Grandma Johnson: The High-Flying Adventurer

If there’s one thing Park City Mountain Resort does well, it’s their off-mountain activities. You don’t need to be a skier to have a blast at Gorgoza Park (their tubing and snowmobiling hill) and PCMR’s base area.

We’re longtime fans of the alpine coaster and we were excited about a new addition this year: the Golden Eagle Zip Line.

Well, all of us except for Hadley who has had a pretty severe aversion to zip lines after doing the KEEN Adventure Race in Vail last summer.

We started out on the alpine coaster. Last year, I blogged about my frustration about being caught behind a slowpoke. Jamie was the one who unleashed on the perpetrator.

This year, it was my turn to go after a woman who not only slowed down but completely stopped every few feet on the tracks (which is not allowed). It took her 20 minutes to get down a run that should have taken a minute, completely shutting down the entire alpine coaster and leaving us stranded at the top. Her actions were not only frustrating but extremely dangerous as Jamie and Bode could have rammed into her going 30 mph.

Lesson learned: you don’t want to mess with us as it pertains to the alpine coaster.

Do you know someone else you don’t want to mess with? Jamie’s mom. She teamed up with Hadley to careen down the alpine slide full-throttle without braking even once.
She probably lived in fear Jamie and I would go off on her if she did otherwise.

But then she and Hadley took the first run on the Flying Eagle Zip Line. As far as zip lines go, this one is pretty tame (as opposed to the world’s steepest I did last summer). However, it’s a perfect introduction for kids and is more like a really fast chairlift with some thrills along the way.

I don’t know too many grandmas who would willingly do something like this but it’s a memory Hadley will always cherish.
The boys had a swell time, too.
Tip: cover your ears like Bode did because the noise at the end is almost deafening.

Or maybe it was just the sound of three Johnson girls screaming with glee.

Spring Skiing Park City Mountain Resort

Spring skiing is a gamble. When we were at Park City Mountain Resort two years ago for Spring Break, we had the best conditions ever–over 30 inches of fresh powder with a 110-inch base.

For the non-skiers of the world, this is the equivalent of giving Jamie a free pass to spend the entire day in his pumpkin patch.

The 2011-2012 season has been a completely different story. Many ski resorts have had their worst snow conditions in 30 years and PCMR was no exception. Though the mountain is still covered in snow (though patchy in places), the surrounding areas are completely devoid of it.

It’s surreal to be on a ski vacation without a lot of white stuff.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. Though the snow wasn’t the greatest, we still had one of our favorite vacations ever. It also afforded us to the opportunity to have some adventures off the slopes. On Wednesday, Jamie and I played hookey after we dropped the kids off in ski school and hiked to the Park City Hill Summit where a bold “PC” is scribbled across it.

Allegedly. We overshot it completely so never actually saw the symbol.

Our first day skiing at PCMR confirmed what I have long suspected: I absolutely suck at skiing icy conditions. (This is a generous observation).

But then a funny thing happened: it rained. I thought this was be the worst thing that could happen but I was wrong. The moisture actually softened up the snow so our final couple of days were soft, slushy and FUN. I fell in love with spring skiing for the first time.

Though don’t get me wrong: I’d take 30 inches of fresh pow ANYDAY over slush.

Next year?

Tomorrow: Stay tuned for why Jamie’s mom is a pretty darn cool high-flying, adventurous Grandma!!!

And the first shall be last

For my column in The Denver Post today, I wrote about our failed Easter egg hunt last year.

Or rather, my parenting fail.

I submitted my article to my editor a few weeks ago and then the media erupted last week with the Easter egg hunt that was canceled in Colorado Springs because of aggressive parents. People everywhere were lashing out against “helicopter parents” (those who hover over and push their kids too much).

My article had “backlash” waiting to happen. I fretted over it a few days before emailing my editor whilst on vacation last week with a revised piece that hopefully would subdue my critics.

So far, no hate mail.

But it’s still early in the day.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Temple Square and Salt Lake’s Splendor

It’s funny because when I lived in Salt Lake City, I took Temple Square for granted. I even worked almost directly across the street and though I occasionally strolled the grounds, it was not on my radar.

Then I moved away and it became on my must-visit list whenever we’re in Utah.

Here’s the great thing about it: you don’t need to be Mormon to appreciate the feelings you get in this 10-acre complex that is the focal point of Utah’s tourism industry.

One thing you do need to have: an appreciation for beauty. The Christmas lights are truly spectacular in the wintertime, then spring brings blossoms, in summer resplendent flowers and then fall colors.

Basically, you can’t go wrong.

Hadley loved photographing these flowers….
And Bode loved blowing the blossoms.

We toured around the new City Creek Mall (ultra cool with its retractable roof), spent a minor fortune on Hadley’s first set of scriptures at Deseret Book (well worth it to see how thrilled she was) and had a grand ol’ time checking out the Church History Museum’s FREE interactive Book of Mormon children’s exhibit.

This weekend, Temple Square will be the hub for our church’s Semi-Annual General Conference.

And I feel fortunate to have caught a glimpse of where the magic happens.

The Travel Bug

It would seem between driving to Canada, skiing Loveland, SolVista, Eldora and soon-to-be Park City Mountain Resort, we’ve had a busy winter travel-wise. But honestly, it feels like just the opposite and I have the travel bug. Big time.

I’ve been begging Jamie to go camping in Moab next month. Despite our many backcountry adventures (see a sampling here, here and here), I was mortified when I realized we’ve never taken the kids there.

When I lived in Utah, Southern Utah’s desert was like my second home. Every spring and fall, I yearn to go back back there.

You will note I did not mention summer. During my one and only visit to Moab in July, I dubbed it “The Devil’s Summer Home.”

The heat was no joke.

Speaking of summer, much of ours is already filled between family coming into town for Haddie’s baptism in June (hurray!), adventure camp for the kids at Avid4 Adventure, swim lessons and then Canada. Though I have zero desire to drive to Calgary anytime soon in the winter (see The Day I Thought I Was Going to Die), I’m planning to make the two-day drive alone with the kids in July.

So many people think I’m crazy for doing it and it wouldn’t be possible if my kids weren’t such intrepid travelers. Of course, they’ve had no choice because I’ve dragged them all over tarnation since they were babies. It helps that they are both imaginative and don’t require I entertain them 24/7.

Case in point: When we drove to Calgary at Christmas, they set up tents all around their carseats. At one point, I suspected Hadley was up to something and I noticed she had swiped my eyeliner. Bracing myself for a clown-like makeover, I was amused to discover something quite different.

“What is that on your face?” I queried.
“Whiskers,” she confessed.

I’ll take cat-obsessed over a boy-crazy tween ANY DAY.

Postcards from the Edge (of the potty training seat)

“Potty training.” The mere words still make me shudder.

For some parents, it is a simple process. For others, there are months of nail-biting frustrations. And for a select few (like me), sometimes it felt like our child was never going to get trained.

The first time my daughter Hadley was officially trained was after 3 years and 9 months. I say the first time because we continued to have problems after that and even had to meet with a specialist who diagnosed her with a condition, Encopresis.

Though it was a trying time, I was surprised to learn there are a large number of children who, even beyond the preschool years, continue to have issues. Thankfully, I can finally say we’re in the clear after many difficult years.

I have a few friends who are currently potty training their kids and so I thought I would revisit those harrowing 3 years and 9 months it took to get her potty trained. You know. The first time.

CLICK TO READ THE HARROWING HILARITY AT MILEHIGHMAMAS.COM

Chess: A Real Love Story Intermingled with the Anti-one

I don’t remember who gave me the soundtrack to the musical Chess but I’ve been in love with it since my college days. Add music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (formerly of ABBA) to lyrics by Tim Rice (Evita) and you have a winning combination. One Night in Bangkok is probably the most recognizable on the soundtrack.

But I’d never seen it on stage. I’ve Googled it over the years and the only shows were in London so I figured it just wasn’t meant to be.

When I made the loooong pilgrimage to Canada over the break, I dug up that old tape (remember those?) and listened to it almost non-stop. I even voiced to Jamie how I would love to see it someday.

That someday happened within weeks of returning back to Colorado when I heard Chess was coming to the Arvada Center March 23-April 15– a hop, skip and a jump away from my house. What. Are. The Odds?

As a side note, I’d like to point out that for once, the odds were in my favor.

I obviously jumped on it the moment tickets went on sale and last night, Jamie and I attended the preview. Though I had a general idea of the story line (love triangle between an American and Russian at the world chess championship in a Cold War setting), much of it was new to me. Politics, intrigue, affairs, it was all there.

The first act was slower than the second and I can’t say I would have loved it had I not been already enraptured by the music but there I was singing away with the magnificent cast.

Fortunately, I left the dancing to them.


Outside of the theater is an art gallery. If the musical was the anti-love story, then Jamie and I are the anti-connoisseurs of modern art. I don’t discount its worth but I do profess my inability to “get it.”

Thus was the case as we stumbled upon the painting in the background of this picture.

“Merchants of Desire,” Jamie read.

“Hmmmm….” I murmured.

“The funny things is,” he mused, “There is no desire in it.”

And that, my friends, is why we’re so perfect for each other.

In the end, it was like a dream come true to see Chess, though we later joked the ending is like the anti-love story. Spoiler: Nobody ends up happy.

Except, of course, me for finally being able to see it.

==========

I searched around trying to find my favorite duet from Chess: I Know Him So Well. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-AcCOiPtZA&w=560&h=315]

Loveland Ski Area: Why It Is the Best Kind of Stupid

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason if I like a destination; it’s just the feeling I get. I’ve only skied Loveland Ski Area’s 1,570 acres twice and both times were extremely windy and chilly.

Kind of funny how that happens in winter sports.

But despite the less-than optimal conditions, I refuse to give up on having an idyllic day in Loveland. My family recently hit the slopes with our beloved Uncle Chris for his birthday and here are a few of our findings:

Location
Out of Colorado’s resorts, Loveland is one of the closest. Just 53 miles from downtown Denver, even I-70′s weekend traffic snarls didn’t put too much of a dent in our drive because it was the first resort we encountered. During the week, it’s a swift 35-minute drive from our house and my husband and I are already plotting our half-day skiing adventures at Loveland when both kids are (finally) in full-day school next year. Countdown: starting now.

Ski School
My son Bode had his first day on the slopes at Loveland two years ago and it was fun to return to his roots. L.G. (Loveland Guy) makes an appearance on Saturdays and delighted all the kids.


I’m not sure what is more disturbing: my son’s expression or L.G.’s pink polka dots.

Children’s full-day sessions including lift ticket, lunch and rental start at just $104. If you’re just starting out, Loveland has some great packages for adults that cover everything from “newcomers” to those who want to fine-tune their skills.

The Non-skiers

Have a child who isn’t ready or doesn’t want to ski? The resort’s licensed Child Care Center is for kids from 12 months to 12 years. An all-day with lunch and two snacks is $65. If you’ve been to other resorts, you realize how affordable this is; most charge well of $100 and I’ve dropped more money for childcare than my ski day.

Loveland Explorers

We sat next to a mom at lunch whose child was enrolled in the Loveland Explorers, a 6-week program where the Ski and Ride School works with the Loveland Racing Team to develop the skills of intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders ages 7-14. Why I’m sold on the program: 1) No more than 6 students for each coach. 2) Children learn and explore with the same coach all 6 weeks. 3) It’s only $459 for six weeks and includes full-day lessons, lunch and an unrestricted season pass. Don’t miss out for next season.

Sneak Peak (pun intended):

Loveland will soon be offering something really cool off Chair 9: FREE snowcat rides north along the Ridge. There won’t be a cost to ride the cat but users will have to read and sign a waiver to get a free “cat pass.” Check Loveland’s website for when this cooool cat program is going to launch.

Deals & Pricing

Adults (ages 15+) are $59, children 6-14 are $25 and 5 and under ski FREE. Check their website for discounted tickets after April 9 (Can you say AFFORDABLE!?) The Daytripper Package (ticket, equipment and clothing for $99) and the Flex Ticket, Colorado’s only flexible 4 hour ticket are worth checking out as well. Loveland also offers a 3-Class Pass. Take three lessons and get a free season pass.

Ski and Stay Deals

I’ve never thought of Loveland as a destination resort but packages start at $119. They include lodging in neighboring towns Georgetown and Silverthorne and also lift tickets for two adults. Tip: If you want to avoid I-70′s traffic snarls, go with Silverthorne at the end of your ski day where you’ll be going the opposite direction of all the skiers heading back to Denver.

Stupid Is as Stupid Does

Did I already mention it was cold?

As long as Jamie, Chris and I stayed on the lower slopes or in cossetted Loveland Valley, we avoided the worst of the wind. However, Loveland is located on the Continental Divide and the summit elevation is 13,010 feet. This affords staggering views on a bluebird day but brace yourself when it is blustery.

As we huddled together on Chair 8, we gazed down upon the wind-whipped chutes, marveling at the forests that were forever slanted from the gusts. Snow swirled around us and as we climbed higher, our world was temporarily blotted out completely white.

I turned to the birthday boy. “Chris, can you even believe we’re doing this?”

He paused, laughed and then uttered what will become my motto on all such bitterly cold days on the slopes: “Yes, but it’s the best kind of stupid.”

Hear, hear.

Even a Prepared Boy Scout Couldn’t Have Anticipated This

One of the things that stresses me out about skiing is the sheer volume of stuff that is required for it. To combat the morning chaos, I now have a routine where I set out all our items the night before and that has helped us tremendously.

Usually.

We invited Jamie’s brother Chris to Loveland Ski Area with us for his birthday. He arrived early that Saturday morning (never happens) and we had planned to drive to the mountain soon thereafter.

Until Bode’s glove was nowhere to be found and we tore apart the house looking for it.

I was positive I had set it out the night before so its whereabouts was a real head-scratcher. Had Fat Kitty eaten it? Was I officially out of my mind? Bode had lost his back-up pair of gloves and touque the week before so it was a do-or-die situation.

Or rather, a find-it-or-freeze-your-hands-off scenario.

After about 20 minutes of looking, my wise husband investigated Bode closer.

“Bode, what is that?”
“What is what?”
“That lump underneath your ski pants!”

Bode looked down and sure enough, there was a subtle lump near his calf. Sheepishly, he removed his ski pants to discover the MIA glove.

A stellar start to Uncle Chris’ birthday, wouldn’t you agree?

Stay tuned tomorrow for why our Loveland Ski Area adventures were “the best kind of stupid.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from an Unbeliever

I’ve never been one to make a big deal about St. Patrick’s Day, partly because a lot of it is about drunken revelries but mostly because I despise Irish food.

And let’s face it: holidays are all about the eating.

But this year, both the kids were so into St. Patrick’s Day I figured I’d better step it up. In fact, Hadley has constructed multiple leprechaun traps and even made one back in November.

That is some serious green-day motivation.

The funny thing is I have been the naysayer and she has been the one who has tirelessly tried to convince me leprechauns are real.

“If they’re not real, then who came into our classroom and knocked over all the traps?”
“How did the leprechaun know my shoe size for my new sandals? Huh, huh?”

The kids fastidiously set-up their traps the night before and I fastidiously knocked them over and left multiple gifts I was already planning to give them (i.e. new baseballs for Bode, pastels and sandals for Haddie). I wanted no part in the leprechaun mischief of totally annihilating the room.

My kids already take care of that on a daily basis. I think they have leprechaun blood.

They were delighted to say the least and we had a breakfast fit for kings: shamrock waffles (fluffy whole wheat waffles died green), topped with pot ‘o gold vanilla sauce.


Both are recipes I found on Pinterest. Duh.

The rest of the day was a flurry of heading to the hills for the Junior Naturalist program at Lookout Mountain (more on that later). We then lunched at the best gourmet burger place on the planet: Lark Burger (their gourmet truffle burger with Parmesan truffle fries brings tears to my eyes…and thighs). We topped off our day with our annual Chili Cook-off at the church with all our besties.

Then again, maybe St. Patrick’s Day is all about the food.

So long as it isn’t Irish.