How long does it take for the thrill of the treadmill to wear off?

Despite a vomiting episode on Friday, Max seemed to be doing much better yesterday. I feared the inevitable with Alex... but it never came... so we headed back up to Devil's Thumb Ranch for... I'm pretty sure... our last weekend of nordic skiing this winter.

I love traveling with the kids, but I'd be a liar if I ever said it wasn't stressful. Still, I'm always glad to make the effort... especially once we're home.

So far... I've learned a lot:

Once you check in... they will expect to do every possible activity and take advantage of every available amenity... until you check out. It's going to require some spectacular stamina.

For example: at DTR they expect to play every game in the game room, run on treadmill and lift weights in the fitness room, ski, swim, ride the elevators, watch the movies in the movie theater, get hot cocoa with lots of whipped cream from the coffee shop, sit in front of the fire places with the hot cocoa, read books from the library, and have dinner at Azteca. We have gone enough times now that they have a strict routine and we have totally screwed ourselves it keeps us on our toes.

You never realize how LOUD your children are until you put them in a hotel room. I'm still waiting for Max to learn to whisper - let alone use his indoor voice.

Phones in the bathroom, near the toilet, will blow their minds! They'll want to make some calls... or want you to call them... and then they'll wonder why you don't have one in the bathroom at home.

When you put them in the same bed at night, they will fight and whine for about an hour before falling asleep.

ALEX IS TOUCHING ME! HER FOOT IS CROSSING THE LINE! ALEX, STOP TOUCHING ME!!!!! seconds of silence MAX, QUIT TAKING ALL OF THE COVERS! WELL, THEY'RE NOT ALL YOURS! STOP IT! NO, YOU STOP IT! MOM, ALEX IS TOUCHING ME!

Then they will wake up the next morning and speak to each other in the sweetest voices... telling each other silly, made-up knock-knock jokes and giggling under the covers. You will almost not recognize them.

People will not even flinch when they see your daughter walking around at breakfast with nappy, bed head and pajamas that sort-of pass as clothes. I'm thinking this either has something to do with the LOUD comment... or they're cutting you some slack since you're technically on vacation.

However, they will toss all kinds of judgmental looks your way when your 6 year old (who looks like he's 8) throws a gigantic 3 year old - type tantrum in the middle of a congested ski trail. It may even be so bad at times that you're tempted to just ski off as if you have no idea who those kids are or why they're yelling at you.

And then, somehow, things will magically turn around and they'll end up telling you how much they love you and that they had the BEST time skiing - ever!!! "Now let's go swim!"

When you're leaving, the kids will be extremely sad... they may even cry... but then they're always glad to be home.