simplybrad

What can I say? I love skiing at [Red Lodge Mountain]. It is where I learned to ski and it is where my boys learned to snowboard. I have a lot of great memories of the area and skiing there and am fortunate to have the chance to build many more with my boys.

When we flew into Billings we did not think we would be able to go skiing. The guy on the tarmack directing the plane to the gate was in a short-sleeve shirt. Fortunately that night it began to snow. And snow. And snow. Red Lodge received over 24 inches over 2 days setting the stage for some great skiing…well, enough snow that we all had a blast.

The skiing at Red Lodge was great…until the last run. We are all very lucky my brother is still with us today. Carter had a freak accident on the very last run, on the slowest area of the mountain, connecting two of the “bunny hills.” He became intimate with a sturdy Montana lodge pole pine tree with the lovely measurements of a solid 8-10 inch round hard body that stands a good 20 feet tall. By the grace of God he is with us today and will heal relatively quickly. Carter is enjoying his new weight loss program but recommends less drastic measures for most people. Carter broke his jaw on the left side just past the chin and is now sporting a nice piece of government plastic with screws. He has a second fracture further to the side but should not affect his joint area. The doctor said they were clean breaks and would heal quickly. Conversation is more pleasant now then ever, he kind of sounds like Frankenstein from Mell Brooks’ Young Frankenstein ;-). I recommend that he keep skiing but that he go down the center of the run to avoid the jumping trees of Montana. Carter, take care and heal fast. I greatly enjoyed being able to ski with you. Cheers Bro.

Conner is having such a great year at school. What a turn-around after last year (actually he was quite good last year, he just liked being the class clown at times :-). Citizen of the Month is nominated by their teachers and is based on how well they are excelling in areas of school work, courtesy to others, not having any demerits, etc.

On Wednesday, the 17th, Austin looses his match by a few points but overall team does well.

On Thursday, the 18th, Austin wins by forfiet as the visiting schools' 136 pound wrestler did not show up. Not how he wanted to win but he gained 6 points for the team. The team placed first overall.

Austin continues to work hard on his training and it shows each week.

The next big regional meet is on January 3rd, I'll keep you posted.

Austin is doing great in wrestling this year. All the hard work of BMX riding this year has paid-off. He has gained considerable upper-body strength over last year. The added muscle is making it difficult for his opponents to get the upper-hand on him. Along with the added muscle, Austin and the Jr. High wrestling team is getting substantial coaching help this year form the High School wrestling coaching staff. In Austin's first major regional meet, he made it to the final championship round. He came in second place among eight schools represented. A spectacular showing.

Austin vows to take f

Rusty and with sore arm I broke a 100! As you can tell by the scoreboard we are all scratch bowlers ;-) It was a great afternoon of bowling.
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- Brad

It was a blast...while it lasted.

Get the full scoop at the link below:
http://mikezitt.com/halloween.html

More pictures:
http://homepage.mac.com/fred_hunter/PhotoAlbum8.html

Okay, okay. I know how un-parental a response that is. Actually, I am very happy Conner enjoys the football. He excelled at Corner Back, Full Back and Center and had an enjoyable season and is looking forward to next season.

You guessed it, Conners' pictures came too. He is getting big as well—one of the tallest in his 3rd Grade.
Conner has started taking drum lessons this fall—might as well have some substantial meaning to the dents in the pots and pans :-).

I just received Austins' 8th grade school picture. He is getting big (5'8" - 126 lbs.)