The first week of my snowboarding trip was a success, although we had all kinds of crazy conditions in Stowe, VT. It rained, it was hot, then freezing cold blowing all kinds of snow. But all in all a great time! Did my first two races ever and faired pretty well. Axel was a huge hit and we went to two very large banquets. It was probably the largest events that I have been to beside the Redskins game. With Axel there it went fairly well. I didn't really have any anxiety or freak outs because he was there with me.
During all the traveling we were both treated terrific. United and Southwest had no problems with Axel and security through the airports in New Jersey, Colorado, and Richmond were all a breeze. Although many people thought he was a bomb sniffing dog it all went over very well.
Colorado was awesome!!! I got to train with some very awesome people and a wonderful organization called Adaptive Action Sports. The conditions were fantastic and I progressed so much over the course of the week it was amazing. I do think however that I broke my ass!!! I ate it really hard taking a jump at the end of the week and can barely sit down!! I really don't think I have been in that much pain in a very long time. Seriously contemplating going to the docs.
Although the trip was outstanding and I learned so much and made so many connections, it was too long I think. I haven't been away from Elizabeth that long since my last deployment and it definitely made me realize that I hate being away from her and I have no idea how we did it 4 times for over 7 months each time. She was awesome taking care of the kids and everything crazy at home while I was gone and I can't thank her enough for caring enough to help me try to realize another dream of mine!
So glad to be home and so happy to have made so many great new friends!!!
