We got home last night from a weekend in North Carolina, and I can't begin to tell you all about it now. There were five of us in the Prius, but that worked surprisingly well. It snowed, which was wonderful. There were nine million people at the ski area and we stood in three lines, just to get ready to stand in the lift lines. It was over 2 hours just to do that. My Dad hated it and was really nervous. He skiied one run, but did not feel like he was in control, so stayed in the lodge the rest of the day. Fortunately, he skiied for free, but did have to pay $25 to rent his equipment. The house we rented through HomeAway.com was awesome, (if over-decorated). Three bedrooms with giant comfortable beds. the kind with 25 shiny pillows and coverlets that slip off during the night. Two and a half baths with luxurious white towels. TVs in every room (that we rarely turned on), internet and even a Wii (which we also didn't use). $380 for two nights, plus $60 for the dog, Maggie, Amelia's young puppy. I hesitate to say we packed everything we needed and nothing we didn't. That would seem extreme, but I do feel pretty proud of my planning skills! We bought dinner on the way up and on the way home, but ate breakfasts, lunches and one dinner at the house. By the way, the kitchen was over-equipped, as well. Many seasonings, plates, utensils, glassware--even an electric wine opener--and a creme brulee torch! It was fun, even though we didn't use most of it.

Elisa and Ray did the most skiing. I got in three runs. I didn't have a parka or ski pants (that fit) and it was cold late in the day. The snow at the top blew off and was scraped off. My Dad and Kevin and I went "home" in the early car. Elisa got in a run right at 4:30 and seemed to really enjoy the trip.