Calista and Craig go skiing!

Traditionally, my kids' school has done 2 ski trips every year, for the older kids. Because of covid (always...) Calista has only gone one year, even though she's in grade 6, and Craig hasn't gone at all. 

But this year, we are finally getting back to normal. Which means two days at the ski hill!

The first was in January. In Edmonton, we never quite know what weather we are going to get, but it was a beautiful day to go skiing. 

I got to go to the local ski hill, too, helping kiddos get on their boots and get up when they fell. None of the kids, except Calista's grade, had been able to go before, so it was a bit chaotic. 

I was so proud of Craig and Calista: they worked hard and kept trying, even when they fell or got frustrated. 

Craig did so well. 

I half expected him to refuse to go back out after his lesson/lunch, but he went down the hill again and again.

And Calista did great, too, but I was less worried about her.

They both loooooved it.

The second day on the ski hill was 2 months or so after the first. It was fun to see how much all of the children improved in just 2 sessions.

And, since the kids were all more experienced, I decided to try being in skis for the first time. Ever. In my whole life. 

I managed to stay upright and move around a bit. 

After a while I made the choice to quit while I was ahead, turned in my skis, and go back to paying attention to the hill full of children. 

Craig  went down the littlest hill over and over. 

He could have gone on the next biggest but he didn't want to and that's okay. 

He was getting his money's worth on the little hill.

Calista practiced turning and met her instructor's requirements to try out a real run.

The look of a girl who went on the chair lift and down the green run.

Mostly successfully.

I am so grateful that field trips are back on to provide this experience to my kids and so many others. I am also very grateful that I have the flexibility to go with my kiddos! I know that if I worked, we would have more money and be able to afford more and better things, but I also know that we are very blessed to be able to afford life without me working. And I love being available for my children.