Skiing – Page 3 – M. Sullivan Photography

March 4, 2012March 4, 2012 M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos, Skiing, Sledding, Weather

Lake Effect

When you live next to the world’s largest fresh water lake, you become familiar with how it can change the weather – heavy fog, cooler summers, warmer winters and lake effect snow. Weather forecasters are often inaccurate when predicting temperatures or precipitation when the winds change and start blowing off the lake. The forecast on Friday evening was for flurries overnight and up to 3 inches of snow accumulating throughout the day Saturday. I would have to say that they were a bit off…once again. Here’s what we actually received.

We woke up to several inches Saturday morning and it continued throughout the entire day. By evening we had over a foot of snow and by Sunday morning we had reached 14.5 inches. Mike pulled the snow blower out three times during the day Saturday so that we could get out to two playoff basketball games for Sebastian, register the kids for ski races and make a run to the grocery store. Sophia had decided on a breakfast dinner for winning the previous snow total bet so we had to pick up supplies. We didn’t bother to make a bet for this next “storm” since the original forecast had minimal accumulation expected.

The nice thing about lake effect snow is that it is light and fluffy. Not like the heavy stuff we received during our “blizzard” last week. Speaking of our blizzard snow, Thursday was warm enough for Mike and Sophia to make this guy during their day off from work and school.

Here’s what he looked like this morning when I was out shoveling our driveway…again.

Sophia had a friend over Saturday during our snow event. Her friend lives just blocks from our house, so it is was a short walk through the snow to get here. She came prepared in snow gear and with a sled. The girls took turns going down our newly complete sledding course in the backyard – the one I didn’t think we would have this year since we had grass in the backyard two weeks ago.

They also tried a couple of runs together on one sled.

They trudged through the deep snow and found a perfect spot to make snow angels.

They also found the biggest snow pile in the yard and climbed to the top.

Then they slid down.

They got tired from all the play outdoors and cold from the snow filtering in under their snow gear and played inside for the rest of the afternoon. By that time I think we were all tired of the snow.

Fast forward to Sunday morning, here’s what I saw when I was out shoveling at 7:45am.

After breakfast the kids headed out with Mike to have some fun in the snow.

Sunday afternoon the kids had their final ski race at Chester Bowl. The snow actually had ended by this time and the sun came out. It was warm on the slopes and the fresh powder made for some great skiing.

Here’s Sebastian – he’s the black spot with a red helmet in the center of the picture.

We hope to enjoy the new snow a bit more before the spring thaw hits. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30’s and 40’s this week. We are looking forward to skiing with Mike’s Dad next weekend at Spirit Mountain and perhaps we can make a family for Mr. Snowman in the front yard before it all melts.

February 4, 2012 M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos, Skiing, Weather

Snow Day

We made a quick trip out to Mont du Lac to ski today. We got some fresh air, exercise and lots of sunshine. It was a perfect February day for skiing. Although we haven’t had much snow this year, the hill was in pretty good condition from the snow machines. We packed a cooler with snacks and beverages and took a break outside on the deck about halfway through the afternoon. Sebastian and Sophia tried skiing moguls for the first time and did very well. Knowing my own limits, I stayed away from the moguls and black diamonds and stuck to easier skiing. Mike gave Sophia pointers on skiing techniques that will help her when we all go to Vail…or maybe just Spirit Mountain. We could not have asked for a better day – no injuries, no complaining, no cold fingers or toes and lots and lots of fun!

Mike is the black spot in the background behind Sophia.

You have to look hard, but Sebastian is the tiny spot on the left of the chairlift doing the moguls.

We probably won’t get a chance to get out to Mont du Lac again this year before the snow is gone, but look for us back again next year!

February 4, 2012 M. Sullivan Photography Daphne, Family, Photos, Skiing, Vacation

T.G.I.F. (Actually It’s Now Saturday)

Friday nights are traditionally pizza nights at our house. This means I am off the hook from cooking. Mike picks up Papa Murphy’s pizzas and we enjoy a movie or game night with the kids. After a long work (or school) week, it’s something that we all look forward to.

Tonight’s Game of Choice – Mario Brothers
Sophia recently learned how to play Mario Brothers. Now that we have a third remote for the Wii, the kids along with Mike are able to sharpen their Wii skills to conquer Mario world. I’ve never actually played the game myself. I’m a little too intimidated since they have nearly mastered the game.

Before pizza and game night, we took Daphne for a walk around the neighborhood. Even though it’s only early February, the melting snow and warm temperatures make it feel like spring. Daphne was busy smelling all the new scents that have appeared. She seems to have the energy of a puppy even though she’s seven years old. Or maybe she has spring fever like the rest of us.

We aren’t planning a winter/spring vacation this year, but will instead spend an overnight at a local hotel so that the kids can enjoy the pool, hot tub and an awesome continental breakfast the next morning complete with Belgian waffles. We won a gift certificate during a silent auction fundraiser last fall and thought it might be a good time to use it. The hotel we will be staying at also has outdoor fire pits for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. It’s only a mini “staycation”, but we are all looking forward to it.

We will also spend a night in Minneapolis to check out the Twin Cities Auto Show. After over 13 blissful years with our SUV, this is the year that we are going to have to say goodbye. With a leaky sunroof and leaking oil, along with small spots of rust starting to appear, we plan to find something more fuel-efficient (and cool). With two growing kids, a dog, a small boat to tow and winter driving in Duluth, a new four-wheel drive vehicle is an investment we really need to make later this year.

Preparations for our Super Bowl party are underway. I was supposed to spend the day cleaning, grocery shopping and prepping for the big day. The party is pretty low-key with our fellow fantasy football players and friends, along with their kids. Everyone brings something to share. Mike suggested earlier in the week that we go skiing on the weekend and I politely reminded him that we will be hosting the party at our house for the first time. He and the kids made promises to help with everything – cleaning, shopping and cooking – if I would agree to go skiing. I couldn’t turn down a warm, sunny day and ended up playing hooky from my chores to hit the slopes. I have no regrets, but am left with a big to-do list for tomorrow. I hope everyone in our house gets a good night’s rest tonight, because tomorrow is a work day!