This was probably the most "unplanned" planned trip in history. Over Christmas I put "Kids weekend...someplace fun" on Tony's calendar without any real idea where we would go. I started to panic mid-January when I started researching and finding hotels booked up all over the place...duh! Presidents Day weekend! Realistically speaking, I also knew that we only had 3 short days to make this trip, and I wanted to spend more time playing, less time driving. So I found a spot, made reservations, and didn't even start making my "piles" for the trip until mid-week.
I almost hesitate to post about what we did...I feel like we found a secret vacation spot that I want to keep small, low key, and...well secret! Oh well...really, its off the beaten track, it could be windy and super cold, and the road up there isn't the best but boy did we hit it on the perfect day.
Wait! I have to back up...I had a little, spur of the moment, 40th birthday celebration the night before we left on our trip. Some of my best friends in the world joined me in bringing in my next best decade. In attendance was Pat, Tom, Stacy, Vic, Jake, Tony and Jaida, and my new friends next door Dyana and Kevin. I had a great time. I stunk up the BBQing but Stacy and Tony saved the day by both bringing birthday cake. I must admit that birthday cards for a 40 year old are among my favorite so far...they are hilarious!
We ended up staying in Choteau, almost smack in the middle of where Tony and Jaida live (East Glacier) and Great Falls. We only planned one ski day and the other days were for hanging out, swimming, and eating birthday cake.
The girls all took lessons to start the morning.
My two had never been on skis but Jaida had a little more experience and bravery.
While the girls were in lessons Tony and I hit the slopes.
The sky was blue, the powder was light and fluffy, and the scenery was majestic.
Then we met the girls back at the Magic Carpet.
This thing is truly magic.
You shuffle up and it grabs your skis and you get a free ride to the top.
No ropes required!
No platter between your legs.
Just a relaxing ride for kids of all ages.
Jaida was ready to hit the chair lift after lunch.
She really tore up the slopes with her smile and great attitude.
There they go...not a bad way to spend the afternoon!
I skied with the girls on and off and felt they were ready for the chair lift after mastering the beginner slope.
Look at that smile!
Jaida got to ride alone.
Thats Tony and Kyndra behind her.
Did I mention the lift lines?
No? That's because there were none!
After crying and sliding down the first half of the run the girls and I got in our groove and snowplowed pizza style down the mountain. The made it, admitted they had "a little" fun, and agreed to try it again next time.
We hit the lodge for some liquid goodness and then went back out to the magic carpet ride.
This picture speaks for itself!
naps...check
food...check
more swimming...check check
underwater camera...check
giggles of girls...check
birthday cake...check check check!
I am blessed:
to have made it to 40 with more laugh than scowl lines,
to have so many wonderful people in my life,
to be in my "home" state that I love,
to be striving to live for tomorrow instead of yesterday.
If the rest of my days in the 40s Club are anything like my first few I have it made!
2 comments:
Oh that was was a beautiful tribute to your first 40 years with great promise for the next 40. The girls look so healthy and lively 'on the slopes' ..... You've introduced them to a grand sport for sure. Can't wait to hear about it firsthand.
Wow! What a fun trip you had and sounds like a overall great birthday celebration! Can't wait to plan some of these fun trips with you . . . only a few short months away.
Post a Comment