When I was 4 years old my parents got a phone call to "get to the hospital" because I "had an accident sledding." I was on a flying saucer. (remember those?) I was going-down-the-big-hill-at-warp-speed-AND-spinning! Seriously, who that that would be a good combination?
I hit a tree. I bit nearly all the way through my tongue. (Medical note for the curious: they don't put stiches in your tongue - it just heals but remains disconnected.)
*******
When I was 11 years old I was stupid enough to try sledding again. This time I was riding in a 2-person sled with handles. Safe, right? Um - no. The snow that day look innocuous enough, but a light layer of ice/snow had formed on the suface. I was in the back. When we hit mock 12, my passenger bailed. I froze with fear, gripping the handles alot tighter. The sled did a 180, effectively leaving ME going going-down-a-big-hill-at-warp-speed-backwards-and-screaming.
I hit a tree. I blacked out. The last thing I remember hearing was my friend climbing back up the hill screaming, "Cara's dead! Cara's dead!". Good times.
Do you see a pattern? SLEDDING + CARA = HIT TREE.
So, you can see why I have a minor trepidation about sledding. My kids - L.O.V.E. it. So does my husband. He ups the anti by creating jumps and bends in the track. I, try and control the inordinate amount of fear for my children's lives and the bark of a tree or two -- and take the pictures.
Bear is in the middle (the safest spot I reasoned) between her cousins. They sled together all afternoon.
And attempted to climb up by herself too. She had an assist about half way there.
She thought it would be worth trying to go down on her stomach. (um- did you SEE that hill?) I couldn't watch, but I did capture the smug look on her face afterwards!
"Did you have fun sledding girls?" I asked in an animated voice. They stared up at me with red cheeks and big smiles. "Yup!" They answered in unison.
"Mom" Bear said, "I was going to ask you to go down with me, one time."
"Oh" I replied conversationally, "What did you think I was going to say?" "AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH" she answered, shrugged her shoulders and went in the house.
10 comments:
That looks like so much fun! Yes, Cara, please stay off the sledding hill, your track record is not good at all. Of course your girls love sledding, it a our children's job description to scare the crap out of their mom on a regular basis.
Gosh, Cara, I am so tickled about the article, just delighted. Also, I see the money ticker going up, Fabulous!!!
It looks like it was so much fun!
I'm glad that no one got hurt, but I can totally understand why you stay off the sled. No more accidents for you!! :)
Besides, you take good pictures and you might need those for a scrapbook project. I say, stick to picture taking. :)
Sounds like you should leave the sledding to the rest of the family, and you can stick to flat-ground pursuits like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, standing still at the bottom of the hill, or drinking cocoa inside the house. :)
So wonderful that you didn't let your earlier... ummm... mishaps... spoil your intrepid gang from risking life and limb... oops, I mean having so much fun in the snow!
:o)
Oh man...I miss snow like that. I used to love sledding!
LOVE Bear's response. Too funny. Glad it was a fun accident free day.
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosh! It's my comment sledding, missy!
Hey, I love rollercoasters and such things - have never been on a sled.
Looks like so much fun!
Have a healthy and happy 2009! I can't help noticing the eye-patch!
Ha! I can see why you wouldn't like to sled. I am glad that your daughter and husband enjoyed it, but I am with you...no way!
Glad to know you are all in my corner!! Well - except wiseguy, you'll be on the sled I imagine. How are the rest of you with a camera, or hot chocolate?
I hate the cold. I'd rather be watching from the window, worrying that they don't break their necks...
Post a Comment