Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Friday, January 05, 2007

Winter Wonderland

As the kids grow older, the dynamics of our "family" vacations change. This summer, we went boating without our 18 year old son. This winter, it looked as if we would be going skiing without either of our boys. Since I go down the mountain in a zig-zag pattern and everyone else goes straight down, I long since quit skiing and simply bought a lift ticket so I could meet everyone at the top of the mountain for lunch. (Meanwhile, I shopped, did the spa, met them for lunch, shopped, did the spa ... you get the idea.)

So, when it became apparent that this year only the girls were going to be able to go, I suggested that Greg go with his brother instead of me. That way, the girls could ski together and Greg would have a skiing buddy, too.

I, meanwhile, stayed home and ... shopped, did the spa, met friends for lunch, shopped, did the spa ... you get the picture. ;-)

Well, I have to confess that when Greg and his little brother get together, they seem to pull out the worst in each other. So, as I packed the four of them in the car to send them on their way, the boys looked as if they'd just been given the golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory.

I peered into the backseat and firmly commanded the girls to make sure the boys behaved.

"Oh, we'll be good, honey. Won't we Phil?" Greg said.

Phil vigorously nodded. "Absolutely."

Greg winks at me, pulls the car door and just before it closes, he hollers, "PAR-TAY!!!"

Then *slam*, the door is closed and he is zooming out of the driveway.

I am happy to report, they all came home injury free and with many stories to tell (and some, I suspect, they didn't tell at all). I've included more of the photos they took on my Scrapbook page. I think our sons are now wishing they had gone along, too. Well ... there is always next year!

posted by Deeanne at 10:39 AM

5 Comments:

Barb said...: Bet the other middle-aged guys at the place were impressed with Greg and Phil's youthful-babe "dates!" Ha!
Meg said...: That sounds like a ton of fun!!
The spa, I mean. Not the skiing! I don't like to be cold.

Seriously, their ski trip must have been a great time for building family memories. You're right, the configuration has to change as the kids grow up. Just like it did when we were the kids, establishing our independence.
Sandy said...: What? ? ? You gave up skiing for the spa? Crazy girl!

Your daughters look to pretty to be skiing :)
Deeanne said...: I would ski if someone skiied with me. I just don't like them all having to wait for me as I zigzag. Then just when I'm about to catch up, they holler, "Great job, Mom!" and take off--them all rested, me dying to catch my breath!

So, yes, I gave it up for the spa and without a moment's regret! They're happier. I'm happier. :-)
Barb said...: Does your married daughter live far from you, Miz Meg?