Kate’s Vermonth Adventure by Janice Hanna Read Free Book Online Page A

Kate said with a giggle.
    â€œAunt Molly…exercises?” Uncle Ollie looked at them with a funny expression, as if he didn’t quite believe them.
    Aunt Molly giggled and lifted a fork. “Like this.” Opening her mouth, she pretended to eat. “I exercise my jaw.” She closed her mouth and everyone laughed.
    â€œI hope I’m as funny as you when I’m…” Kate stopped before finishing.
    â€œWhen you’re old, honey?” Aunt Molly laughed. “It’s okay to say it. I’m no spring chicken.”
    â€œDid someone say something about old people in here?” Kate’s father entered the room, yawning. “I’m feeling old and stiff. These cold mornings are really getting to me!”
    â€œI could use a cup of coffee, myself,” Kate’s mother said, entering the room behind him. “Good morning, everyone!”
    â€œGood morning, Mom.” Kate reached over and gave her mom a huge hug. “We were just talking…”
    â€œAbout me being old,” Aunt Molly threw in. “But that’s okay. I don’t mind admitting it. Maybe I don’t work out as often as I should, and maybe I can’t ski like I used to when I was young, but I can certainly pay the entrance fee for Sydney to do so.”
    â€œW–what?” Sydney gave her a surprised look.
    â€œThat’s right. I paid the twenty-five dollar entrance fee for you this morning,” Aunt Molly said. “I prayed about it last night and felt a little nudge from the Lord to do it. Hope you don’t mind.”
    â€œMind? Mind? Oh, Aunt Molly!” Sydney threw her arms around Kate’s aunt and gave her a warm hug. “Of course I don’t mind! How can I ever thank you? My mom will be so grateful!”
    â€œJust go out there and ski the best you’ve ever skied.” Aunt Molly patted Sydney on the back. “But take care of yourself. It’s cold out and you’ll be in unfamiliar territory.”
    â€œWhere do we go?” Sydney asked. “Where’s the best skiing around here?”
    â€œYou need to ski the Rat,” Uncle Ollie explained. “That’s where the competition will take place, and it’s great for skiers at every level.”
    â€œThe…what?” Sydney looked stunned.
    â€œThe Rat,” he repeated. “That’s the name of the most famous ski run around these parts.”
    â€œOoo!” Sydney let out a grunt. “Why did they have to name it
The Rat?
Of all things!”
    Uncle Ollie laughed. “I see your point. But don’t let the name stop you. It’s a great ski run. And if you make it from the top to bottom without falling, they give you a T-shirt.” He went into another room and returned a few minutes later with a brown T-shirt in his hand. “I got this one back in the eighties when my ski legs were still strong.”
    â€œWow.” Kate laughed as she looked at the shirt that said T HE R AT P ACK on the front. “That’s really cool, Uncle Ollie.”
    He turned it around and showed them the picture of the rat on the back.
    Sydney shuddered. “I never dreamed when I said I’d compete that I’d have to ski on…a rat!”
    â€œIt’s just a name, honey,” Aunt Molly said. “And besides, you’ll never overcome your fear of rats without facing it head-on. So, if you’re going to teach Kate to ski, the Rat is the perfect place.”
    Kate shook her head. “No thank you. No skiing for me, thanks. I’ll just hang out here and work on my super-sleuth blogsite.”
    â€œOh, come on, Kate,” Sydney implored. “If I can overcome my fear of rats, you can overcome your fear of skiing! And you can work on the blogsite anytime! We’re on vacation now!”
    â€œI’ve been a member of the Rat Pack for years,” Uncle Ollie added. “We’ve got to keep the tradition going in our