Photo by Jim Caspersen When my brother called me about heading out on a mini ski vacation, I was pumped — and a little nervous. It had been six years since I'd last strapped on a pair of skis! I almost chickened out. When it comes to backing out of things, I have the ever-ready no one to watch the kids excuse, but Darren wasn't going to let me out that easy. When I ran it by him, he thought the trip was a great idea. So, off I went. And it was awesome. The first day I only skied for a couple hours. Missing the last chance turn off, and the resulting trip — on my butt — down a black diamond, revealed the wisdom in enjoying some down time in the chalet. Might as well live to ski another day. Day two I saw a lot more of the mountain, and it was a blast! Two kid free days in a row, down hill skiing with my kid brother… Yeah, I'm glad I went. Lutsen Mountain