It was a great trip. Fantastic weather, really good snow, no injuries, and my favorite part about Big Sky: no lift lines. The interns, as Ryan dubbed them, did really well. As predicted, I certainly had my work cut out for me just trying to keep up.

We got a lot of fun pictures too. Mine are here; Ryan’s are here. My favorite has to be this shot by Ryan. On the afternoon of the last day, we split up for a while. The boys headed to the terrain park while Ryan and I rode a couple blues we hadn’t seen yet. Our timing was perfect, because our next lift ride took us right over the park while Ben was making his run. He hit the C-box perfectly, and we were able to snap off some aerial photos. This all happened without any coordination.

I already can’t wait to go back, and the interns will be more than welcome when they’re ready for their true apprenticeship.

I’ve always loved this picture, taken of my brothers Ben and Joe before their first snowboarding lesson. The total lack of enthusiasm on Joe’s face kills me. In 2003, I had the pleasure of teaching them how to ride. It was a struggle at first, but by the end of the day, they were both riding, turning, and stopping on their own, carving up the blues at Afton Alps. They’ve both become good riders, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.

Six years later, I feel very lucky to be able to bring them along to Big Sky this weekend. It’ll be their first exposure to real mountain snowboarding. I’m sure this time it’ll be me who struggles to keep up, and I’m hoping they’ll teach me a trick or two. My FS 270 needs work. This time, I’m assured that they’re very excited, and I hope to post a successful “After” picture soon.

This will forever be one of my favorite shots, and I’ll never forget it. We arrived late to watch our nephew Bryce’s first game of a local tournament. A few minutes later, I noticed he was on deck. I decided to warm up my camera with a couple of shots. I was in position just as he stepped up to the plate. He took a big swing at the first pitch, and I took a single shot of that.

I looked up to see where the ball was going, and noticed it was going pretty far. Back, back, back… just over the fence…

Bryce’s First Home Run!

It was so cool! Later on, with two outs and down 3-2 in the final inning, Bryce demonstrated great skill in another play by stealing home and clearly beating the tag to tie the game. Unfortunately the fix was in, as the so-called umpire made a terrible call, ending the game.

We know the truth, Bryce! Congrats on an awesome game!

by Me

Props to my cousin Matt “Fuzz” Letnes!

Wait, Fuzz?

Anyway… He and his friends write a Vikings blog for the USA Today, and today they are the featured blog on SportsScope.

It’s actually pretty funny, “Anytime the head coach has a moustache that is a dead ringer for Burt Reynolds’s ‘stache, you have to go with that team.” And wise, apparently.

Superbowl, Homeboy!

by Me

Amy and I had the pleasure of visiting our first niece yesterday. Isn’t she cute? Check out all that dark hair! I really want one of those hats. The family is doing great, and the new grandma is especially excited. Break out the piercing needle!

Also make sure to check out the parents’ photos.

by carmencurran

That was the text message I received last night at around 10:45, and I knew what she meant immediately. Carmen had been suspicious of the impending question for a couple of weeks, going so far as to accuse me of involvement in the conspiracy. I assure you that I knew nothing.

At any rate, a huge congratulations to my little sister Carmen and her new fiancé Nate! I couldn’t pick a better match for my favorite sister. We’re incredibly happy for them.

by Chez Curran

Check out my forthcoming niece! Carlos and Christin are expecting this spring, and the fetus is already cute. How do they do it?

by Me

I’m not sure what’s more remarkable about this picture: four generations of Curran men all together on one davenport, or that outfit my father is sporting. The glasses, the moustache, the baggy green tank top tucked in to short plaid shorts, complete with belt… it’s really something! I think I have my next Halloween costume lined up.

Anyway, it’s part of a bunch of childhood photos my dad just sent me. This might call for a more comprehensive project.

by Nick Curran

My grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary on Thursday. 60 years of marriage (or almost 22,000 days, as my grandfather put it)! 7 kids, 22 grandchildren, 2 great-granchildren (or nearly 68,000 diapers by my own baseless estimation).

60 years together and still happy as ever – that’s a remarkable acheivement. And they’ve always been there for each other, all of their friends, and everyone in their family – certainly for me on more than one occasion.

For that we’re all incredibly grateful, and we look forward to many more years of their infectious laughter, sharp wit, and never-ending wisdom. We love you, Grandpa and Grandma!