unfortunately, I have no photos yet of Jer in his pads, but here is a photo of him (yellow shirt) at the end-of-season flag football game against the parents. He didn't like playing tackle football for the first 2/3 of the season, then had a breakthrough and now may play another season. Am I ready for another season? It will end after the baby comes, and it will be getting HOT soon . . .

Alex is playing basketball. He is the youngest on his team and learning a ton. I'll have to take some pictures at his next game.

Alex Reads

Alex was "sick" one day and stayed home from school. He did have a slight fever, but I think he just couldn't face blowing his nose every five seconds all day at school. So I let him stay at home with the promise that there would be no video games, movies or TV. Fortunately, he can read and kept himself, Ben and Liam occupied for quite a while with books.

Alex Sings

Elaine and friend Alyssa, who also has a brother in 1st grade.

Alex is feeling the love!

The first graders put on a Valentine's program with some fun songs and yummy treats. Alex did a great job and looked so sweet!