Fun in February

Cozy mornings with the pooches

State opens in New Haven!  I drove a crew of kids out there and then learned to navigate the tournament.  Fun to see the Webers and see the different level of expectations.  Nick was THRILLED to be there and we snapped a great sweatshirt.  Meanwhile, Jonah is there to win.

This is how they represent

moving from wrestling to basketball and an impromptu dinner at Dish and dat with the team.

Lets get out and enjoy some fresh air right behind our house.

Take advantage of this nice little dusting of snow.

What's up basketballer.  He is enjoying this season much better - good experience out there!

Thank you to Mr. McConville!  taking the lead with these boys.  Dad was wonderful to help out as well!  

One of the many perks of the flower boxes!

 

Stamp those passports and head to Canada!

We headed to Montreal hoping/thinking they didn't celebrate Presidents Day weekend like they do in the USA.  Turns out Canada celebrates a family day at the same time.  So yes, slopes were a bit more crowded than we were hoping.  But hey, all in the name of hitting the slopes.  The little town around Mount Tremblant is adorable!  Very walkable for families/kids.  Felt very European!  We arrived late that evening - snow drifts everywhere.  Parked in the basement garage and left our car there.

First morning breakfast of crepes with the French.

Loved seeing the snowflakes just lingering in the air.

simply beautiful right?

Beautiful blue skies!  While on the topic of blue - we have followed Asa in his flashy orange coat for years.  He sadly left it in Killington by accident a few trips again.  So this is the maiden voyage in big blue.  Funny that it took some getting used to.  That and the beard.

Brought the skinning gear to really put it to the test out here!

Meanwhile back in CT - Nick had his own cheering squad!  Thanks to my folks and sister's family.  Love that they even put a sign together

The skinning here was SOMETHING.  It started as a beautiful walk through the woods.  Felt like cross country skiing, but the condos, exploring the area.  Than it went up - with LOTS of switch backs.  

Lots of layer adjustments.  Layers on, layers off.  Because at the top, there was a clearing, it was windy, snowy and COLD!  Remind me - choose wiseley if I am in a foxhole with one of these guys.  

WE MADE IT!  It was an EFFORT.  Pretty sure it lasted every bit of 3 hours or CONSTANT motion.  These beers were almost as necessary as the water.  I have a HUGE appreciation for the adventures these guys choose to tackle.  Thankful to keep up!

Meanwhile the kids were on their own and clearly doing just fine!  Loving their confidence and independence.

We cheered Nick on virtually - huge tournament and he did great and placed so he could go to state opens the next weekend!  Success!

Great capture with the coached.  These 3 are the 3 big reasons why Nick enjoys this sport so much.  Between that and his internal drive.

Love that he encouraged Carter to join this year and great to see his successes as well.

Great job boys!

Meanwhile as a country just a bit north - memorable food here - fries with eyes!  Drew was in love.

Love this father daughter relationship

Any mountain any time with this crew

me and schmoopy!

little lunch stop - taking today a bit easier.

Look who arrived!  We are complete!

The crew of kids is closer to complete.  While I know Drew would have loved to have Andrew - he paired up very well with Ceila!

Sending some love to Erin - love the time with her girl

we lapped this trail and LOVED IT.  Bumps were perfect and snow flurries too!  double love!

yup, this crew rocks

Beard close up

Some photos of the view

This one is for the Charrons!  The mountain is calling!

a delicious dinner in pink!  bloody mary's that you cannot resist.

kids enjoyed their favorite pizza place again while we indulged.

Seriously delicious!

Adorable town, fabulous hot tub, conditions could have been a bit better - but that is the 2023 season at the moment.  Nice adventure everyone!

 

Skinning!

Chris and I managed to put together some skinning equipment for this season.   Chris found a split board on the internet.  Someone had already cut it and had holes drilled.  He transferred his bindings from his current board.  I found a set from a really athletic older Vermont woman.  She needed more powder type skinning equipment.  Thinking we will be good for the first several tries.  I wish we had more of a need for powder!!  We are bringing the equipment to the upcoming Montreal trip, so excited to try the whole set up.  Mohawk mtn will allow skinning for free. (Sundown had all kinds of odd requirements, time etc...  So here we are one Sunday afternoon.

Nice job on the manmade snow - mother nature sure isn't doing these resorts any favors....gotta admit, I was nervous about what it all entailed.  were we in shape enough?  Would it be boring?

Fun to get in the grove of it.  Amusing how the layers just start coming off.  Good slow burn.

we were so excited that we did it twice!  Then beers in the car!  Success!