Ski School!

Winter is in full swing here and Elise has enjoyed her first two weeks of ski school. We signed her up for the Monday program, which consists of six consecutive weeks of lessons. Of course I agonized over which level to enroll her in. My athletically inclined ego was very tempted to put her in level 4, but in the end I caved under questioning from the ski school and agreed to place her into level 3. She would have been challenged in level 4, but the reality is she's quite enjoying the skills they are teaching her in level 3, and I think it will be good for her progression and her confidence. The only instruction she's had so far has been from me, and I'm certainly no professional ski instructor.


One real bonus is she loves her instructor, Oliver. He's from England and has a great way with kids. He jokes with them and when they won't listen, he makes his cell phone ring and says it's the police calling. And he buys the group candy at breaks. Elise loves him for that!



I've been skiing during the lessons, and had one nice day with fresh snow. I used my new skis and got quite a workout touring the mountain and skiing the various bowls. Elise and I were both tired at the end of the day.


On a more serious note, my dermatologist found a basal cell carcinoma on my forehead last week. I guess all those years of being outside finally caught up with me. These are the most common forms of skin cancer and are rarely serious (his words: fully treatable) but it was unsettling nonetheless. I've got an appointment on February 8th to get it removed by a plastic surgeon at Lion's Gate hospital. I'm sure it will go well.


Moving forward, we have planned a trip to the St. George area of southern Utah for Pam's spring break. It's a desert area with lots of good climbing and hiking. We hope to visit a couple of state parks while in the area and make a short trip to Zion, a national park we've not visited. Mostly, we are just looking forward to a warm, sunny climate. Elise is looking forward to the pool at the hotel!



It's cold here right now and we are all looking forward to some warmer weather. We hope you're all warm, wherever you are.

Marc, Pam and Elise