I love a challenge......

.....and I think that's exactly what my first attempt at skiing will be. I have confidence that I'll be able to do it and do it reasonably well, but sitting back and watching all of the skiing action going on around me this weekend has given me new perspective on what to expect my first time out.

First, let me just say that I really liked northern Michigan. It was beautiful up there! Peaceful, tranquil,....woodsy. Kyle's cabin was perfect. It was comfortable and homey and just what I pictured it to be. Hopefully I'll get the chance to visit again this summer and spend some time on the lake and just enjoy the scenery.

We went to Boyne Highlands on Saturday so the boys could ski. It was my first time being around the slopes, so I took it all in and took some mental notes for my skiing debut in a few weeks. While it would have been fun to ski this time around, I'm glad that I was able to check out how things are done, what people are wearing, proper skiing etiquette, etc. I pulled up a chair to the window overlooking the slopes, right in front of the "magic carpet" that takes newbies up to the top of the bunny hill. I watched (mostly little kids) get onto the conveyor belt with their parents standing behind them, ride up to the top, then awkwardly slide down to the bottom of the bunny hill.....some clinging to their parent's leg, some going solo and toppling over, some crouching down like little pros and making it down without problem. Then I pictured myself climbing onto the magic carpet (standing a good 3 feet above my fellow magic carpet riders), riding up to the top, and then biffing it on my way down. Hmmmm.....maybe I'll be lucky enough to only have to go down the bunny hill once or twice......

So I sat in the lodge and did my homework, listened to my ipod, and stared out of the huge windows at all of the little skiers. Now I'm super-excited to go skiing. I also have an idea of what kind of ski outfit I'd like to get.....once I can afford it :).

After dinner, a trip to the hot tub, and successfully avoiding sticking around for the Miss Hawaiian Tropics Competition, we headed back to the cabin. It was a really nice weekend--a great way to enjoy the final days before school gets into full swing again.

Pics:

Kyle in his cabin
Jason and Kyle ready to ski
northern Michigan