Last weekend we tried a"family mini-trip." Again, I think this is all good practice for our three and a half week trek this summer. As all trips begin, ours started with nagging kids to pack, bickering, yelling to 'hurry up!', and one false start when Zac realized he forgot his sunglasses. Once on the road, there was still some whining, "I'm so uncomfortable!" "I'm hungry." Fortunately I left the house prepared: pillows? check. snacks and drinks? check! And best of all, an audio book that the whole family will enjoy.
Finally we were out on the open road, heading north. The last couple of days were so warm, we worried there wouldn't be enough snow. However, once we hit Maine, a furious snow shower hit us, getting us in the mood for skiing.
The three hour journey sped by as we listened to the mystery on the CD player and everyone's moods improved significantly. Finally, we reached Woodstock, ME and my cousin Lynne's ski cabin in the woods. What a gloriously cozy home, but large enough to comfortably fit two families.
Very quickly we were ready to go skiing. I warned Lynne that she and her fashionably-clad children may want to pretend not to notice us Cataldos in our mismatched winter ski wear. But she laughed saying she was proud to ski with "the Griswalds." High praise.
Well, after a few more stressful confusions at the rental station and getting all the kids suited up, we found ourselves high above the trees on the chair lift. It was a beautiful day, not too cold, calm winds and terrific easy runs with spring snow. From the beginning, we all remembered how to ski (Me too, even though it had been 25 years since I skied.)
Then something amazing happened. We were all having fun! Together. At the same time and doing the same activity. There was laughing and racing. We mixed up our chair lift partners and had a glorious day. Lynne and her kids were the perfect hosts, not teasing my slower start and keeping us company on the easier trails. I haven't had that much fun since....well since I don't know when! Jaramie always tells me that I have forgotten how to play. But I remembered last weekend.
The rest of the weekend was equally fun, and relaxing. Hanging with our cousins. Feasting, lounging and playing a competitive game of Scrabble (not an app- the real one with a lazy-Susan-board and wooden tiles.)
By the time all the bacon was crunched the next morning, and our bags were packed, we hugged our wonderful hosts (xoxo Lynne and Dino, Sam and Julia!!) and patted ourselves on the back for a successful family mini-trip. And we were all still smiling as we pulled back into our driveway. Home.
Lessons learned:
1. family + activity = fun. (even if it is tough to get there)
2. bring snacks
My children will probably be a bit cranky on the first few days, as their small young bodies adjust to time changes and dietary delectables. (wondering if I should stash a jar of peanut butter in my bag.) But it is just as likely, that upon our return, they will yearn for that perfect croissant, which can only be melted on a tongue as it also tastes the Paris air.
Also, I realized the other day, that in 3 months, the trip will be all over. The years of imagining, waiting, counting-down will be over. The memories will be ones etched into our minds, but mostly into our souls, as all of us, from age 42 to age 8 will be forever changed by our experiences as we touched a world far away from our own. The Earth will be a smaller place, once we've returned from our adventure. I am grateful for the experience and humbled by the generosity of Papa and Donna, and enlivened by this opportunity of a lifetime.
