We arrived back into Kansas City and ultimately the OP about 5pm tonight after spending the past 4 days or so in the mountains of the Rockies… at Keystone. Had a great time skiing and boarding, though I am hobbling a bit due to twisting my left knee. Yesterday, I didn’t plan on even going I was so sore. But, all 4 Murphy kids, Stephanie and Rebecca were going to go and I knew that Gabe would likely need my help, especially with Brock and Jacob. Sure, the Murphy kids all took a full day of ski lessons on Thursday, but on Saturday, up the real lift to tackle their first green. Plus, Rebecca and Stephanie… not so experienced either. So I decided to turn in my snowboard and get skis again, as I would be of much better assistance. Despite my knee hurting like hell, I managed. It took probably close to 90 minutes or more to get down the run with the kids. Michael… he did awesome. Lauren, she did quite well, too. Brock, who I was assisting, did awesome for part of the time, but crashed enough, got cold enough, and legs tired enough that he was crying hard and just having a miserable time towards the end. It’s too bad, too, because when he wasn’t frustrated from falling, he did quite well for his first time. Then there was Jacob. Jacob started slow. Gabe was working with him, though Gabe was on a board. Most improved award definitely goes to Jacob. By the end, he could “french fries” and “pizza” with the best of them! Was awesome to see. He was excited, too.
I almost got in a fight over the skiing. With only 100 yards to go, some azzhole came around the corner and told me “that kid needs to learn how to watch where he’s going.” “That kid” was my surrogate son Brock, who was not in anyones way. We were on a green slope, not a blue, not a black. I proceeded to tell the guy where he could go, probably what to do with his poles, etc. The 45 year old-ish azz puffed his chest but ultimately turned and finished the run. I didn’t see him on the bottom, but I was ready.
Stephanie and Rebecca did well! Rebecca only crashed twice… and both times were within a few minutes and while she was standing!
After the 90+ minute run, we all went back to the condo for a breather. Later that afternoon, all but me, Braelyn, Brock and Jacob went back for more. Michael made 3 solid runs, Lauren two, and Stephanie and Rebecca one. All did really well, I am told. I stayed back and took a hottub with Brock and Jacob and hung out with big Brae and Mima (Gabe’s mom, Debbie, who was a wonderful babysitter for us!)
Speaking of Braelyn, she had a great trip. She didn’t fuss on the airplane. She traveled well. I was so pleased. It was good practice for the cruise in just two short weeks. From snow to scuba diving, all in a 2 week span. Gotta love life!
Speaking of loving life… Billary seems to be slipping! And now she’s getting downright nasty! Who’d of thunk?! (Note to Rebecca: I purposely used improper English there… no need to try and get me back!) May be bad for the Repubs to have Obama the Dem nominee, but if the Repubs don’t win, I would rather Obama than… oh wait, either one is taking more from me, spending more on universal health care (Canadians prefer coming to the US for healthcare… hmmm), and preparing to surrender in Iraq. Ugh. Dilemna.
Oh well… I hear the baby fussing right now, better go give Rebecca a hand.
Nighty night, ya’ll.
–RE
Has Jacob learned to talk yet?
How is Brock doing with his wrestling?