Christmas Ski Trip 2008

This is actually one of Three different post's that we have added today. See below for a post on our church's partnership with World Vision, and some pictures from Christmas.

At any rate, you may already be aware that Cara and I LOVE skiing. It is something that we both have been doing from an early age. We both agreed that we wanted to start Collen off skiing when he was very young. We just got back from Taos skiing that marked the first trip where Collen went to the top of the mountain. He has been skiing a few times before, but has remained in ski school and the bunny slopes. However, we felt, and he really wanted to go to the top and ski with us. That decision was really not that easy because we really weren't sure that he was ready for the upper slopes at Taos. The problem is that Collen loves to go fast and does not like to turn. This caused us a lot of concern, and our solution... the harness. Now if you are a skier you have have seen this before you know what I am talking about, if not, it is basically it is a rope that is connected to Collen and he drags me down the mountain. The goal is for me to keep him from going too fast, but still give him the freedom to ski on his own. Below is a picture from the chair lift on the way up and a video on the way down. All went well until we got in the tunnel.


Cara and Collen on Collen's first ride up to the top of the mountain.



Collen skiing... it all went well until we got in the tunnel. Thanks to Chach for the video work, commentary and laughter!!!

Heights and World Vision

Our church, The Heights, is entering a new partnership with World Vision. Our Church has adopted a village in Uganda. Miles Melbert, a good friend of mine, and I went to Uganda in October to preview this partnership for our church. We both fell in love with the country and the people there. At the end of February our church will host an exhibit from World Vision titled The Aids Experience. The following video is a brief preview of this exhibit.

To get more information go to http://www.theheights.org/ or http://www.worldvisionexperience.org/. Information on how to reserve a time and/or to volunteer will be posted within the next week.

Better Late than Never...

We have been hopelessly behind in getting some new posts up. Christmas has come and gone we had a fantastic time visiting with both of our families. We also spent a few days skiing in Taos with some dear freinds. A video from that trip will be posted soon. I realized that when we got home we did not take near enough pictures. However, I did find a few that are worth sharing.



Making cookies for Santa Christmas eve. We were at Richard's parents in Sulphur Springs.


Collen's new guitar that Santa gave him. Our friend Chach as promised to give him lessons. Collen has been asking for a guitar for a long time.... "I want a real guitar, not a toy..."


Opening yet another present... this one is Heeleys. I think this present may give us a fun trip to the emergency room sometime in the near future.


Richard's dad opening up one of his presents.


All the Grandkids and Mimi and PeePaw, Cara's parents. From left to right, PeePaw, Duncan, Phoebe, Mason (The newest, born in late October), Collen, and Mimi.

THREE TREES

On December 16, our church once again held our annual 3 Trees Celebration. This has become one of our most cherished traditions that our church has. This year we were able to help 830 children and their families for Christmas. At 3 Trees all the children get to participate in a Christmas Party while their parents get to "shop" for the perfect gift for their children. Once a present is picked out it is then wrapped and placed in the guests car before picking the children up. It is a great time for our church and something that consumes much of my fall getting ready for. Below you will find a few pictures from this years celebration. ENJOY!!!

COLLEN SCORES

Collen scored his first ever basketball goal today. I just so happen to have the video camera ready!!! He actually scored twice, but I only captured the first. Below you will the video and a few pictures of today's game. Enjoy!

Collen's Welcome

Collen's attempt to welcome everyone to our blog!

The First of Many

Saturday was a monumental day for us at the Covington house. This past Saturday Collen played in his first ever basketball game. I am here to tell you that this was one huge moment for a proud mama. Cara grew up playing basketball and was a very accomplished player and to see her little one playing for the first time was a little overwhelming. I had that same experience two years ago with Collen when we took him skiing for the first time. I remember it like it was yesterday, it was actually emotional for me when he was getting fitted for his skies. You see to me it was a flash back to when I was a little boy and I remember all the times that my Dad would take me skiing, I hold those memories as some of the most cherished moments in my life. So this past Saturday as his mom and dad looked on as coaches for his team Collen laced up the b-balls shoes and hit the court to make some life-long memories.... at least it will be for two proud parents!





Two years ago when Collen was three. This was taken just before Collen hit the slopes for the first time.



This is what we found when we picked him up that day. Out cold!



Now for a few picks of the first day of basketball!!!
Well it appears that the flash card with the basketball pics on it are missing. I will add the pics when found.