Aspen!

Henry took his first airplane ride this week, out for some skiing in Aspen. Henry was a champ on the flight, and slept almost the whole way. Eleanor stayed awake for most of the flight, but was happy and had fun playing with Uncle B. The only part that she didn’t love was takeoff – where her eyes got very wide, and she clutched Monkey close to her chest.   In addition to his first plane ride, Henry also had his first gondola ride, and met Aunt Jane and Cousin Adam for the first time. He is also showing increased interest in his hands and feet. He has grabbed a toy a number of times with his hands, and he loves to watch his feet wiggle and kick.  I keep trying to get a giggle out of him, but so far no luck.  He does love to give lots of smiles, and even gave some to Uncle B – I think about 12 months ahead of when he managed to coax one out of Eleanor :)

Eleanor took her first ski lesson while we were there, which consisted mostly of being pulled or pushed along a non-slope while wearing skis.  On her first trip up the magic carpet with the teacher, Amy and I could hear the cries of “Mama, Mama” all the way up, and then all the way back down.  The next two “runs” went a little better – and that night she told me that she wanted to do it again, although I’m not sure she fully understood the question.  Next year she should be ready to make some turns!  Eleanor loved the fact that there are dogs everywhere in Aspen, and had a great time playing with Adam’s two pups as well as an off-duty avalanche rescue dog.  It was also the first time that Eleanor kept sunglasses on her head for more than a few seconds.  Apparently the bright mountain sun is all that it took.

Neither of the kiddos slept very well – most naps for Henry consisted of crying, and for Eleanor taking off her sleep sack and then crying.  Hopefully this was good training and next vacation they will give Mom and Dad some more sleep.