March 3, 2007
I just returned home from a week in Breckenridge, Colorado. There are some things that have become valuable traditions in my life, and our annual ski retreat with friends and family is certainly one of them. We have such a great time on the slopes and then hanging out together each night. We play games, we spend time doing devotions and singing worship songs each evening, and we eat lots and lots of food.

I took a ski lesson for the first time in my life since age 9. I had a great time and learned some helpful techniques to take my skiing to a new level. I highly recommend taking a lesson from a professional to anyone going skiing in Colorado.  It is definitely worth the time and money.

I skied by myself for most of the day on Thursday, with my headphones playing my favorite songs. It was such a peaceful, surreal morning as I rode the chair lifts and looked out on the mountains and trees covered in snow. I really had a great time hitting the slopes by myself for a day, and I think I'll try to set aside time to do that on future ski trips as well.

We had a new family go with us this year, and I enjoyed getting to know the Russells. Dustin bought a new snowboard once we got into Breckenridge the first night. Later that week he and I both bought new sunglasses and other gear, so we had our own little photo shoot on the last day to sport our cool mountain styles. We were freezing to the point of biting pain while we took the pictures, but you can't tell by looking at them!

Overall, I had a relaxing and enjoyable time on the 2007 Ski Retreat. I can't wait to do it again next year.