It’s Her Destiny.

What a busy weekend! We finally got to take Lanhua on her first ski adventure, and boy was it a success. She is a natural. But, before the details, some background.

We had first thought of heading up to Mammoth Mountain, but decided this was too far for her first ski trip – 7 or so hours in the car is tough to explain to a little girl who probably has never spent more than an hour in the car at one time. So we downgraded to Big Bear. (For those of you who know Pam and I, and how serious we are about skiing, this was a BIG downgrade.) We found a quaint little cabin, loaded up the gear, ourselves, and two of Lan’s best friends – our dogs Harper and Milton – and headed to the mountains!

The cabin was everything we hoped it would be; small and cozy. It even came with a hot tub. We arrived Friday night around 8 pm, and after dinner and a 10th viewing of “Mary Poppins,” we headed to bed. We got up at a decent hour and after a quick breakfast, headed out. We rented the basics for Lan, who was definitely growing more and more excited and hit the slopes.

Let me just say two things. 1) This girl has no fear; and 2) her mom could not be prouder! After a very brief time of exploring some flat-lands on the skis and letting Lanhua get used to them, Pam and I put our skis on and we all headed to the beginner’s lift. No problems whatsoever – she got on easy as pie, and at the top gripped on to her very happy dad as he helped her off the lift effortlessly.

Pam and I then took turns putting her between our legs and heading down the hill showing Lan how to make the classic “pie-slice” and how to turn. She. Loved. It. In fact, if anything she wanted to go faster. After two runs on the beginner’s hill she was already pointing to the other lift that cruises to the top of Snow Summit. As I said, she is a gamer.

So we loaded up and went to the top of the mountain and once again took turns cruising down the intermediate runs with her. She could not be happier. Just amazing when you consider that not only was this her first time on skis, but her first time of ever seeing snow, PERIOD. I have to say, I’m not sure who was happier – Lanhua or her mom. I think Pam has been dreaming of a daughter that she could go skiing with for a very long time now, and I have to say there is no better feeling than watching your loved one’s dream come true – and Scout’s definitely has, in spades.

In fact, during our lunch break Scout quickly sent out a text far and wide to friends and family letting everyone know how great of a skier Lanhua was. One reply was especially perfect. Our friend Jill, upon receiving Scout’s text extolling the mad “skillz” of Lanhua, replied: “Of course she is. It’s her destiny.” Too perfect, Jill; too perfect!

And to top it off, after a day of skiing Lanny's aunt and uncle Tina and Andrew drove up and joined us for the night. We had a wonderful dinner, tried to make a fire, ate s'mores and Lanhua schooled Aunt Tina in Candyland and Flight. Then, as the proverbial icing on the cake, Aunt Tina and Uncle Andrew made us all breakfast on Sunday before heading out. Before we headed out, we hit the Alpine Sled adventure in Big Bear - again, too much fun.

Man, what a weekend!

Anyway, the pictures tell the story; I’ve even attached a short film…hope it works!