A Special Day at Schweitzer with Family

Yesterday was a special experience for me on the slopes at Schweitzer. For the first time in 12 years, and after his successful bout with cancer, I had the privilege of skiing with my Dad again. Skiing is one of those rare sports that spans generations and that can truly be a lifetime activity.

We had three generations of skiers out yesterday. My Dad, his first time in years, my wife and I and my brother, and finally his daughter and my niece Maile. Of course my boy Trace was also out there in the village watching the skiers. We've decided to wait until he can walk to try to teach him to ski. :)

Conditions got kind of tough with poor visibility, etc and my Dad was struggling with his prescription glasses fogging up. However once we got on the right trail and got the equipment working for him, he did great! And frankly, I didn't care how slow we went as long as he had enough fun to want to go out again. I think we were successful, and my Dad rediscovered the fun of this sport. I'm confident he will be out there with us for years to come when they visit in the winter.

Our kids are destined to be ski nuts like their parents. Little Trace has become a fixture around Schweitzer's village, where Mandy and I take turns watching him while the other skis. With my folks here, its been great to finally get some turns in with my wife who is really starting to take to powder skiing like a champ! Maile (my niece) is now 4 years old and has just dropped the harness so that she is skiing on her own!

Skiing for me is all about the memories and experiences with family and friends. Its tough to put into words how special it was to be out there with my family. I feel very privileged to be able to look forward to raising our kids in such an amazing environment!