Lydia and Maya enjoyed each other’s company and seemed like well-matched partners. Lydia had more control and did not fall, whereas Maya crashed often but went faster. The boys were instructed to stay with them at all times and to keep to runs they could handle. More often than not, it was Hannah that I observed in their company.
Nicolai appears to have lost none of his skiing skills since last season, although his patience for staying with and supervising his younger sister seemed greatly diminished. He has completely abandoned his outriggers (crutches with little skis on the ends) in favor of crutches that he uses like regular ski poles.
This morning I left Burlington with all the kids for the Bolton Valley Ski Resort where snow conditions were very good and crowds were small. Kyle, apparently having learned his lesson after yesterday’s failed snowball attack on Hannah tries a different approach by helping to secure her helmet. I am guessing he found this outcome to be far better than a neck full of cold snow.
Our final destination is a short walk to the apartment of Jean Cass a close friend of the family where we enjoy games, ice cream, and fireworks from the vantage point of her 9th floor lake view activity room. We have enjoyed many blessings this year none more important than time spent with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you all soon and wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new year.
Both Maya and Susan were selected from a crowd of several hundred to participate on stage with improve group Kamikaze Comedy during our final entertainment choice of the evening. This actor is on a fishing expedition with his buddy and Susan is required to move his body as his dialog responds to each new body position.
Next we enjoyed the physical comedy of Brent McCoy whose juggling skills were nothing compared to his humor. During his performance he sustained several injuries for which he singled out Jeanine to kiss the boo boo to make it better. Jeanine drew the line when he fell on his keester and came looking for medical treatment.
Our next activity was mask making where Jeanine, Maya, and Lydia fashioned their own works of art.
If we had ended the evening after this single event it would have been well worth the travel to Burlington, but this was just the beginning.
Each act seemed more amazing or comical than the last and was equally entertaining for both children and adults.
The Burlington First Night Celebration features dozens of events held at venues throughout the downtown area starting at noon and finishing at midnight. We begin with Circus Smirkus a troop of young aerialists, acrobats, and contortionists who bring high adventure and low comedy to the big ring. Judging by Maya’s expression (in the upper right hand corner) this was probably her favorite performance.
As we prepared to head into Burlington to enjoy First Night, Kyle instigated a snowball fight. Hannah is a very intelligent and charming young woman but beneath her sophisticated exterior beats the heart of a tiger. When all combat had ceased, I would say that Kyle was covered with more snow and may think twice before provoking another skirmish.
The morning started with portraits by window light. Hannah and Lydia are both natural beauties and Kyle is not too shabby either.
Hannah was introduced to and quickly picked up the game of Euchre, a Roche family favorite. Meanwhile, desserts were being prepared in the kitchen.
This afternoon the family drove to Burlington, Vermont where we joined Jeanine’s sister Susan for the New Year holiday. We made the four hour drive in two cars so that we could more comfortably accommodate Kyle’s friend Hannah and Maya’s friend Lydia who joined us on the short family vacation. Susan recently purchased a new condominium and this was our first visit. The place is huge with a fantastic open floor plan. We enjoyed a fine lasagna dinner before settling down to some serious card playing.