Playing catch up.

Let's just say that in two day's time I only skied 5 runs on the very short T-bar lift, three of those with E skiing between my legs.  One day was spent with a very tired and whiny 4 year old back at the rented condo convincing him that, yes, he really did need to take a nap, then watching CSI reruns in the middle of the day when he finally did sleep.  Another afternoon was mostly spent hauling him up the bottom of the bunny hill and running down to catch him before he crashed into the fencing.  R, on the other hand, took 35 runs on the t-bar with my parents one afternoon and several more the other afternoon, not wanting to quit even when the lifts closed for the day.  Missed a day of skiing a foot of new powder followed by a perfect, sunny day on the mountain.  Oh well.  It was all about the boys spending time skiing with my parents, who keep the boys in second hand ski gear and take us on a weekend like this each year.  For now, I'll be the photographer and maybe catch a few runs here and there.  Snow fun at all.   ;)

Now I know what my parents went through every winter weekend when we were little, and I remember full well that I didn't make it easy for them. 

There was plenty of eating and knitting, though, and a day to myself to hit the thrift and consignment stores in Kimberley and Cranbrook before coming back home.  All in all, it was a good, fun few days away...

...followed by R's 7th birthday party, with a rainforest/jungle theme and homemade eggrolls at his request...for 28 people...which meant all-day cooking for me and so the cupcake decorating was left to my dad and the boys.  We don't seem to know how to do small birthday parties around here, no matter how we try.

Followed by more fun in the snow at home with my mom while my dad spent another day skiing in Whitefish.  They left for home this morning and more skiing in Idaho along the way.  At age 75, they ski more than we do... as they should, because they can.

The candle in the igloo was so much prettier at night than this picture shows, flickering all through the night outside the windows to our main kitchen/dining/living room and our bedroom.

More on the knitting and thrifting in the next few days.   I'm pooped.

Now, if only I could catch up with reading and commenting on blogs and responding to emails and comments.  Impossible, I'm afraid.  I'm sorry.  I'll try to get to a few here and there.

Comments

[amanda]

Oh, gosh. I know it's not funny, but well, just a little. I couldn't help smile at your recap of YOUR time on the grand skiing adventure. I'm afraid that's how mine would be spent too. Just a few years and you'll be laughing about it when you take 35 runs down WITH the kids. ;)
And you've inspired us to get a candle out in our own snow fort - because that looks SO pretty!!
Rest up, Siri!

[Canada]

Hi
I live very close to Kimberley and Cranbrook so was pleased to see your photos! I've been reading your blog daily since Christmas time when I stumbled upon it. (did a search for knitting socks). You absolutely amaze me with your pics, and your words. If I'm feeling blah, I come here and have a look around and know I'm done when I feel better! Thanks for being a bright spot in my day.

[Sheila]

What beautiful boys! What a great time! Enjoy every minute while they are young and full of fun!

[Krista]

The greatest winter my husband and I spent was in Kimberley. Cross-country night skiing on the lit track on New Year's Eve was just awesome. I know how hard it is with the little ones, even if it's a joy to see them have such fun and it wouldn't be the same without them, all in all it is a lot more hard work though. Thank you for sharing your trip, it all sounds just awesome. I got a chuckle out of your acknowledgment of how hard you were on your own parents, at least now you can identify ;)
Can't wait to see what you conjured up during your thrifting - my mom just moved from Kimberley to Cranbrook and says the thrift shops are great there still, not many people picking them clean yet, unlike most other parts.
Will check back to hear about your finds!
Love your blog, btw, your posts are always so interesting and full of great things to read about.

[Sue]

Your parents must be so fit being able to ski all the time. I love the snow pictures too, they look so nice since we are having weather of around 30 degrees and higher lately. Happy Birthday to R too, it must be great to be 7!

[jean]

Welcome home! As a good friend once said of his vacation with two small children, "Let's not call it a vacation. It's more a journey." I'm digging that igloo.

[Chelee]

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Glad your back.

[Azziria]

Ah, it won't be long before the boys are leaving you behind down the slopes. My kids (at 7 and 9) are skiing demons now... this year DS (the 9 y.o.) was beating DH down the black runs (by a whole 10 minutes on the last black they skiied together).

I've loved seeing their enjoyment and their increasing skill over the last few years - we only get to ski for one week per year (a week in the French Alps every February) and I'm amazed by how much they progress every year.

[Peg]

Love those rosy little cheeks!

[Kirsten]

I am really enjoying your blog. I live in the city and am living my country life vicariously through you (for example, I BUY my suet cakes at Lowes). The new knitting is lovely. Thanks for the post.

[Susan]

So glad you're back! I read your blog first thing every morning and couldn't wait for you to put your beautiful pictures online again. Sounds like you had a really great time with your parents....what fun!