Axel Breaks Rocks

 Ian taught Axel to break rock this weekend while building a patio next to the sandbox.

New Year's Resolutions?

Apparently I didn't make one to update more often. And Mom should have made one to take more pictures of Axel and me. Our family has been busy with work, school, skiing, racing and biking over the last few months. No complaints from our end.

Mom, me and Dad after my AVSC race yesterday. Ski school was awesome this year!

Uncle Ben, Mom and Uncle Ted atop Highland Bowl yesterday. Ben and Ted came for a visit and to get some skiing in with Mom and Dad. Thankfully the weather was perfect.

Dad and Mom on Highlands. Nice treat for them to ski together.

Axel and Mom skiing at West Buttermilk back in January or December. Axel is getting to be a good little skier. He's still on the harness but all the way out and having a blast.

Kiki, T, Ax and I after a West Buttermilk ski day.

Axel doing what he loves most - cleaning! And in big boy undies.

Happy Birthday Dad

The family and a bunch of friends skinned West Buttermilk on Sunday night to celebrate Dad's birthday. Dad carried me in the pack while Mom towed Axel, the cake, cookies, food, my skis and boots and anything else in the Chariot.

With all our friends and lots of great food, we had a blast and Dad had another successful birthday party.

Emerson & I getting ready to rumble

Axel always enjoys a party

L to R: Elinor, Rachel, Nick, Wendy, Juniper, Todd with Emerson in pack, Rob, Reed, Mom with Axel in Chariot, Seth, Jess, Megan & Chad with Sam in pack

Mom skiing down with Axel tucked in the Chariot. Axel and Sam yelled 'wheeeee' the whole way down

Juniper leading the group

Congratulations Kevin & Catherine

Dad and I flew to Richmond by ourselves for Kevin and Catherine's wedding last weekend. I think Dad was a little nervous about traveling alone with me after my recent behavior, but I was an angel.

Not only did I follow directions and behave well on the plane, I was also great the entire time in Richmond. Santa is coming soon after all.

Mimi took me to the zoo where we got up close and personal with the animals. Uncle Patrick got to spend a lot of time with me which was a treat for both of us. Despite everyone worrying that I couldn't sit through the wedding ceremony, I enjoyed every minute of it (plus Mimi brought me a sticker book). Then Dad let me stay up super late dancing the night away.

How could I not behave angelic in this situation?

Me, Ryann & Dad having some Play-Do time before the wedding.

You don't get to do this at the average zoo.

Ryann & I dancing the night away.

Axel is a Determined Little Guy

Dad and I flew to Virginia early this morning for Kevin and Catherine's wedding. As soon as Dad turned the shower on at 430am, I bolted out of bed, got dressed and was ready to go. I've never been so excited to go somewhere before. With a flight delay, Dad and I had to run to catch our flight to Richmond but I managed to keep right up and we just made it.

Meanwhile, Mom, T and Ax enjoyed a day of skiing. Mom had Axel practice on the magic carpet while T skied the rest of Snowmass. With Mom running backwards in front of Axel, he skied all by himself. He even managed a few very small turns however we're not sure if they were on purpose or not.

I know Axel wants to be like me, so when he watched the big kids carry their skis today, he insisted upon carrying his as well. Virginia is going to be a blast but coming home to ski will be fun as well.

Skiing Axel

With new snow on Saturday, we had our first family ski day of the season on Sunday. Mom, Dad, Axel, T and I enjoyed the day at Snowmass. Axel and Mom stayed on the Skittles gondola while Dad, T and I ventured up the mountain further.

I jumped right back into it not forgetting a thing from last year and showed Axel what skiing is all about. The smile on his face every run let us know how much fun he was having!

Dad and I are headed to Virginia for Kevin's wedding this weekend, so Mom, Axe and T will have to ski some for us as well. I'll be ready when we get back next week to night ski for Dad's birthday.

Back to the Desert

After a very fun turkey day with Kiki, T, Todd, Wendy and Emerson, we headed to Moab for the rest of the weekend. We took advantage of the mild weather and the skiing not being great yet and thoroughly enjoyed the desert sun.

We met Len, Jeanne, Grace and Curtis in Moab with all adults enjoying runs and rides while the kids got to play at the park. The remainder of the weekend was spent with constant play, parents training, pool time and a family hike.

My favorite part of the weekend was the indoor slide at the Moab Rec Center. Despite the slide being very dark inside, I finally braved it on my own and wouldn't stop. Even Axel loved going down the slide with Mom.

Dad & I on the Primitive Loop in Arches National Park

Dad & I playing with our shadows

It's too bad this spot was in the shade, otherwise it would be great for Juniper nap

Mater in Moab

Axel, Juniper, Curtis & Grace