Ski Weekend

This past weekend, Stephen and I were invited up to the mountains of North Carolina to enjoy some skiing and great fellowship. Brad's family has a house on Beech Mountain and he and Mandy were kind enough to invite us to spend the weekend with them there.

Stephen and I spent the whole day Saturday skiing. He is a wonderful skier. Sometimes I get nervous because he likes to do the double black diamonds and crazy slopes. This is the first time we ever went together. We had to stop in Columbia to get some ski pants for me. I ended up getting a purple pair. I figured it would be easier for him to find me when I crashed! Also, Stephen's ski jacket is orange so as a couple we supported Clemson well.

The first half an hour we spent on the bunny slopes and he taught me how to slow down, stop, turn, and fall correctly. Then we moved on the the green circles and eventually the blue squares. He skied in front of me backwards the whole time helping me and giving me instruction. Stephen was so patient and encouraging. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher. Although there were a few times that my self esteem took a hit, like when I looked up from extreme concentration to see him skiing backwards in front of me eating a pack of crackers. Here I am trying to stay calm and get down the mountain in one piece, and he is having a little snack! Haha. We had a great time though. After lunch I braved some slopes on my own and he took off to do the more difficult ones. Then, we met back up and skied together some more. I was really anxious about the whole day since I had no idea what I was doing, but he made it so enjoyable. I felt so safe with him and I think I fell in love with him all over again.

Our skis while riding the lift

 On the ski lift

On the slopes, check out my purple pants!

 Stephen in speed position!

 After lunch

 View from the top

Stephen at the bottom of the mountain

When we got back to the house, Brad, Mandy, and Rob (Brad's brother) had made a little ramp on the steep snow covered driveway. We played in the snow, sledded, and the guys had a pretty intense snowball fight. It was a blast.

Mandy in the snow!

Sledding down the driveway

These steps led down the the house we stayed at

Brad and his brother, Rob

Stephen after a sledding crash

On our way home Sunday we stopped in Greenville to visit Stephen's parents. We played horseshoes on the court Stephen and his dad built over Christmas break. They completely destroyed us. I think we won one game out of like 6 or 7. Haha. We are going to have to do some serious practicing before we challenge them again! Afterward we watched the Clemson game (kind of a bummer) and then headed home. It was a wonderful weekend!

 Stephen and his dad throwing horseshoes