Every year, our school district offers ski club. This year, I decided to look into it. After I did, it made we wish I would have looked into it sooner. I'll be clear, the cost is still not cheap, but when my two kids could ski a minimum of 6 different times, with lessons included, for the same price the 4 of us could go, without lessons, one day, I was sold. Heck, worst that happened would be they didn't like it but learned a little bit. Like I've told my kids from the moment they started any activity, "We can do anything [x] amount of times".
My kids were excited to try. Sunshine didn't know anyone other than her brother, but knew she could make new friends and, even if she didn't, it would only be 6 times. Monster chose snowboarding, while Sunshine chose skiing. This meant they would be split up, but only for lessons. They rode the bus there and were given permission for Monster to ride the elementary bus with his sister.
Day one, we pick them up and Sunshine immediately tells us she had so much fun. Monster tells us he loved it, he hated it [it was really hard], and couldn't wait to do it again First time was a success. In each of the progressing weeks, the kids had more and more fun. Not only were they learning new sports, but they were gaining confidence.
They were also strengthening their bond. They depended on each other. They took care of each other. They had fun together. On the car rides home, they talked and laughed and had so many shared stories.
The past weekend was probably the last weekend we'll get to take them skiing this year. The weather has been so warm and rainy this winter (which is not good for the polar bears!). We told them it would most likely be the last time and they were bummed, but, at the same time, excited for next year. As a family, we all learned some lessons and some tips and tricks. This experience could have gone two ways. We were thought we were prepared for both, but it turns out none of us could have anticipated exactly how special it would be.