proud wolf pup

Carson has wanted to teach me how to snowboard for years.

Today was that day!

PUMP UP TIME:

On our morning drive up, we weaved throughout the canyon watching, “The Art of Flight” on Nick’s phone. [If you have not seen footage from this movie, it is something to witness.] Professional snowboarders, sponsored by Red Bull, are flown to extreme landscapes (above) in the world and they snowboard unbelievable routes—never before taken by any man. The cinematography is mind blowing. The talent is unreal. and the sound track is inspiring.

(One of the men is even LDS.)

   

I came to learn quickly that skiing and snowboarding are very different and I needed to start from the beginning, again. Instead of following the skiiers (Chels and Nick) to the Black Diamonds, we (the boarding trio) decided to start things off slow.

Carson took Eliza and me over to the children’s hill, where the “wolf pups” were busy learning at ski school. From the moment I stood up, I wouldn’t let go of Carson—which made us look like we were hugging the entire way down the “steep” hill Ha. We would join the toddlers at the bottom and wait our turn to jump on the escalator and start over. I kept glancing over at the skiers wishing my feet weren’t stuck together. I wanted to go fast. (Carson being the great teacher he is, optimistically kept my focus on track!)

Finally, we broke up the courage to attempt the real slopes. It’s a good thing Carson is unbelievably talented; he would go backwards, forwards, and any which way I needed because I did not want to let go NOR did I want to hit the adorable children zooming down the hill “pizza” style. 

We just laughed and laughed. Occasionally, I would shout with excitement upon doing something successfully, only to draw attention to my lack of ability. After the first run, I began to realize this wasn’t so bad. I might even actually enjoy it. I was feeling confident. Cars was no longer my crutch--I was flyin' solo.

Lesson #1: One should not enthusiastically fist pump on a snowboard while going toe-side for the first time for fear of face planting. 

 For hours, we went up and down, up and down. Carson started to teach Eliza new tricks. [Wow, she picks things up quickly.] My mindset: No, thnx Cars, the half-pipe can wait until next time! We had a blast. Occasionally we would be blessed with the presence of the Chelsea and Nick, our profesh skiers.

The sun was shining. It was not too crowded. I was surrounded by people I love. AND believe it or not, 

this little ski bum learned to board. 

Game Face.  

 Who knows, maybe by retirement, I can celebrate by doing this....

thank you for being the best,sweetheart, i love you.