I went skiing when I was about 10 years old and I don't have fond memories of that day. Not that the company was the problem (thanks to the Rietkerk's for always giving me fun opportunities) its just that I was a disastrous skier and it seemed like there was one folly after another. When I first strapped the skis on I, of course, had no idea how to control them so I just ended up coasting down to the bunny hill. On my way there was a large man in Carhartt overalls standing in the path. For some reason he was turned around looking back up the path and since I didn't know how to stop I just kept going towards him and I ended up skiing in-between his legs and stopping right underneath him. Lovely start to the day! I really couldn't get the whole idea of the tow rope and it seemed I was falling down and having hurting ankles more than standing upright. One of the times I actually made it up the bunny hill I was racing down it (again since I didn't know how to stop) and on the hill was a dad stopped with his little girl between his legs zipping up her coat - and I was headed right for them. Again, having no skills, instead of turning I skied right over the top of both their skis and kept going! I shouldn't have let that experience dictate the rest of my years - but until just yesterday I have never been on a ski hill again!
After years of Scott begging and having Kirra tell me last year that I would be a better mom if I learned how to ski, I reluctantly let them talk me into it. And I did find out I have been missing out on some serious fun.
We left at 7:15 a.m. Monday morning and drove up towards the Santa Fe Ski area. We stopped to rent equipment at a shop just down the mountain from the ski area. Which at the time seemed like a good idea and still seemed like a good idea for awhile. When we arrived at the slopes the line to rent equipment was LONG. . . very long. We were happy to have already rented my stuff (Scott and the kids have all their own gear) so we didn't have to wait in that line.
It was a gorgeous day and we all shed a layer even before we got on the hill! Evidently Kade wasn't happy about having his picture taken here. He was kind of ticked it was taking us so long to get our skis on and start skiing!
Here's Kade and Kirra riding the Magic Carpet to the top of the Beginner hill. Its spring break in ABQ and apparently many places in Texas because the ski area was so BUSY and every other person there had a Texas drawl!
This was Keian's first time on the ski hill. He has felt so left out watching Scott and the kids leave many times for a ski trip so he was so excited to get to go this time. He, too, was very impatient with how long it took us to actually get skiing. Many times during the day Scott told Keian, "you're doing a great job!" and Keian would reply, "I'm not doing anything!" He spent a lot of time between Scott's legs or holding onto Scott's poles.
Here I am! And how lovely I look too! It wasn't until I saw these pictures did I see how crazy my outfit was. I had other layers on top before we started and didn't realize this is what I'd be down too before it was over. If my coat didn't have my camera and a few other things in the pockets I probably would have taken it off and tied it around my waist. It was a BEAUTIFUL day!
Here's our little skier! She is really good and was VERY frustrated yesterday with the novices in her family. She was so done with the bunny hill after one trip down and was ready to move onto the lifts. We didn't make it there until after lunch and then the lines were LONG! She would get in the 'single rider' line and zip up and down the mountain much faster than the rest of us.
McEntire skiers! We might really have some fun doing this together once Keian learns how. I am amazed at Scott's patience in teaching the kids - its hard work until they get it.
Kade was my little helper on the ski lift. I've never been on one before so after a crash course of instructions from Scott - Kade and I got on together. He's a pro so we did fine - except the first time off the lift we both fell down - my only fall of the day! When we were skiing down the mountain Kade got major frustrated if I passed him. The nice thing was that there were ski instructors everywhere with classes of people learning how to ski - so for free I'd just listen to their advice and it helped me learn!
Bubs was NOT a fan of those ski boots - so if he wasn't going down a hill he was either asking to be held or laying down.
Just a glimpse at the crowds. We only waiting in line for the Easy Street lift twice before I couldn't handle it anymore. Back to the issue of renting equipment off site - my boots were too small and they cut off the circulation to my feet. Pretty much the whole day my feet were asleep and very painful. I even thought a couple times my toes many never work again. Standing in line was the most painful so after two times I'd had enough! I graciously volunteered for Scott to upgrade his lift ticket, along with Kirra's (Kade is still free) so they could go larger lifts that didn't hardly have any lines.
And Keian and I waited on the outdoor patio and watched them ski.
Here's Scott and Kade coming down the mountain.
And Kirra, of course, being way ahead.
Kade's only trouble of the day is when he would get to the semi-flat parts heading back to the lifts. His 'slide-walk' isn't that great and he got frustrated really fast so Scott would come to his rescue and push him along.
Getting ready for the Quad lift.
Waiting. . .
Hopping on. . .
Up, up & away!
It was a fun, tiring day and I'll admit I'm sad I've missed out on all these years of skiing. Though when I really thought about it - for the last 8 1/2 years (well plus being pregnant before that) there haven't been many opportunities for me to go because of little ones at home. Its a long day for someone to watch the kids and I haven't really had much of a desire to do it. I'd love to go again once my calves stop burning! I bet there's a lot of soreness that comes with skiing, but since the circulation was being cut off at my calves I'm attributing a lot of my pain to small boots. I know I won't go again without having my own. We'll be hitting the ski swap when it comes around again!
