Back in October Chris and I decided to combine Christmas and the boys winter birthdays with a trip out west to go skiing in Colorado. Since we are both beach bums and have dragged the boys to beaches all up and down the East Coast, we decided it was time to give them a glimpse of what out West looks like. Sure, we will be in debt for quite a while and the logistic planning of this trip was no small feat (thank you honey for tackling that process). With time ticking away in the back of our heads (come August, Evan will be in high school for goodness sake) we knew now was the time to do a family trip together that involved brand new experiences, a little bit of athleticism, the boys first time EVER on a plane and a memory making trip that we would ALL remember.

Enter Copper Mountain, CO. First, I cant say enough how lucky we got with the weather. We flew in under clear skies, had skiing temps in the low to mid 30s (mild and balmy according to Colorado). We only had one day where it was a bit windy and snowy, so we were able to get the ski in snow experience and flew out one day before a huge storm hit and blanketed the state with up to 11 inches of snow and ice.

Secondly, when you take a Mom photographer out of her comfort zone of natural, earthy tones, simple landscapes and place her in a big bowl of white snow with contrasting colors from ski outfits, structural designs, and offspring who are wearing clothes other than shorts and T-shirts, she might go a little bonkers with the camera. Claiming innocent victim to my surroundings, I lugged my camera up the mountain, andignored all eye rolls and heavy sighs with poise and pre-planned (yet graceful) rebuttal that SOMEONE in this damn family has to document our familys crazy adventures.

I also had fun snapping some unknowing participants, wanting to try and capture the area and the vibe through photos. I live for that stuff (thank you Zoom lens)!! I felt completely vulnerable to the mix of hues, different lighting, people watching, and the overall feeling of a day in the life of a ski resort.

I can honestly say I have never felt so lucky and grateful to spend 5 days on the other side of the country. It didnt come without its moments (we are still not quite able to talk about when our family shut down the main ski lift for 10 minutes because someone doesnt know how to lock their skis on securely). Getting the boys ski lessons and used to these weird long sticks on their feet may or may not have caused random moments of cursing and lectures on have a better attitude when trying something new.

In the end we came, we conquered, we left our mark on Copper Mountain with no major injuries or catastrophes. When we left the resort and drove to the airport both boys said it was the best experience they have ever had. This is not something we will be able to do every year but maybe down the road, one more time before they make us empty nesters. This further drives my point why photos are more than just photos. They are our story, our life in the moment, recording what will soon grow and change but those moments frozen in time (see what I did there) stay forever perfect in my heart and soul.

Thanks for coming along for the ride, I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Mary