A Couple Firsts

Hot Cocoa cheers to a good night had by all!

Of the many benefits to raising children, seeing them experiencing and enjoying a new adventure, ranks high on my list. The rush, the fear, the push of any "first" is such a thrill. As a parent I get to experience firsts not one time around, but possibly three. Life is sweet to me!

Such was the case when Liberty hit the ski slopes for the first time. She was nervous to go. Pouting all day that she was "not going!". I relented with my begging, you-will-love-it approach, and switched it to a kinder, I'm-not-going-to-make-you-go-if-you-don't-want-to, and it worked! Five minutes before departure she decided to join Aspen and I.

This was also an important first for Mick. He relinquished some control reigns over to me, consenting to allow me to venture by myself (heaven forbid!), driving up the winter canyon (*GASP*), with two of our children (easy as pie compared to three...), TO GO SKIING (a sure as fire death trap in his eyes)! I was so proud of him. It was a big, BIG step to his safety Sally reputation he's had going on for some time now.

"Hurry up Mom, we want to go back out!"

Liberty took a lesson while Aspen and I brushed up our skills on the bunny hill. By the time we all met up for Liberty's first run down the mountain, Lib was a mean skiing machine! She had her pizza held firm and followed instructor Matt down down down. I credit Matt for being such a patient, good, thorough instructor and hope he's around next time.

"Can we do it again? I want to go again!"

Such a delight to see Ms. Lib enjoying another great first. We went up the mountain again. She rocked her first lift experience with only a minor crash landing, partly because she got entangled by her over protective mother. As I skied backward in my inverted pizza, she caught on better and better, turn after turn. Going down a cat walk, she sailed ahead, assuring me "I can do it myself, watch". And she skied solo from that moment on.

Another natural in love with the sound of snow slithering under her skis sure makes my heart happy. Many thanks to Mr. Money Bucks for funding our adventure and being faithful and sending up prayers that we would all return in one piece.

Can't wait for Liberty's "second" attempt.

Needless to say, my tuckered out little first timer passed out shortly after consuming her much needed apple cheese and cocoa.