Exploring Houston

J has always wanted to find the location in the Heights that have large statues of US Presidents and the Beatles musicians.   Now that her Saturdays are not booked up with workouts, errands, and dance class; we have more time to enjoy our Saturdays together.  We decided to explore and try some new things around Houston.

Afterwards, we decided to went to Hubcap Grill in the Heights.  Apparently, their
specialty is a peanut butter burger.  Sounds gross, but D thought it was good.  

Valentine Treat

We didn't plan to do anything for V-day today, just take out.  But, J decided last minute that it would be fun to have a treat too.  Her first attempt at chocolate covered strawberries.

Wow, is this how I look from D's perspective?  I look so short!

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai

We celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year with a feast at Mama and Papa Kongs.

The Accident

While J is a newbie at skiing, she's really enjoyed it and hasn't had any concerns tagging along everyone during the ski runs.  She never knew to be scared.  So, when she was asked whether she wanted to try an "easy black", she thought "Why Not?"  The worst that could happen is that she'd fall and take a while to make it down the mountain.  Well, this turned out to be a long trip down the mountain!

The top of the last run - Emerald.

Halfway down and so far so good... until the crash.  Unfortunately, we don't have a picture of J crashing and sliding head first down the mountain - skis and googles all came off too.

After D helped put J's skis back on her feet, we decided to ski through the soft snow through the trees instead of the rest of the moguls.  But, that didn't last long because J's right knee just gave out.  

Ski Patrol came and bundled J for a 'fun' ride down the mountain.  It was SOOO embarrassing!

Well, that turned out to be the unexpected last run of the day. The nurse said J's right knee was very loose and advised us to get it checked out at urgent care.  The nurse was right, it was a torn ACL.  

Best Snow on Earth

We decided to go skiing earlier this year to avoid the Spring Break crowds and to enjoy what Utahns calls the 'best snow on earth'.  Although it is a little colder, skiing in January is definitely much more enjoyable than skiing in March.  We'll be hitting the slopes in January now on!

The highlight of the trip for J was to see her old roommates.  Karli, J, and Mika were randomly placed together as roommates their freshmen year at BYU (along with three other girls) at 1712 Carroll Hall.  They have been J's dearest friends throughout the years, and she's even been both of their bridesmaids.  So, it was such a treat to see them both and have D finally meet the girls she always talks about.  D was a great sport to join the girls for a night of reminiscing and catching up.  Until next ski season...

Oh, and we got some skiing in too...

Dad decided to 'seek revenge on the mountain' by skiing down Conviction, where he fell and hurt his shoulder a few years ago.

Seems the this is the only way to rest your feet with skis on

We decided to take a short cut through the trees, but didn't realize smaller people might have hard time getting through the soft snow.  No worries, Chief and Uncle D were able to get Rawson out of the powder!