…Okay, well maybe not really slopes but rather gently rolling hills. Today, for the first time, the Minneapolis Lyngstads went cross-country skiing. 
It was the first time for 2/3rds of us. Unfortunately, the only trails with enough snow were a bit advanced for the likes of a beginner like me, but we gave them a shot anyway. Bjørn was practically giddy strapping skiis on again; we’re still not sure why we haven’t taken advantage of the Minneapolis park systems groomed cross-country ski trails earlier than today.
I’m not sure if anyone reading this has any knowledge of my skiing history, but it is short and sad, characterized with wipe-outs and uncontrolled speed. Bjørn assured me that XC is different, but alas, I managed to fall before even putting my skis on. And speed wasn’t really an issue… we watched the same pair of skiiers lap us like 5 times. But it was great to spend a couple of hours outside and let Karel crunch around on the snow and leaves, although he seemed a little bit annoyed he didn’t get his own pair of skis — maybe next time. 
And maybe that ‘next time’ will be a bit more comfortable for me, too!
(You may be wondering how a Norwegian managed to marry a girl that can’t ski — I was wondering in fact — and we can all rest assured that this was a known factor before the proposal. Crazy, but true.)
Guys! Chimodzimodzi! I went cross country skiing for the first time today, too! It was pretty fun . . and it would probably be even more fun if I actually knew what I was doing. Oh man, now when you guys come to visit some day we can curl and cross country ski . . . the fun will be endless.
Hey Karel,
Look at you! What fun you must have had! You are quite the sport….cute boy. Grandma and Grandpa are enjoying your valentine. We are proud of your mama for staying tough and skiing. She’s a good sport, too!
Bjorn, I hope you get more snow so you can take to the mini slopes again, soon. Winter isn’t over!
love to you three,
Grandma Leyrer
great family picture! kim, you look beautiful as always – miss you! smmooch! – Erica
Too cute! Kim, I’m going to let you in on a little family secret that is sure to improve your cross country skiing skills. You need to see if you can find the book entitled “Cross Country Cat”. It’s basically I how I learned to XC ski. The trick is to sing the song “This old man” while you’re skiing to help you get the rhythm. It’s about 90% fool proof. My mom actually skied right over my dad because she was concentrating too hard on the song that she couldn’t stop. You’re not a lost cause!