We Took A Break

I love a road trip.
I love any kind of trip, actually.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that we don't have to take the MLK vacay day.  We wait until the crowds are back in school and then took our winter break.

It turned out to be much more of an adventure than we had planned.  We rolled into the mountains with the clouds that brought flash flooding.  It is a surreal feeling to discuss with your daughter the plan of action should our car begin to float away.

The flooding rain gave way to a beautiful snowfall in the middle of the night.  I awoke to a snow-covered sunrise the next morning:

Two of the kids and I headed to the ski slopes.  I was a little nervous because the last time I went skiing the kid to adult ratio was the opposite.  They were troopers and did fantastic.
The closer we got to the slopes, the heavier the snow began to fall.
By the time we got 489 layers on and geared up, it was a -2 wind chill factor.

 Notice the blizzard behind me.  Even with the natural snow coming down, they were still blowing man-made snow.

Other than a handful of other idiots weather braving souls, we had the slopes to ourselves.

 By mid afternoon, I was beginning to worry about the roads we would be facing on the way home.  

By mid afternoon, I was beginning to worry about the roads we would be facing on the way home.  If the snow build-up on my hat was any indication, we were in trouble!   Because, you see, I DO NOT drive in snow.  Ever.  Period.  Amen.

I guess it's never to late to learn.  This was the view from the passenger seat, taken by my daughter:

The next day, it was a balmy 14 degrees when the kids decided to go sledding.  I LOVE snow so I joined right in.  It truly was THE BEST SLEDDING we've ever experienced.

 I sent my husband this picture and he said they looked like tic tacs against the giant hills.  ;)
My kids sent me down the steepest hill on my 1st run.  When I got to the bottom, my son yelled, "You're the best mom EVERRRR!!!"
Totally worth all the bruises!

The rest of our break was filled with card games with Mimi

And games with views:

I even worked on a puzzle... guilt free.  I never work on puzzles at home because I can't leave them alone until they are done, which equals family neglect.  Anyone know what I mean?

So I'm back in the saddle and all that jazz.  How was your week?