So Proud

Today, we decided to take Mae up skiing and let Whit play in the snow. All I can say is that Pearson and I were beyond impressed with our little snow bunny Mae. She took to the slopes like a natural and by the end of our morning on the slopes she was going down all on her own. In fact, she was the one who repeatedly insisted that she do it on her own. Pearson didn't even encourage her one iota. She wanted to do the magic carpet on her, she wanted to get off of it on her own, and wanted to go down the hill on her own. I can't even tell you (but I will try) about how utterly proud I was of her. She was totally fearless, adventurous, athletic, daring, and totally willing to try a new experience and not complain.  

Whitaker on the other hand was pretty upset for a lot of the day because he was NOT on skis and was NOT able to rip it down the hill. Thankfully by the end of the morning Mae was doing so well on her own that Pearson was able to take him down by carrying him while I caught Mae going down. 

I must also say how hunky and awesome I think my husband is. He taught Mae how to ski with such patience, love, and excitement. He is also a total pro on ski and it is pretty sexy. On the drive home while the two kids dozed, he told me how he almost cried today because it was so great skiing with Mae. He said, "this is what makes parenting so unbelievable. Doing something I love with someone I love." Yes, it is love. 

PS - As you can also tell the weather was perfect to ski with kids. It was sunny and in the 40's. Mae never once complained about being cold and as you can tell from the photos she didn't even wear gloves. 

Checking out the bear. 

My little bear, with the bear with his bears hat on. 

While getting Mae's rental we turned our back on Whitaker for a second and he of course was behind the desk and was ready to work adjusting skis. 

Before knowing what was going to happen and he wasn't going to be able to participate. 

Scoping out the scene. 

Practicing her stance. 

Whitaker deciding to take off running up the mountain. 

AND he fell. The boots, his layers, and the snow got the best of him. 

Skis on and ready to go. She really wanted to use poles. 

And we told her no. 

And they are ready to shred. 

Off they go. 

Whitaker still blissfully unaware that Mae was going to ski and he was just going to hang out with me. 

First run on the magic carpet and all smiles. 

First run down between Pearson's legs. 

So happy! 

DISTRACTED. I had to feed Whitaker tons of trail mix with chocolate chips in order for him not to cry all day long. 

Whitaker then distracted himself with Pearson's poles. 

Another run. Getting the hang of it. 

On the carpet again and more excitement. 

She insisted on getting off the carpet by herself. 

She fell down the first time. 

But was totally unfazed by it. 

Whitaker FINALLY got his turn to rip. 

Family shot. 

Ready to ski on her own. 

All by herself. 

And falls happen but...

She got right back up. 

She emphatically insisted Pearson not ride the carpet with her. As you can tell here is the distance between them. 

Another run on her own. 

And another. I was a proud mama and felt the need to take lots of photos. 

More photos. 

And I got to deal with this beast all day. He and I headed to the car early because I had to change a stinky diaper. Then I let Whit play in the car for about a half hour. He pretended that he was driving and was finally happy.