Massanutten 2013

We did it! Against my doctor's advice, against the thoughts of friends and even against our deep down intuition. . .we packed up the family and headed to Massanutten, VA for some skiing and fun. I was 33 weeks pregnant and my doctor left it the decision up to me but made it clear that I was to be thankful each day that I remained pregnant. Those worries seem like a distant memory as I sit here typing this, four days from my scheduled c-section. Before we left, we went through lots of testing: labs, ultrasound, and in office tests. I was handed my medical records and wished good luck. I was also reminded to take the car seat with us. That we did.

I am so glad that we didn't let our nerves hold us back.  We had such a wonderful time.  There is something about vacationing with our favorite North Carolina family!  We all have so much fun.  The kids adore one another and with seven, going on eight kids, in the house, there is always someone to play with and another set of hands to help.

Our first full day started with ski school.  Savannah quickly excelled and was working on parallel turns and steeper terrain.  The little girls did well but showed signs of their prematurity.  They are weak and have a hard time isolating some movements.  The snowplow is very hard for them if they don't have the tips of their skis tethered.  Kids much younger are able to do this but without the skis tethered, both Adeline and Lila struggle and make a funky movement with their arms.  It is really strange because their arms have nothing to do with the move but both girls do it.  It is a sign that their brain knows what to do but their body won't cooperate.

Did I mention Lila got the same ski instructor as last year.  She had a slight crush on him last year and was hoping to see him this year.  His was the first face she saw.  Love at first sight!!

Here is a clip of my little jumping beans coming down the slope in ski school.



Here are some clips from later on in the weekend.  They made tons of improvement!  They enjoyed night skiing with daddy.  It worked out quite well because Savannah was (get ready for this) loose on the slopes with her friend.  I can't believe we crossed that bridge!  She doesn't have to ski with an adult.  I sat in the lodge with a walkie and she called me if needed but she ended up being just fine.  She had a blast with her buddy Joey!

Notice the funky arm movement.  Her skis weren't tethered.

The little girls took turns with daddy and while waiting, hung with me in the lodge for a snack and break.  We spent hours, on the slopes.  One night, Adeline was the last skier down the hill.  Leave it to my six year old night owl, to close the place!

While skiing seemed to be the focus, (we came home with our own sets of skis) we did other activities.  The water park is always fun.  I squeezed my over inflated body into a suit and hung with my big girl on the lazy river.  The little girls hit the slides and then spent the majority of the time swimming in the warm, pool.  I finally understand why my kids are always cold in pools.  The less body mass you have, the colder you get.  I never believed this but being the large Mommy I am right now, I have noticed that I just don't get cold like I usually do.  Poor Adeline has purple hands and lips if the pools are super warm.

One morning, during a very light and pretty snowfall, we went for a hike.  All the kids were looking forward to hiking but, again, mine got cold.  I made the mistake of having them wear sneakers and not boots.  Cold piggies cut a hike short!  It was okay by me.

The trip ended on a rather sad note.  Lila slammed her finger in the door.  When I say slammed, I mean slammed it like I have never seen a finger slammed.  It was sliced open, purple and swollen in minutes.  I couldn't believe how bad it looked.  I continued to burst open and bleed for days.   We finally headed into the ER and thankfully, it wasn't broken.  The nail has fallen off and we are hopeful that it will look normal again one day soon.  Miss Lila was a tough and brave girl.

We can't wait to go back next year.  Maybe my face won't be so swollen!! We love Massanutten!