Ski Day #1

By Guest Blogger: David Brantz


On Friday, Samantha had her very first ski day at Eldora Mountain.  She is enrolled in a great program for 4-6 year olds called “Eldorables” that meets once a week for 5 weeks.  It is an introductory class that teaches kids the basics with a big focus on fun and comfort.  Needless to say, I was worried about how Sammy would do (especially on her first day), and my worries were magnified when we arrived on Friday morning to find subfreezing temps, wind, and blowing snow. 

The ski school staff helped us get Sammy into her ski boots and skis, and Sammy’s teacher, Daniel, tried to calm my fears by assuring me that it was only half as windy as it had been on the first day of the prior session.  Of course, in the end I had nothing to fear.  Daniel did a great job of making the class fun for the kids, and Sammy (as usual) was very diligent about following her teacher’s directions.  After two hours out in the wind and snow, Sammy could walk up the bunny hill in her ski boots, put on her skis by herself, ski downhill, and take her skis off by herself to start the hike back up to the top.  She was so brave and only got a little cold on her fingers by the end.  After the lesson, we warmed up with some hot chocolate in the lodge and Sammy told me all about the kids in her class.  

I couldn't have planned a better first ski day experience for my little girl.

Look Who's Two!

Very hard to believe that it was just two years ago when my incredible baby, little Carini was born. I always say that with Samantha, she never had that mischievous look in her eyes that some kids have when you know they are up to something.  With Carina, I'm familiar with that sparkle in her eyes because I see it every morning when I look at the mirror.  Carina from the start has been bursting with this personality and dazzle that is hard to describe.

Because of her big blue eyes, and blonde hair, people mistakenly think she looks like me.  However, while she may have many of my personality traits, she is a little version of her Daddy with lighter features.  With those adorable dimples and crooked teeth, she could win anyone over with her infectious smile.

Carina is a tough little peanut.  She is always in the lower end of weight and has the tiniest little body yet, she truly eats more than anyone else in our house.  She has incredible strength and can pull herself up in a pull up on the dining room table or the railing on a door.  After she falls she hops right back up and says "I'm okayyyy!" and you can usually see her with a fat lip, a bruised knee or a bump on her head because of her wild acrobatics off the bed, couch or wherever she can find a challenge.  She loves music and has some impressive dance moves when the right moment hits.  Definitely has her Grammy's dancing blood.

I've talked a lot about how vocal she is, my favorite two things she does these days happen at bedtime.  Every night after reading books, I sing to her the same three songs: You are My Sunshine, Love You Forever, and Skiddle a Rinky Dink.  About a month ago she started to sing along with me  There is nothing more endearing than hearing her belt out "Skiddle a Rinky Doooooo, I loooove youuuuuu".  Then I lay her in her crib and say "I love you Carina" and as I walk out, I hear her say "I love you too Mommy".  Melts my heart every time.

Every child is a gift and Carina is such a special one to us.  She is a bright ray of sunshine in every one of my days.  Happy second birthday to my baby girl, Carina Jean Brantz.