Whitefish Ski Vacation

We spent several days in Whitefish skiing and relaxing.  Shannon has never been a real skier, but he took to the hill like a regular ski bum.  He was all fresh powder and steep hills and soaking in the hot tub sipping a little vino in the evenings.  The mountains are majestic.  They're often hidden by clouds, but we were blessed with two sunny days and the sun peeking out occasionally even when it was cloudy.  Over 300 inches of snow have fallen this year so the skiing was amazing....apparently the best it's been in over 30 years.

The funniest moment involved Eric.  We met up with our friend and realtor, Rick, and he asked if any of the older kids wanted to take a couple runs with him.  He headed off a ledge to make a run through some moguls with Eric hot on his tail.  Rick turned around a mogul, while Eric was apparently taking a more Point A to Point B approach to the bottom.  It was an epic crash, caught on the GoPro for all posterity!  Eric is no longer a little guy ~ we were incredibly grateful no one was injured, especially Rick!

What a blessing to spend some days away from work and school, simply enjoying one another.
Thank you, Shannon, for making this happen!

Skiing amongst the clouds

A good portion of the time was spent in the fog, 

but the snow was totally worth it.

Learning to ski in the driveway.

A statue of the Sacred Heart is located at the top of one of the runs in honor of all World War II vets.  

The founders of the resort saw many such statues as they fought in Italy during the war.

They thought it would be nice to have such a place in the mountains of Montana.

Sadly, the statue has been the center of litigation over the past years as the Freedom From Religion Foundation has found fault with its placement.  

Thus far they have been unsuccessful and I pray that it stays that way. 

There are so many places that have been stripped of all forms of faith; This statue was a lovely reminder that Jesus holds us each close to His heart and He is always watching over us.

And if a person doesn't feel that way....it's a rather groovy statue anyway....

so ski on and peace out, man! 

Shannon thought it appropriate that his littlest skiers had a picture by this sign.

Because...well...it's a fitting description.

Blue skies and sunshine, baby!

Lunch time!

Helping Momma prepare dinner.  

My favoritest favorite....some days :o)

Mom joined us for a day ~ nothin' like Grandma rippin' up the slopes.

All bundled up ~

Michaela and I finally ditched Daddy and slipped off to the hilltop cafe for some cider ~

My girls and the snow ghosts!

My favorite memory is skiing down the hill and having my seven children (Max hung out at the daycare) zoom around me.  Because who has seven children and who has seven children who will ski with their parents.  And who has olders willing to hang with the littles....and be cool with it.  As they flew by, I was so blessed by their health and generous souls.

Til next year...because we are definitely going back!