Spots of Time

Hitting the slopes (finally)

We had big plans for a ski trip over Christmas break.  Unfortunately none of the slopes had any snow, so we had to push our trip back a few days (or weeks).  This weekend we finally had a chance to dig out our skis and hit the road.  Considering the last time we went skiing was during our Utah trip last February, we were very excited.  It was about time.

We spent some time up at Bretton Woods in New Hampshire.  So far this has been our favorite New England ski mountain.  Unlike some of the local resorts, the trails are long so you don't end up spending more time sitting on the lift than you do skiing.  The highlight for us is the intermediate trail that is filled with little bumps and valleys, which turned out to be perfect for jumps and tricks.  We spent the bulk of our time on this run. Even Mom caught some air a few times.

Poor MJ.  The kid has grown several inches this year and we have been struggling to keep up with her rapid vertical ascent.  We bought her new ski boots, snow pants, and a jacket and decided she could go one more year on her skis.  Unfortunately we never gave one thought to her poles, which she has had since she was 7 years old.  We didn't even realize our mistake until KR starting questioning why she was skiing in a hunched-over position.  Sadly it would have been very easy and cheap for us to pick up a pair of used poles at our local ski shop before we headed up for the weekend. 

You'll have to ask us about our ski lift family sing-a-longs (it's one of those things I'd have to explain in person).  We get plenty of strange looks from the skiers on the slopes below. 

As usual, KR only gets lodge pictures.  I wear mittens instead of gloves when I ski to keep my fingers warm (it makes a HUGE difference), which means I would have to expose my fingers to take a picture.  Yes, I'm a big wimp.  Fortunately KR doesn't seem to mind.

While we were there we stayed at our favorite local hotel.  We had arranged to meet up with some friends for a mini pool party.  Sweet!

   

Most of the water slide patrons are kids under the age of 12, but KR likes to join in on the fun.  His splashes are MUCH bigger than the usual entry splash.  I didn't catch the best one on film, but he somehow managed to splash an entire family as they walked into the room.  Oops...

Our weekend hangout

If you are looking for a balmy warm winter destination that has plenty of water, beach chairs, and bathing suit clad people running around, let me know.  I've got some inside knowledge.

Preparing for Pompeii

In a few weeks KR, the girls, and I will be heading over to Europe for ten days.  Of all the things on our to-do list, the girls are the most excited about Pompeii.  We've done a lot of reading up on the topic, but I think Pompeii is one of those places that draws you in no matter how much or how little you know about its history.  I have been wanting to visit these ruins since I was ten-years-old.  You've got a volcano, roman ruins, detailed artifacts, and those really awesome/creepy body casts...could it get any better?  I don't think so.  Anyway, as I was doing some research online, I realized our local museum just happens to be housing the traveling Pompeii exhibit for the next couple of months.  Perfect timing!

The colors on some of the remaining frescoes are amazing.  This really got us excited to see the real deal up close.

Roman Gods.  Plenty of muscles, not a lot of clothes...

My main reason for wanting to check out this exhibit was to gauge Wonderkid's comfort level with the death and destruction that Pompeii represents.   When we went into the room with the recreated pyroclastic explosion that was accompanied by a video depicting fantastic fiery destruction, I thought for sure we were in trouble.  Fortunately this kid was nothing more than fascinated.  Both girls were a little creeped out by the body casts (I consider this a good thing) but not so much that they don't want to visit.

This exhibit came from a town near Pompeii.  You can see Wonderkid listening to the portable tour guide in the foreground.  Creepy, but still interesting.  I guess this means the Catacombs are okay.

Of course no study of Pompeii is complete without your own recreation of the famed Mt. Vesuvius eruption. 

Look out Pompeii!

After all of this talking, reading, learning and prepping, I think the girls are just as excited to see Pompeii as KR and I are.  Italy here we come!

a trip to the aquarium

Nana!

This past week my Mom came out to visit for a few days.  We all had so much fun catching up, and the girls loved being able to spend time with Nana.

We spent a day at the local aquarium,

and made yummy treats.

Nana even showed the girls how to look up african wildlife web-cams.  Sweet!

Most of Nana's time here was spent doing normal day to day activities.  Fortunately she seemed okay to accompany me on my normal route of after-school craziness.  One afternoon we had to go to three different swimming pools for three different lessons, then the next day we went to a different pool for a meet.  Seriously.  As usual Nana took it all in stride.  We did take her out to some awesome local restaurants, including my favorite Cambodian restaurant and a delicious Bolivian diner.  Nana also pulled out her scientist hat to help the girls with their homework.  This was very much appreciated (who knew fourth grade science tests could be so complicated?).   It makes me sad to think my girls don't get this quality time on a regular basis (the biggest pitfall of living so far from family) but we are so grateful she is willing to come out and visit.  We hope she comes back soon!