Snowboarding in Colorado

When Neal and I started dating, he told me I was going to have to learn to snowboard because it was one of his favorite things to do, and he wanted to share the joy he felt in it with me.

The story that he didn't know at the time: my junior year of high school I had gone on a ski trip with my choir.  We went to Winter Park for a choir competition, and on the other days we were up there, we got to ski or snowboard.  During this trip, I attended one of the classes provided by the ski resort, and after a day of learning, went off to tackle the mountain with my friends and mom (who had come up with me as a chaperon on the trip).  During my attempt at snowboarding, I ended up going end over end down the slope, and injuring my knee.  I got to take the lucky ride down the mountain in a tobagan pulled by ski patrol.  Needless to say, I hadn't gone snowboarding since then.

After many tears (by me) and promises of patience and loyalty (by Neal), he finally convinced me to allow him to teach me to snowboard.  I must admit I was pretty convinced he wouldn't be able to teach me.  He patiently spent multiple days going slowly down the same run over and over again teaching me how to safely snowboard, and have fun in the process.  I must admit now, that I'm very glad he did!

Neal and I on lift 2 at Loveland

This year is when I really started getting the hang of it, and enjoying myself when we've gone up.  We bought a bunch of four-packs to Loveland Ski Area this year, and we've had friends go up with us.  We also gave my brother a ticket for Christmas, and brought him up one day to teach him how to snowboard.   Almost every time we've gone up, it's been absolutely beautiful, and we've had so much fun!  

Kelsey, Cole, me, and Neal after an amazing day.

It's also been a very positive experience for our relationship.  Neal had to have great patience and perseverance (especially on the days when I cried a run into the day).  I had to learn to set aside my fears, and trust that Neal would help me, and wouldn't ditch me when he got frustrated.

Here are some pictures of the trips we have taken over the last year!  Enjoy!

A sweet panoramic Neal took from the tippy top

A sweet shot of Neal's snowboard

The only BAD weather we had all year!  It was snowing so badly we literally couldn't see!

Courtesy of Kelsey Hansen - look at the sweet flex in that board!

An epic fall Neal took.  It took him a bit to get his board out of the snow.

Neal, me, and Richard on a lift

Neal up on top of lift 9