Ode to The Homestead

I love it when something not only meets, but exceeds my greatest expectations.  We wanted to make the most of Christopher's pre-deployment leave, so we planned a little get-away to the mountains of Virginia.  We took off for a resort called The Homestead.  So awesome.  It reminded me of some kind of cross between the resort from "The Shining" and the resort from "Dirty Dancing".  Can't you picture it?

Our family did it up: swimming in the roman-style indoor pool, private showing of Nemo in the theater, a beautiful family hike, a private tractor/hayride around the area that included feeding horses and ended with spectacular s'mores in an outdoor fireplace, and a little ski adventure for Millie (the highlight of our trip, I think).  What would normally seem like a drawback ended up working to our advantage.  By visiting on a Monday and Tuesday in the middle of winter, we had the activities and the staff to ourselves.  It was relaxing and adventurous all at the same time.  Get ready...here come loads and loads of photos...

Getting ready for the Bunny Ski School.  Not only was Si too young for the lesson, he was completely uninterested in giving it a try.  He hung with us on the deck in the sunshine.

Whoa Nelly!  She's doing it!  We signed her up for a group lesson, which turned out to be a nearly three hour private lesson.  PLUS, she had the mountain completely to herself and it was nearly 60 degrees and sunny.  Could there be any better circumstances to learn to ski?

Here's what we did while Mils skied.

A ride through the lobby.

Settling in and bundling up for our hayride.

A morning hike on the beautiful trails.

I am so thankful for these great family memories!