We coordinated spring break with the Olivers this year- our last year before school dictates the vacation calendar. They had already planned a Breckenridge ski trip, so we just piggy backed on to theirs. It was SO much fun! (and so much work ;)). Its no joke, lugging kids and ski gear all over the place while wearing ski boots and all of that winter bulk. But- it was worth it.
We flew to Denver on Saturday and drove to Breckenridge that evening. We settled and grocery shopped and had the best pizza for dinner. We wandered around town on Sunday and got a feel for things before stumbling upon the ski mountain where Sully immediately wanted to go. We hadn't intended to ski until Wednesday, but after his enthusiasm, we decided to line up family lessons for the following day as Maggie and the kids weren't set to arrive until Tuesday evening (Jeff arrived on Sunday but had a strict ski schedule to adhere to).
So- Monday brought ski lessons. Sully and Greta were great, ready to learn and to have fun- I was along for the ride, but Piper wanted nothing to do with it. She basically slept the whole time with either Dave or I (we took turns since it was technically a 'family' lesson). We were able to pop her skis on for a 45 second ride and photo op before she started yelling "ca'me!" (carry me), and then falling asleep on my lap. Oh well, we tried. Sully, Greta and Dave did awesome, mastering the bigger of the two bunny hills. When it was time to quit, Sully told our teacher 'Randy,' "I'm not like most kids, I don't need a break from skiing." The lift closing was our only way out.
Tuesday brought more skiing for Dave and Sully while the girls and I took a break at the Breckenridge Children's Museum. We had lots of fun and so did the boys, it was a great day for everyone. Isaac and Anna (and Maggie ;)) arrived that evening, so we welcomed them with pizza (again) and a swim in their heated (but cold) pool and the hot tubs. We were
so excited to tell them all about the fun waiting for them on the mountain.
Wednesday brought ski school for the 4 older kids and a babysitter for Piper. The older kids were all a bit apprehensive about school, it broke my heart to drop them off when I could feel their nerves and see how anxious they were. Much to my delight, they all had a great day and made great strides. The adults had a ski day of their own - Jeff had the route laid out for us; a few greens and lots of blues, slowly but surely, were getting the swing of it. We had lunch and then an afternoon beer before meeting the kids and taking them for pasta. We had good sleepers all around that night.
Thursday was a no ski day- we took the kids on a gondola ride and then Jeff took the kids so Dave could get Piper's nap in and Maggie and I could shop. Sully was devastated to take the day off of skiing, but was happy to have Isaac around. We had a sitter come that evening so the adults could go for dinner and drinks. It was a nice break in the busy week.
Friday was more skiing, although Greta was short lived, and Piper was even shorter. Dave ended up taking them home and I stayed to ski with Sully and the Olivers. Sully got into a little trouble on a blue, heading straight down and ending in a jumbled up snow ball mess. Some tears and fear landed him a ride down most of the mountain with Jeff until he was back on green-hill land where he finished out the day and his skiing vacation of 2018. We finished the night early with hibachi, which was fun for the whole group and then an early bedtime.
We had so much fun with the Olivers and are proud to have tackled our first family ski vacation. We are hopeful and excited for what our future holds- Sully and Greta have both talked a lot about it, Piper, not so much ;). Her tune will change next year when she is a bit older and more coordinated.
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| Our first view of the ski hill. |
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| Fam photo near the ski hill. |
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| Piper gives it a go. |
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| Ski fun. |
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| Girls outing at the museum. |
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| Melt down city. |
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| Meanwhile- Dave and Sully hit the slopes. |
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| The Olivers have arrived! |
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| Ski day. |
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| Mountaintop fun. |
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| Group photo. |
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| Dave and I on the mountain. |
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| We've graduated to the bid deal hill. |
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| Afternoon beverages. |
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| Fantastic family fun. |
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| Gondola ride with my girls. |
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| The crew. |
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| Ski hill photo op. |
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| Friday morning group ski. |
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| Pizza slicing'. |
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| Sully and I. |
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| The best way to finish out the ski morning. |
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| Last, but not least, getting in our 10k for the day. |
