Skiing Anyone?

Over MLK weekend, Mark and I took the boys to Vermont for some skiing. We’ve been doing this weekend with close friends of ours for the past five years. We rent a house near the mountain, and have a blast.

This year, we had another family join us, which just tripled our fun. But, before the good times can start to roll, there’s a lot of preparation involved. And, it happens days before we head out on the road.

Let me give you some perspective…we’re talking four nights with six adults, six kids and two dogs. We’ve got cleaning supplies, paper goods, breakfast items for all of our picky eaters, snacks for the picky eaters, dinner choices, beverages of every possible kind, and loads of alcohol, for the adults who have to deal with all the picky eaters.

And, who do you think prepares for said weekend? That’s right, the ladies of the house. The pictures will speak for themselves.

Kimmy says, "Shar, do you really need to take this picture?" My answer, yes!

Now Kimmy is getting in the mood. See how she professionally displays both our carts.

That doesn’t even take into account all the alcoholic beverages. And, as picky as those kids are about their food, the adults are just as picky about their drinks. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of our “bar,” but trust me when I say, it was plentiful.

Once, we finally made it to the house in Vermont, the ladies unpacked and we left the men to prepare the food. That is, after a friendly game of “Drinking Jenga.”

Everyone holds their breath while Jeff makes his move.

You go boys! Jeff and Ilan heating up dinner.

After a hearty meal of delicious Italian food, we sat around or near the fire to relax. Including the kiddies.

Sam is crying, "Mommmm??? Really????" Can you imagine what I'm going to be like when he starts dating? My boys are in trouble...but look how cute!

The little ones went to bed and the adults continued their evening of drinking, and reading. As you know from my Sex Crazed post, I had Meredith and Kim in a “Fifty” crazy haze. Just a reminder snapshot:

Shhh! Let them read...

The next morning we were up, out and ready to tear up the mountain.

To my horror, the outside temp read -6 Degrees. Didn't bother Jake one bit. "I'm ready to hit the slopes," Jakey declared enthusiastically. That's my boy!

And, just so you have some evidence that I, too, was on the mountain in those frost-bite warning weather conditions, here I am…

Burrrr...It is f'ing cold up here. I'm done.

After a couple of runs, the adults called it quits. G-d bless those kids for sticking it out in the freezing cold. But, since we weren’t being forced into a day of ski school, we icily headed into Cuzzins, Mt. Snow’s bar and grill, for some heat, food and, of course, more drinks.

It's good to be indoors. Mer and Jeff are sitting. Then Kim, Myself, and Mark are behind them. And, Ilan is standing behind Kim. We were a happy bunch.

In fact, everyone was happy. The adults, the kids and even the dogs.

Cody, in his element. He was literally born for the snow. (Cody belongs to Kim and Ilan.)

Murphy happily watches Cody burrow himself deep into the snow. Murphy doesn't want to mess up her hair. She's just like her Mommy.

And, while the dogs frolicked in the snow, the men and kids decided to take a dip in the hot-tub. They’re nuts. I know. Sam and Ben, smartly abstained, as did the Moms.

Really?

On our one beautiful sunny day, there was no way I wasn’t going to record it. I mean, it just snowed for two days straight and we’ve had a snow-drought of a winter, and the sun was out and shining bright. I couldn’t resist.

It's still freezing. Kim and Mer both looking at me like I'm nuts. I know you can't tell, but trust me. Kim started yelling, "Sharon, put the fucking camera away."

I didn't listen to her. Look at how beautiful the trees looked. I just wanted to remind myself that it is actually winter.

Kim was much happier with me after her second glass of Chardonnay.

Meredith too. Only it was after her bloody mary and Bud Light.

However, the best part of the weekend was getting this reaction from the kids, on our last morning. “So, did you have a good time?”

"YESSSSSS!!!"

Now what could be better than that?!