Alison and I think of vacation in the same way. While some people prefer new adventures and exploring new cities, we like to go to the same places to do the same things. We’ve just returned from our third annual trip to Crystal Mountain ski resort in northern Michigan, and this year brought us plenty of new adventure.

Road trips with four small children always take longer, with the little ones needing more breaks along the way. Like all things with children, they reach new milestones without mentioning them, and this trip was no different. This was the first time we made our two-day drive in a single day. It was a long day, and we took four breaks for food/fuel/bathrooms, but we made it. I don’t know if we’ll attempt it again, but at least we now know that road trips in the future will be much less chaotic.

Although the La Niña weather pattern this winter has left Michigan with below-average snow, the temperatures were good for artificial snow making. Most of the trails at Crystal Mountain were open when we arrived, much to our delight.

Cottage at Crystal Mountain upon our arrival. Note the total lack of snowpack

In previous years, we’d spend at least all of Monday in the Mountain Adventure Zone (Crystal’s bunny hill) getting familiar with our skis again before heading up the mountain. Each year, though, our time in the Adventure Zone gets shorter and shorter. This year, Benedict and Felicity needed three runs before they were ready. In less than an hour, we were up on the mountain enjoying skiing.

The children and I took lessons throughout the week, looking to build our skills. My two-hour lesson was great, and I had the confidence to start doing Blue (moderate) runs. Benedict and Felicity also took lessons. Felicity grew from a solid solo skier to an adventure skier! After her lesson, on every run we took, she’d always try to find some terrain on the edges of the trail to ski over. Benedict did a Blue run last year at the end of vacation and he remained very confident in himself (and addicted to ski speed). He insisted on doing all Blue runs the entire week. He took two lessons and even did his first Black Diamond. Whew.

Lucy on her way to the Adventure Zone with her instructor

Lucy was very reluctant to take her lesson… until I snapped her into her skis. As with all things Lucy, she was very coy about her abilities around her family, and a stand-out in front of strangers. She got very high marks from her instructor and, after the lesson, confidently went down runs on her own without the backpack/leash! There was a minor incursion with a log that temporarily set her back. But after a few more runs with supervision, she was willing to go solo again.

Veronica dreaming of future rides on the ski lift

Last year, Veronica didn’t even want to stand in her skis. This week, she had them for the whole week. She took a group lesson and, despite her early protests, I saw her from afar going down the Adventure Zone with her hands on her knees.

Benedict looks out the window at the fresh snow fall

Snow was only forecast for one day during the week, but lake effect snow showers passed through regularly. Alison and I got to ski as one of those bands passed through the area, dropping frozen, thick, perfectly formed snowflakes. I think that was the first time I’d seen a natural snowflake look exactly like the pictures.

Fresh snowfall on a cottage at Crystal Mountain

Early Thursday morning, a true snowstorm rolled through the area, finally blanketing the entire resort. Instead of skiing first thing, we got on our snow gear and walked around. The kids threw endless snowballs at each other, built a snowman, and stood under trees, shaking them until the branches gave up their snow. Our trip was about more than skiing, it was about winter fun. They experienced the wonderment of snow.

Kids playing on a snow covered bridge. The bridge’s top was relieved of its snow for the making of snowballs

No one was injured during the week, there was a good mix of solo and group skiing, and we all got to go down our favorite trails several times. There was even a long session of night skiing! Throughout the week, we were challenged as we played on the mountain, and we never got bored.

Loki Quad ski lift at the bottom of Crystal Mountain

Driving home, we had to take a detour through suburban roads that cut through hill country. There was snow on the ground, and when the children looked out the window, they asked with delight, “Are we back at Crystal!?” No, we’re not today, but we will be next year!

Can Loose Lips Sink an Alliance? - WSJ

NATO calls itself the most successful military alliance in human history, and that isn’t hollow bragging or crass marketing. Never before have so many countries, representing almost one-eighth of the world’s population, pledged to protect each other so consistently, for so long.

…

NATO has also kept peace among centuries-old enemies. United under NATO’s security umbrella, long-feuding neighbors including France and Germany have become close allies. Others, including Greece and Turkey, have kept animosities from turning to war. Were NATO to atrophy or disappear, it isn’t inconceivable European leaders would once again fear and rearm against each other.

Oh the hours of entertainment that children can get from a single big box.

📦

I hate that Apple is automatically using AI to generate transcripts for all podcasts on Apple Podcasts.

We’re in the very early innings of AI, and the idea that I can’t opt-out from its use on my intellectual property is wrong.

I’ve been trying to use Brick when I’m downstairs and away from my computer. More refinements to be done to my blocked apps, but I like the workflow. Much better than messing around with ScreenTime settings.

Refrigerator robots.

Dave Ramsey Advises Trump To Use Snowball Method, Pay Off Smallest Legal Judgment First - Babylon Bee

At publishing time, Trump had reportedly hung up on Ramsey after Ramsey yelled, “SELL THE STUPID PLANE!”

Nothing beats your own bed.

🛌

Snowy day ⛷️

Snowfall. ❄️

Tucker Carlson Says He Is Interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin - WSJ

“Most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine, or what his goals are now,” Carlson said in the video. “They’ve never heard his voice. That’s wrong. Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they’re implicated in

Let’s see, Russia invaded a sovereign nation, while promising that his massing forces were just on exercises, his forces massacred civilian populations, his military targeted civilian hospitals and infrastructure with missile and drone strikes, he’s buying equipment and material from Iran and North Korea, and mercenaries, acting at his direction, recruited from prison colonies to participate in the invasion.

Am I missing something?

Carlson’s evolution from a traditional, interventionist Republican who supported the Iraq war to an arch-isolationist, populist firebrand has in many ways mirrored the broader conservative movement that came to form the core of Trump’s base.

Here’s the truth. Carlson will do or say anything as long as it means that he gets more attention and more money. He’s encouraging division and outrage in our country because it’s the rage that’s monetizing him.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - USCCB Daily Readings

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Slowly, but surely, we’re pushing the boundaries of trying to escape reality. Humans have always sought these escape, but we’re taking it way further than any previous generation has ever attempted. This isn’t just seeking blissful escape, this is a rejection of the very notion of truth and beauty.

There’s no substitute for the authentic, real human experience.

Biden Names Elmo New Press Secretary - Babylon Bee

“Elmo is so happy to be here! Elmo loves talking about Iran! Hahaha!” said Elmo as he hosted his first press conference. “Elmo loves new friends! Peter, do you want to be Elmo’s friend??”