Out West

              This past week was incredible. We stayed at my uncle Stewart’s ski condo for a weekend, and went skiing. I was much better this time than the last, thankfully. Practice makes perfect.

              I also got to hang out with my aunt Karen a ton. We experimented in the kitchen with desserts and sauces and pretended we were good enough to go on Chopped. I taught her and my cousin Zach how to play my favorite card game, Nerts. The weekend was a lot of fun. I love being able to spend time with my family.

              Over the week, my dad and I went into Yellowstone. After a three hour snow coach ride through the snow, we pulled in to find my dear friend Mallory, or Smurf, waiting for me. While she worked the next day, My dad and I snowshoed and cross-country skied for the first time. Both sports are a lot of hard work.

              The next day, Smurf, Ritter, and I went snowshoeing for five miles. It was a lot of hard work, especially with all the fresh snow and bison tracks making the hills terrible, but it was a lot of fun. I am glad I got to spend time with my friends even on this dad and daughter vacation. I also enjoyed the best PB&J I have ever had in my life half way through the hike. Who knew those little peanut snacks could be so satisfying?

              Now, we are flying back to Minneapolis and driving back home. This month has been one of the best months of my life. It’s sad that it is coming to an end, but that tends to happen with all good things, so I might as well accept it. We’ll be home on Tuesday and then it’s off to Ireland next Saturday. Until then, farewell!