The Hazard Chronicles

This is one of those weeks that is hard to put into words. Short summary: We went on a family ski trip to several high-end resorts in Canada. Look at the photos. It's us, doing things. It was great. Happy New Year!

So, there you go. That's what happened. But saying that is what the trip was about is like saying that Les Misérables is just a story about a thief. It makes it all seem pretty shallow. Like, somehow, "fun" was the point. But in between all that "fun" were moments that can never be fully recaptured. Moments that form core parts of our family's personality, and that, for some of us, will matter for years to come. Moments that are relevant to the way we see ourselves. Moments that our kids will talk about when they are asked by later generations to tell stories of their youth.

And I guess I can only speak for myself here, but in the last week I feel like there were moments with each individual person in our family that has helped to define and strengthen my relationship with them. I've said it before, but I will forever stand by my conviction that a chairlift is one of the best places to connect with teenage kids who maybe don't have long conversations with you on a day-to-day basis. The long drives, the mid-day lunches, and the hotel dinners all lead to mostly-positive interaction in conjunction with mostly-positive experiences. It really is wonderful.

On one of the days, Addy made a comment on a gondola ride to the top of the mountain- "Look around guys," she said. "One day when we are all grown up and we live in different places, we will still have this with us," and then she made a sweeping motion with her hands that was probably meant to indicate the spectacular view of the mountains, but could have just as easily applied to the seven of us sitting shoulder to shoulder, ready to have an amazing day together. It was quiet after that as each person got lost in their own thoughts. But she was right. No matter what happens down the road, we will have these trips. They are a part of us. I love it.

Oh- and they are also "fun."

Have a good week!

We'll start with just a couple of photos that have nothing to do with our Canadian vacation. But friends can matter just as much as family, and we've done some things lately to foster those relationships as well. This is one where Rachel and her two besties went and had a girl's night up at our Wallace place. One thing for sure is that these ladies have not forgotten how to have a good time- I think they were out past midnight, partying like it was 2003 again!

Here we are at a hockey game with my work team. We got a box and and a catered dinner and seriously, I couldn't ask for better people to spend my days with.

Ok- on to Canada. We skied four days- Two at Lake Louise, one at Revelstoke, and one at Banff Sunshine. Lake Louise was the popular favorite (which is why we did two days there), but each is special in it's own way. Revelstoke has such amazing vertical that we got to ski above an ocean of clouds. I could have gone to Banff for the view alone, which is one of the best I have EVER seen, and Lake Louise has impeccable parks and grooming as well as big mountain terrain that makes for plenty of options. What a trip!

Addy always has such a bright and optimistic view of the world. This one is particularly nice :)

Lindsey's ability is finally starting to catch up with her confidence, and it's nice to not have to worry as much about where she might go. She almost always gets cheers while skiing under a lift to further inflate an ego that doesn't need any help.

A nice photo that Evelyn captured of Jackson. It actually wasn't snowing- she just timed it well with a slight gust of wind on a nearby tree.

There were several moments both on and off the slopes that Rachel and I were able to take time for ourselves. It's nice that I can trust our kids in almost all circumstances to take care of each other, allowing us the time we crave to be the best friends that we are.

Linzo!

My Maren. More than most people, she knows how to appreciate the beauty around her. With her, I stop more often to look up. She forces me to slow down and notice the way the wind has blown snow on the trees, or the texture of the clouds, or the smell of ice. If we are discussing the activity of skiing, the conversation is composed more by emotions and physical sensations than it is on technique or terrain. Her observations are always welcome, and she is constantly reminding me, in her own gentle way, that athletic performance is more a byproduct than a goal, and that what really matters usually can't be measured. I love skiing with her.

Addy is my fun-lover. Don't get me wrong- she will push herself right up to her own stubborn limits, but she will do it with a smile and a laugh that is contagious to all around her. She is one of the most supportive people I know, and is constantly yelling encouragement to others. At the bottom of the run, rather than celebrate her own victories she would much rather hear about what others have done. Let's go Addy-O!

These two have a fun relationship. They have "secret" handshakes that they do before each run and they push each other to do things that they might be too hesitant to do otherwise. It's fun to see Evelyn let down her guard a little, and it's neat to see Lindsey identify with her teenage siblings.

Jackson is all about doing hard and scary things. He feels accomplished when he does the "hardest" runs, and he has a "send it" mentality that sometimes gets him into trouble. At the same time, he has gained a lot of experience that the others don't have and is able to keep a pretty level head in most situations. He's my go-to partner if I want to ski hard.

Evelyn pushed herself more on this trip than ever before, and came away with some awesome breakthroughs. She has officially embraced speed as a friend, and one of the most exhilarating runs of the trip was with her as we straight-lined the entire mountain from top to bottom. She also started to actively seek out mogul fields and did not hesitate when a group of us did a run called "Pitch Black," almost two miles long of nothing but advanced-level bumps. It was a leg burner for sure, and she did great! Well...she fell quite a bit, but her spirits were high and she was proud to have pushed herself past her comfort zone.

I love us

I also love this girl! When talking with the kids about style, they said that Rach had the smoothest, most classic style of skiing out of everyone. Meanwhile, I was likened to a caffeinated bunny. I'm not sure what to make of that, but they are right about Rach. She is a classy lady.

A classic photo bomb for the classy lady!

Lindsey. If she has limits, she doesn't know it.

Jack and I did a run called Kill the Banker. It finds itself on many lists of "best runs," and it was clear to see why. We skiied it as it was meant to be (some people detour through the steepest sections), and the pillow section was some of the most unique skiing I have done. Pretty cool.

If there is one picture worth clicking on for a full-resolution view, it is this one. Remember what I said about Maren and the appreciation of beauty? I felt privilaged to find myself in this moment with her.