Hudson trip, the last hurrah

on our final day we had perfect weather! we knew it was time to get the kids up on skis so Bill, being a genius, rigged up a system to help make the kids feel more comfortable on skis.

Of course – Ellie was our first taker. That girl is so determined and quietly brave.

her only protest.

almost there…

wahoo!!! go ellie!

slowing down to show her that all is ok.

back up again.

happy!

claire was a bit more timid. Charlie still wouldn’t go at this point.

nervous.

go claire! she did it and we celebrated.

finally we kind of made charlie go.

hit it!

I love the various stages of his facial expressions. He is a glass case of emotions sometimes.

stressed/freaking out.

feeling a bit better.

shock.

happy!

ecstatic!

back to stressed upon stopping – ha! so proud of him for doing it!

one last boom drag with auntie dotes!

on our last midday – the Gunderson clan came to hang with us. Note – Bill is wearing his new Selma’s sweatshirt that he is BEyOND proud of –ha!

Such fun spending more time with dear friends. Wish we could see them again soon!

what  a trip! we made so many memories and were really able to just live life with the extended schmitt/arnold families it was wonderful! we are going to miss being there. it was also time to come home and get back to reality. or as charlie said to me this week “this place is no fun – we never go to the candy store or get ice cream!” – ha! yep – buddy, that is called real life. Our old-fashioned summer was really just that. swimsuit wearing, beach lounging, limeaway (aka – lime-a-rita) drinkin, sand everywhere, cheetos eatin, boat riding, candy store and ice cream store stops, etc. It was perfect. Thanks bubba and pappy for putting up with all of us for 3 weeks – we are no cake walk.

Laura sent me this after we had been driving for a bit (we left about 6pm on Friday night). the perfect ending to our old fashioned summer.