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Turns out you don’t need much of a slope (and I had a decent one) to get velocity. And it also turns out they make those handlebars for a good reason. I grabbed the brakes and held on for dear life — they started smoking. As the end of the line came at me, I learned a
few things: 1) They don’t call it zip for nothing 2) While you CAN hold onto the brakes, if you don’t want to burn through them before you approach the end of the line, you should use the handlebars 3) Even though bungee cords can be strong, they’re not strong enough to stop a grown man hurtling down the zipline with burned-out brakes and 4) If you MUST hit the tree at the bottom due to high personal velocity and useless bungee cords, it would have been wise to wear a helmet. I hit the cords, the tree, the deck … and saw stars. I was all alone. I finally got myself to my car to assess the damages:
one big toe nail torn clean off (even inside my shoe!) which took more than a year to grow back, a nasty mark on my forehead that stayed around for the better part of a month, and a few bumps and bruises. Two days later, it was safe for the grandkids. I changed the angle, added those darn handlebars, and replaced the brakes. My grandkids love the story because it proves “even ol’ grandpa doesn’t think sometimes!” Now not all I Remember When stories are funny. Some are inspirational; some reflect on challenges overcome; others relay experiences of our ancestors. The options
TAKE TIME TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MEMORABLE Some of our biggest joys in life come from time with family, and the holidays can be right up there with the best of those moments. As I look back at my childhood and now the family that my wife, Heather, and I are raising, I’m grateful for the traditions that have created a strong connection for all of us. TIS THE SEASON FOR FAMILY
that is at least a half-mile long. We four-wheel up to the top, then head down. We probably get going up to 20 mph, which can be crazy, but so much fun.
Our kids also love having more time with their grandparents over the holidays. We alternate Christmas morning every year. At Heather’s family’s, all the men are in charge of breakfast. At my parents', my mom and dad serve up most of the food (including biscuits and gravy — the recipe’s on page 3). Our girls love picking out our Christmas tree each year. Right after Thanksgiving, we go to a lot with live reindeer (which Heather and I suspect are caribou?), and then we decorate the tree. And by “we,” I have to admit I mean “Heather and the girls.” I’m not the most talented when it comes to decorating. Heather adds: “My parents are musicians, so growing up, music was a big part of the holidays. My dad played violin in the San Francisco Opera orchestra for 40 years. He was also amazing on the accordion, and he’d play while our family caroled around our neighborhood in Palo Alto, California. “I sing, so for me, I love being a part of our church choir every holiday season. I also play holiday music throughout the house, starting in mid-November. Music makes the season so much more special.” Whatever your traditions, it’s the time together that matters most. I hope you and your family are able to cherish the experiences that create memories and bring you closer.
Here are a few that have meant a lot to Heather and me — I hope they spark some fond memories, and maybe even some fresh ideas, for your own traditions.
As a kid, I’d love waking up to presents, followed by endless rounds of piggies in a blanket for breakfast —something my mom and dad still make by the dozens (along with Dad’s brown sugar bacon) for all the grandkids. Sledding over the holidays is another thing we did growing up, and we’ve
continued the tradition with our kids and their cousins. There’s a hill near our family cabins in Indianola, Utah,
– Aaron Andrew
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