Replying to Basic halfpipe technique?

First, you guys rock! Thanks to the tips you gave me on skiing switch and other people on rails, I've got the first nailed and starting to get the second.

Anyway, now that we've got a halfpipe open, I'm trying to get a feel for that too. I think I've figured out the basics -- relax, turn your shoulders and let the skis follow, don't hit the kids sitting in the middle. What's the best way to start just making turns and maybe start getting above the lip a little? Do you make pole plants? Coming down, do you look at the opposite wall or straight downhill?

Again, thanks for the tips so far! For all the 'Tanner sucks!' squabbling here, there's really a lot of people who know their stuff and explain it well.