Harriman Skiing

Today we took the kids to Harriman State Park for their first time and they loved it. The temperatures have finally risen to tolerable levels and the snow was in great shape. It's so fun to watch your kids learn a new activity and really enjoy it.

Harriman has always been a special place and worth the money and effort to frequent. There are trails for all abilities and the trails are usually well groomed.

We've started to cross country ski again in place of downhill skiing and we are really enjoying it. I've never really enjoyed the pace and ambiance of ski hills – I'm more into solitude and I like the idea of constantly moving, not freezing your ass off on the lift…in the fog…after paying a shitload of money.

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X Country Skiing 101

I took the kids out today for their first time and thankfully, they had a ball. I've heard horror stories of some parents having to endure introductory cross country ski sessions with their kids. I'm sure the weather helped out today but I think Ethan and Madi and just stoked to try ANYTHING new, which is really awesome.

Ethan tore it up. He was like a racing rabbit just going for it. That kid has the legs for it for sure. Madi fell down a lot but always did so with a laugh and got right back up again (except for when she whacked herself in the forehead with a ski pole). They were smiling the whole time so that was a good sign.

I've never been to the Mink Creek Nordic Center in Pocatello until today and I have say I'm quite impressed. In fact, I'm quite impressed with all of the outdoor recreation opportunities that Pokey has to offer and am rather dissappointed in Idaho Falls. Maybe a move is order...

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Climbing 101

I've been eagerly awaiting the time when our kids (mainly Madi) would ask me to take them climbing - and it looks like that time has arrived.

Ethan has tied in a few times over the past few years but recently he's shown quite an interest in climbing. He's learned to tie his own figure 8 knot and is eager to learn how to belay. I think he's getting hooked.

Tonight was Madi's first time ever and she showed much spirit and vigor. Like most little kids, she got a bit freaked out at times but stuck with it. As long as she was smiling, I knew she was good to keep going. She was even busting out the occassional rebel yell and a few grunts as she climbed - a true sign of a spirited 6 year old.

Like most parents, Britt and I introduce the kids to different activities and wait to see which ones they take to. I've always told myself that I'd wait until they ask me to take them climbing (although I admit, I have put the bug in their ears on occassion) as opposed to forcing it on them. Just because that's dad's activity doesn't mean it has to be theirs. I have to admit though, visions of family climbing trips to Wild Iris, Yosemite or Spain(!) have played in my mind from time to time!

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Neil Peart watch your back

Ethan's birthday party weekend. We love you Big E!

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Death of the Edgie Wedgie

Yesterday Ethan and I, accompanied by his granddad Jeff and my friend Rick Williams (who happens to be an all-around bad ass.)

Kind of lousy weather paired with marginal snow conditions made for quite a day on the slopes. We all had fun though but the big accomplishment for the day was when Ethan's tip holders (Edgie Wedgies) broke and he was forced to take a run without them. He was very apprehensive on the lift ride up but aced it on the downhill. It's a step up to the next level for him and we're proud of him for trying something he thought was impossible for him.

Ethan and Madi start ski school next month and I can't wait to see their progress. I gave a feeling Madi is going to pick it up very quickly as that girl has a lot of athletic prowess and balance…even for a 4 year old!

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