The Hazard Chronicles

In our family, we really like hanging out with friends. Especially if there is an activity involved. It seems that having other people around to share an experience gives it that much more depth, in the moment as well as in our memories. 

This past weekend was one of those times, and even though it was a short break for us (two instead of the usual three days) it felt more refreshing than normal. So here's a shout out to good friends and fun times.

We started the weekend by spending a day at Vantage. Climbing, exploring, and hitting rocks together (I don't know...) were the activities, and I'm pretty sure everyone was able to have a great afternoon in their own ways. Jack finally did a clean lead on a climb with a committing move he has bailed on in the past, and Addy worked on a new project that is at her limit. The kids were self-sufficient enough to allow the adults time to do their thing. Lindsey found new ways to get stuck on top of cliffs (only climb up what you can climb down!), kids all enjoyed raiding our stash of fruit and granola bars, and nobody got bitten by snakes or had to call an ambulance. All in all, a good day.

Keeping it light while trying hard. Big holds, but this girl has to do a series of all-points-off jumps to reach them. I've no doubt she'll lead it in the near future.

That evening we drove to a hotel in Wenatchee where we got adjoining hotel rooms. After the highlight of swimming in the little puddle the hotel had to offer (I still don't get it), we all ordered pizza and watched a movie before finding our places to sleep for the night. The night was mostly uneventful, except for the part where Jackson rolled off the bed and landed on Addy, and the part where Maren got up and locked herself in the bathroom because she didn't want to listen to Lindsey breathing. So, yeah...one of our better hotel stays.

The next morning, the Misners took off early to secure a good parking spot at Mission Ridge ski resort. Meanwhile, our family had a leisurely breakfast and arrived just after the chairs opened. It was a gorgeous day and the views were stunning. Except for a wonderful tailgate-style lunch, we were on the mountain until it closed, and in that time we were able to switch partners/groups several times. 

The views were incredible! We could see many of the major peaks in the Cascade range, the trees were heavy with windblown snow, and the sun was shining. You couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Pictured are Jack, John, and Anders scoping out their line.

Part of an airplane. Hit it on your way down for good luck!

It is so great that our kids are finally all old enough and skilled enough to be on their own. It's been a quick minute since Rach and I were able to take some laps together- just us.

Looks like everyone had a good day. Tired kids make for a quiet drive home. It was nice :)

Also, I want to include a memory here for my grandpa, just in case he happens to be reading this (Hi Grandpa!). When I was a kid, he and my dad took me to ski at Dodge Ridge, a small resort in California. We stayed the night in an homey little cabin, and for dinner we had split pea soup at the only open restaurant we could find. It was warm and cozy, and the whole experience came back to me as I sat with my own kids at a different resort, chatting among friends and eating Phil's homemade split-pea soup. 

Anyway- now nobody can accuse me for lack of sentimentality. Really, there is nothing like spending time with friends and family, laughing, playing, and just hanging out. I hope my kids have their own great memories of these sorts of weekends.

Have a good week!