Family Ski Day with the Entire Neighborhood

I woke somewhat bleary eyed around 740a, but only after realizing that I wasn’t going to fall back asleep even though I felt like I could use another hour or so. Just as well. I needed to get moving. Any worry over a potential hangover was for not. I felt fine, especially after completing my calisthenics and then sucking down some coffee. A short time later I freed Frankie and took her out back to relieve herself. I was a bit troubled that I couldn’t locate the poop-scoop shovel. Heading back inside, I could hear the hot tub making a gurgling noise, an indication that the water level was down below the filter line. It’s been almost two weeks since I last topped it off. Crap! I sipped more coffee while relaxing in front of the PC. Mindy & the kids were up around 9a and just ahead of my run. At some point we discussed the day’s plans, which I assumed included skiing. Last I knew, Jacob was going to spend the day with his dad while we skied. Brother Tommy phoned around 945a to see if we were still going skiing. Yep. Said he planned to join us. I offered that he simply stop by and ride with us. Mindy later mentioned that we needed to be home by 5p to intercept Jacob. Crap! I hadn’t even considered that. As an alternative, I offered that Bella and I could stay later and ride home with Tommy. Mindy eventually decided that Jacob could go skiing with us, and something he wanted to do all along anyway. That settled, I headed out for my run. Mindy texted Jimaken to let him know that there was no need to pick up Jacob. I was back from my three mile run by 1040a. While I was out, Mindy prepared a nice packed lunch and had everybody’s gear setting neatly by the sofa. I prepped our ski flasks and then made an egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich while Mindy showered. I offered to make Mindy one too, but she declined. I headed up for a shower a few minutes after she was out. As is generally the case, I was showered and ready about the same time as Mindy despite giving her a 20 minute head start. I loaded the Honda through the garage. Neighbor Mike and kids passed by while I was loading. And if I understood correctly, they were heading up to MRM too. We were on our way by 1120a. We left Tommy a VM as we exited the house advising that we’d simply meet him there. He returned the call shortly after we hit the road agreeing with the plan to meet there. He was delayed slightly and also planned a stop in Marysville to check on one of his stores after skiing. At some point we heard from Kenny. They were already at MRM and had been even before 1030a. I was surprised to learn that they were up and out there that early. Said they left early to see the kids into an early lesson. We arrived near noon, or about the same time we arrive most other days. The lot was packed more so than ever before. We wondered if we’d be able to find a parking spot. We managed to create a parallel space at the lots farthest reaches and out towards the main road in. Given the crowd, we were happy just to have a spot. I got into my ski pants and boots and then helped both kids do the same. We walked up to get our daily passes together. As is often the case, we all headed to the restroom before heading to the lift. A right of passage if you will. Jacob and I are more often than not ready far sooner than Mindy and Bella. Hardly a wait, Jacob and I decided to head up the lift. We spotted Mindy & Bella after our first run. We hooked up shortly after. At some point I spotted Tommy. We skied a few runs together separate from Mindy & Bella. Then, Darwin, a new friend of ours, called out my name from the lift line. I didn’t immediately recognize him in his ski gear until he revealed his identity. He skied down the run with Tommy, Jacob and I. At some point, Mindy & Bella headed in for a break. Went to fetch the cooler too. After a few more runs with Tommy & Darwin, I begged off to hook-up with Mindy and Bella in the jam packed ski lodge. Tommy came inside a few minutes later and went immediately for a pitcher of beer. Then, it wasn’t too much longer before Kenny, Chrissy and kids, Mike and his two kids, and Darwin joined us. We had a big ol’ group. We eventually snagged one of the long cafeteria type tables, but kept the round bar-type table, too. We headed back out after a little more than an hour break. Kenny’s girls were eager to ski with Mindy & Bella. Jacob left with the three other boys, Jake, Evan, and Gavin. I was skiing with Darwin and Tommy. It wasn’t long before Mindy had Lillian skiing down the main face, which turned out being sooner than all the others, including her dad, Kenny. We took a 2nd break, at what time though I can’t be sure. I wasn’t watching the clock too closely. Tommy soon came to the table with another pitcher of beer. Soon everybody in our posse was in the lodge again. We enjoyed the live entertainment, the warmth, and the company for another hour. We headed out to get in a few more runs around 730-8p. Mindy & I collectively agreed to call it a day near 830p – the latest we’ve skied yet this year. During the last break, Mindy thought it a good idea to plan a pizza party with the neighbors once at home. However, by the time we loaded our gear and were heading for home, Mindy thought better of it and promptly called Chrissy to cancel those plans. We still planned to get a pizza, but one to enjoy quietly at home while in our PJs. We ordered our Minelli’s pizza just as we entered I-270 from rt.33. We had to wait maybe a minute or two once we arrived. Good timing. Mindy said they made a large versus extra large. No biggie. It would almost certainly be enough. We carried in all of our gear and then Mindy took Frankie out before tearing into our pizza. In fact, I changed out of my ski attire before sitting down to eat. It always feels so good to get out of tight ski clothes and into loose, comfy jammies. Jacob ate just a portion of his chicken sandwich before heading up to bed. He was tired. Bet he didn’t last five minutes after carrying in the gear. Mindy wasn’t far behind. After a couple slices of pizza she bolted for bed too. Bella joined me downstairs after Mindy headed off for a couple slices of pizza, but only after insisting I pull off most of the toppings. She didn’t last long either, though. Soon it was just me. I watched the rest of the Packers/Falcons game. The Packers were killing them. Not even close. I fell asleep on the sofa, but only for a brief stint. I headed up for bed around 1130p.