First Day

Much to the delight of my husband, Baker opened last Thursday with one of the best (and earliest) opening weekends they've ever had. We really wanted to go on opening day - the weather was beautiful and sunny - but we had a prior commitment so we got up on Friday instead.

It was so fun to get out everyone's gear the night before, a flurry of preparation. Searching for hats, gloves, long underwear that fits and of course, the dreaded balaclava which was needed for the predicted storm on Friday. We made our way out into the pelting rain a little later than anticipated, made our usual stop for a bathroom break and a bag of Salt and Vinegar chips and by the time I woke up - there was snow. Magical, wonderful, glorious white snow - covering the trees and the road, the plows having made walls of it on either side of our car. Every year I tell Justin that I want to move someplace where there is snow all the time in the winter. I've even searched for fire positions in Vail and Utah. Someplace closer to home and to grandparents - perhaps Cle Elum or Leavenworth - would be better. We've considered it... maybe someday.

Steele had been talking about going skiing all week and he and Justin had decided that Steele would take the first turn. I guess when we arrived though, lunch sounded more appealing to Steele than skiing (not unusual for this growing boy lately) so Adia went first. That girl could not get out of the lodge fast enough - she was waving and saying, "Goodbye Steele! Goodbye! I'm goin' skiin' now! Goodbye! Goodbye!" It was pretty cute and by the time Justin and Adia had made their first run, Steele was calling Justin on the phone to ask when he was going to be picked up. Justin had made a comment to me that he was a little worried that he was the only one truly excited about skiiing and that maybe the kids don't really like it - after seeing how thrilled the kids were to be up there, I don't think there's any need for concern about that.

Xochi and I stayed snug and warm in the lodge all day. Snacking, reading, knitting - chatting with a first time mama next to us. She and her husband were taking turns snowboarding while their 4 month old son slept on the table. They have a cabin near the mountain so I hope to see them more this season.

People often ask me if I ski. I don't. Well, I cross country ski a bit. Inevitably the next statement is always, "You should learn!" It's not that I don't want to, but quite honestly I don't feel the need to right now. I am perfectly content, even overjoyed, to stay at my post handing out sandwiches, pulling on snow pants, pushing on boots, warming up hands, giving excited cheers and high fives at departures and arrivals. It works for us and we all have fun. As long as there's a baby to care for, you'll find me in the lodge. Between you and me, I hope I'm in the lodge for many more years to come.

Evidently I'm not very skilled at taking pictures while I'm sitting in the lodge.

These are all I have. Oh well, there are more days to come!