Skiing in the mid-Atlantic is definitely hit-or-miss. Local ski areas are very dependent on weather, more so than resorts in other parts of the country. And the weather around here can be fickle. This year we are off to a great start, with some cold temps and amazing amounts of lake-effect snow (thank you Lake Erie). Two ski areas opened today (Snowshoe and Seven Springs), and at least two more will open over the coming Thanksgiving holiday weekend (Wisp and Hidden Valley).

Winter 2005 got off to a cold start also. The day after Thanksgiving we made the trek to western Maryland for some opening weekend skiing at Wisp. The plan was to take the whole fam out, but Kathi had a freak accident as we were packing the van. She cracked her toe stepping over her snowboard binding. She dropped out, and stayed at home with Evie and Melanie. Tough break, as this was to be her first day on her new board and bindings.

[more Wisp photos]

Keri stepped in as a last minute sub. The early season conditions were very nice, and we had plenty of time for laps on Wisp Trail. We even got a peek at the new North Camp runs on the back side of the mountain. They were blowing snow all day, but the new runs werent ready to be opened yet.

Back in May of 2006 Kayleigh had a dance recital...

Lynne, Kristin, and Laura joined us in Haymarket for this big annual event. Afterward we went out for an early dinner. Of course Kayleigh got to choose where we would dine, and she picked a local Japanese restaurant. Japanese? Every time I think I have these kids figured out they find a new way to surprise me. I had no idea even what to order. The kids helped me.

[more photos]

Melanie recently celebrated her third birthday. Check out these photos from past birthday celebrations.

[more Melanie birthday photos]

Back on January 13th of 2005 Kayleigh skipped school, and I skipped work, for a day of skiing. This was Ski Chalet demo day at Wisp. I don't care much for trying out demo equipment. However thanks to the sponsors lift tickets could be had for the bargain rate of $2.

January is normally the coldest month of the year in western Maryland, but as you can see from the photos this definitely wasn't normal January weather. It felt more like late March on the slopes. The few runs that were actually open were just barely so, and some big puddles were forming in the low spots.

[slideshow]

If I had a choice I would take powder snow, of course, measured by the foot. But spring skiing can be almost as much fun. Nice and warm, soft snow, no crowds. Even if it isn't spring.