A Winter Vacation

This winter we finally planned a long talked about, ski vacation. We have always wanted to take our family to a ski resort and do a winter vacation. The older boys are getting big enough to learn to snowboard and so this year we bit the bullet and did it. It was a blast. We spent and entire week at Northstar in Lake Tahoe. We first were introduced to Northstar by some friends last year and we knew we had to go back. I was so surprised at how much Grey loved the snow. The older boys can pretty much dress themselves and never complain about being cold. They would play in the snow all day if we would let them. This is how we spent the week... the boys played in the snow, we had hot cocoa, we went tubing, went sledding, had friends come stay, the boys took snowboarding lessons, Steve and I were able to get a nanny for Grey and spend a day together on the mountain, we read books, played video games, watched the superbowl, had smores by the fire, ice skated, cooked fun meals, relaxed, and loved every minute of our first official ski vacation. I am so excited to plan one for next year. Hope we can make it work and are able to make it a tradition. We did that as a family when I was young and I have a ton of amazing memories from it. We have felt so blessed to have been able to enjoy such an amazing time with our family.

We didn't think that Landon was going to be able to snowboard because of his eye, but by the end of the week he was doing so well, we went against the doctors orders and sent him to ski school. He loved it so much he did it a second day. Co loved it, but decided one day was enough. Grey was perfect for the nanny. It was so amazing to get on the mountain with my husband. We think it has been almost 10 years since we were able to ski together. Well, I ski, Steve snowboards. Landon hated that we kept calling everything skiing. He needed it to be clear that skiing was for girls (hence I'm the skiier and the only girl!)!

Landon was a natural, of course. There is still a lot to learn for him, but he will pick it up fast. This boy amazes me with his natural athletic ability. He must get it from me! Hahaha!

Co wasn't as good as Landon was, but he sure tried hard. I can see him loving it as he gets bigger.

The boys in their snowboarding class. They had one other boy with them, and they thought that was super fun having a new friend with them.

Last year Co was so brave when we went tubing. This year I thought he may quit after the first ride down. You could tell that he had much more fear. His face got this panicked look on it every time, but each time he ended with a smile and wanted to go again. Landon on the other hand, got braver. He didn't really want to go down with us and asked them to spin his tube every time. It is fun to watch them grow and change.

Grey was so patient while we tubed. He played in the snow and just sat and watched while Steve and I took turns with the boys. I love this little man and his crazy hair!

Grey loved graham crackers. He must have eaten 3 or 4 crackers every time we went and did smores.

Grey didn't mind his ski clothes, except the jacket. He hated the jacket. Well, and he wouldn't let us put his snow boots on, but I think that is more because he hasn't worn real shoes yet.

The boys loved to ride the gondola down to the village where the ice skating and restaurants were.