Ski week

The real purpose of the kids’ visit to Uncle Michael was for the kids to learn to ski. Okay, that’s not true: the real purpose (in my book) was for them to visit Michael on their own for a nice chunk of time, so that they have an independent relationship with him. But skiing was an ideal activity! Michael adores it, he does ski rescue at Stratton Mountain (about an hour and a half from his house) so he has many privileges there, and he’s a wonderful teacher. The kids, meanwhile, had never set foot on a downhill ski (Jordan had done a bit of cross-country) and were eager to learn - it’s definitely something people do a lot of around here.

Their routine had them rolling out of bed early in the morning, stopping for breakfast at one of Michael’s many beloved country diners.

Then they skied all day. They had four big days, multiple hours in the morning and another couple in the afternoon. Michael sent me videos every day -- I put all of those in another post. One day, cousin Dave was co-instructor.

I'm pretty sure the chocolate-dipped waffles were every day.

Every day, there were power lunches.

Sometimes on the way home they were a bit tired.

They typically stopped at an excellent food co-op on the way home for provisions, and then spent the evening inhaling calories, playing with the beloved dog Journey, and sleeping the sleep of the dead.

Everyone agrees that the whole week was a smashing success. The kids learned to ski, their relationship with their uncle is on a beautiful footing, and no one broke any bones. I am so happy!