In early February, 2004 we took a weekend trip to Galena, Illinois.  Illinois is known to be very level, finding slopes with enough vertical feet to ski can be a challenge.  One of the few places is Chestnut Mountain.  Perched within a bluff along the upper Mississippi river, it has a modest 500' vertical drop... just enough to make things enjoyable.

Here is our February trip where Ethan, age 5 began to ski independently down the hill.  Since age 3 he has been skiing along side of me on a T-style bar.  With it, he has become familar in sliding, loading on lifts and skiing varying terrain up to and including intermediate trail.

Independently, he has progressed from the "bunny slope" to beginner trails the first day out this month.

Good job Ethan... and thanks for your support Mama and sister Lily!