Little Gliders

If the kids weren't tired of the Mesa after all the trips up over Christmas break, then we sealed the deal in January.  We signed them all up for x country ski classes every Saturday in January, it was a great opportunity for them to ski with peers, and have instructors that are patient, and fun with them.   They all made huge strides, and despite the drive and lack of a "free Saturday"  I think they all enjoyed it.       

Jacob learned more control and is very confident on his ski's, he loved his class.  He also enjoyed playing in the snow making tunnels after his class was over.  His class did a relay and he insisted after that he won :)

Spencer had a class with just one other kid his age which was nice for him.  He got much more confident and fast, and is working on learning how to go up hill.  He took 2nd place in the race around the practice loop he skied on the final day between about 8 other kids.

 Maren learned much better form and control and coupled with her natural energy and speed she really was going places.  She took two first place finishes.  One in sprint, and another in a 3k.  I was floored, as most of the kids in her group have skied a lot more than she has.  The 3K was a tight race from the beginning, and I took this picture of her in the lead at about the halfway point.  They crossed the finished line in similar fashion.  Apparently she would speed up whenever anyone tried to pass her.

Amanda skied with the 12 and up category, which having been injured for 9 months, last year was a tough place for her to learn in.  But the instructors were fabulous and really complimented her ability to learn try new things.  They introduced skate skiing with this age group, and I am excited to have someone to practice that with.  Amanda choose her Jersey number according the meaning of life, the universe and everything (apparently from a book she read....hitchhikers guide to the galaxy).
One of the other skiers gave her his first place place ribbon and hat he won at the end of the race.  I thought that was very cool.  She also got a very cool cow bell.

 I took advantage of the kids being in lessons and signed up for skate skiing lessons, and loved them.   Man those Olympians make it look easy though, (at least until they fall down crossing the finish line!)  I learned a ton, and am anxious to see if I actually make any distance in the coming years, because man it is exhausting!

 Dave helped get the kids where they needed to be and was there when they finished their lessons, and sometimes fit in a short ski in between.  He and I did get to ski together one afternoon on the monument to Liberty Cap, which was fabulous and beautiful!  It was just after it had snowed and we had fresh powder and sunshine to enjoy.