Part of the P.E. program at his elementary school here in NY is learning to cross country ski. Twice a week, the classes bundle up and head out into the snow to ski around in the field. From the moment he heard about this, Sam was extremely excited. I on the other hand was worried. He had missed the lessons before Christmas break when they all learned (in the gym on the mats) how to fall down and get back up properly, how to put on your boots and how to put on your skis. In my head I saw him falling down the instant he put his skis on then breaking down, crying and never wanting to try it again.
Wrong!
His first day out, he only fell three times. He never cried and he figured out how to get up the proper way. His second day out, he didn't fall at all. He loved it so much that he decided he wanted to be a part of the ski club for 4th graders! There are about 50 4th graders that meet every morning before school to ski for an hour. One of the P.E. teachers is always there to give them new lessons on things like how to climb a hill, etc.
It has been such a heart warming thing to see Samuel out there, trying this and succeeding. This is something he would not have wanted to do a year or two ago, and the outcome of his trying probably would have ended the way I anticipated. He has grown so much. We are so proud of him!
Enough talk.....here are a few pictures of my ski pro! (there is a video on facebook as well but they take way too long to upload here so I'm going to stick with still shots for this post).
All of the kids learning from Mr. Stimson how to make a "herring bone pattern" when you climb a hill.
Samuel and his friend McKenzie lining up to go on a "tour" with the teacher.
Doesn't he look great? I love this picture. We are going to start looking for ski's for all of us towards the end of winter when they are on sale or people are getting rid of their old ones. This could be a great winter activity for the whole family. Luke and I have done it before but we think Samuel might get to the point where we can't keep up with him!
