I can't believe it is the end of March already and we are nearing the end of the season. Although...Mother Nature has other plans as a BIG storm is blowing in tonight. You always can tell the strength of the storm by the intensity of the wind. With temps in the upper 60's in Salt Lake, you know the cold front coming is going to be good. So, if you think it's time to hang up your skis...WRONG, we're just getting started. Check out the National Weather Service...good if you're not ready for winter to be done.
So, we had 5 consecutive Sunday lessons at Brighton and it was awesome! The terrain was so good for Emily to really get her confidence up. She was in and out of the trees (I can't even do that), and felt very comfortable. She grew from green runs to easy blues by the end. I've talked about the advantage of weekly lessons....same instructor, same students...they know the routine. For all of you out there who have kids, you know what I'm talking about. Kids do well with routines! On our last Sunday, there is a race. The instructors let us know the week before what time their class will race. As with everything we've done at Brighton, it is well organized. Emilys race time is at 2:35. We meet Martha at 1 and she's ready for the lesson and will take Em's class out and we'll watch the race later It is a beautiful sunny day, so I figure I'll let Brennan try to ski. 
I'm thinking...he turned 3, he's ready, right? Well....... Lisa is his instructor and she is going to give it a go. Fine with me, I can already see it is going to be a struggle. Out we go to the Magic Carpet. Bren said he's not going to ski. OK..let's try this...I'll ride the Carpet up in my boots and Lisa will take him down as I walk along. I hear you parents who have "been there, done that." Lisa is so patient...puts on the edgie wedgies and pulls him down, leaning over to keep his feet in a wedge and then attatching her pole to pull him. (yea, that's tough on the back, but check out the video, a good training idea.)
It is about the balance and Bren does it a little and is ready to be done. I can't say it enough, at the age of 2 and 3, if they don't want to do it...they won't. Don't make them! It has to be fun and you want them to have fond memories, not be scared. I think I can say, Brens skiing for this year has come to an end. He's just not quite ready, but wait 'till next year :)
It's time for Em's race. 
She races against one kid in her class down through the gates to the end. There is a gal at the end who tells us which lane Em will be in. I can honestly say, Em's competition was down almost before she started. That's OK! Em was taking in the scenery and wasn't about to get hurt. Maybe not quite Lindsey Vonn yet. Another proud moment in her ski career so far. I'm such a sappy Mom, I want to cry. She is so confident and comfortable in her skis.
That is all that matters. After all, if she goes too fast, I won't be able to keep up. Since her lesson goes until 4, Martha is ready to head out again.
Me and Bren go back to the picnic table to enjoy the sun and he is just happy to play with his little cars in the snow and stay a little guy. You know what? That's OK, he has a lifetime to ski, right now..he and I will sit back, relax and wait for Emily. Somehow, I think this will happen a lot in the future. Thanks for a great experience, Brighton!
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