Why I love our (fairly) new winter hobby

Father/daughter downtime on the lift

I like to try new things. So three years ago, when my husband said, "This is the year you and the girls should learn to ski," we were all for it.  Part of me was a little nervous too. I had done plenty of sledding in my lifetime, but never set foot on skis. I was 41. My husband, on the other hand, skied since he was a kid.  He wanted to share this passion with us. "It's something new and fun we can do as a family each winter," he told us.

He was right.  It was fun and we've been skiing ever since. Instead of dreading the cold and snowy Pennsylvania winters every year, we look forward to them. Skiing is a way for my family to get out, get some exercise, spend time together and enjoy winter.

I still remember our first day skiing as a family. It was so exciting because our daughters (ages 5 and 8 at the time) and I were trying something brand new. Together. My husband was there to show us the ropes and "hold our hand." We learned the basics---putting on boots, putting on skis and standing and walking on skis for the first time. I remember how it felt and how we looked.

First day skiing

But before we hit the slopes, the girls and I headed to a lesson--something every first time skier should do. At Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry, PA, there are various levels of lessons for kids. So our two girls took their very first ski lesson together.  I went to a beginner class for adults. Ninety minutes later, we all met back up again, much more prepared than when we first arrived.

Throughout the day, my husband and kids saw me fall---a lot---getting off the lift, skiing down the mountain. They saw me make mistakes, but they also watched me get back up (with the help of my husband) and try again. I watched them do the same. Yes, there were some moments of frustration, but there were also lots of laughs and encouragement.

As the day went on, we felt more comfortable and confident.  Overall, our first time skiing was a success and we decided we'd do it all again the following weekend.  Now, three seasons later, we've come so far. Just last weekend as we stood at the top of a beginner slope,  I asked my girls, "Remember how intimidating it was staring down this trail wondering how we'd make it down?" They laughed, because they remembered too.

So during the winter, we ski when our schedule (and the weather) allows. We are lucky enough to live fairly close to three mountains (Roundtop, Liberty, Whitetail) so we try to visit all three a few times during the season. It gives us some more variety and new adventures too!

 In addition to the actual skiing, we also enjoy the down time--aka--lunch. It gives us time to talk about our day so far, warm up and relax a little together.

I know you're probably thinking---but skiing is so expensive! I agree it is not cheap. However, many mountains offer incredibly discounted packages for first time skiers and snowboarders that include the lift ticket, rentals and a lesson. We buy the Advantage Card from Roundtop Mountain. It gives us a 40 percent discount on lift tickets, lessons and rentals each visit at the three mountains near us.  And for clothing and equipment, many ski shops and ski resorts hold 'ski swaps' in the Fall which are worth checking out. You can find second hand skis, boots, poles, snowboards, goggles, helmets and clothing at very reasonable prices.

Also, the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association offers free lift tickets to 4th and 5th grade students! This is a great program and you don't even have to live in Pennsylvania to take advantage of it. We reaped the benefits of this program the past two years. Now our daughter is in 6th grade, the other is in 2nd. You can read more about this free program and how to apply for it on their website at www.skipa.com.

My family looks forward to our next ski adventure, whenever and wherever we decide to go next. One thing I'm sure of is that we'll learn more, laugh and enjoy our time together.

  

Allure of the Seas---A look inside one of the biggest cruise ships in the world

   

I've been on big cruise ships, little cruise ships, medium sized cruise ships; but never a gigantic one--- until last summer. Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas is a sight to see.  It's one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, second only to Royal Caribbean's new Harmony of the Seas. Guests on Allure of the Seas can explore seven areas or neighborhoods throughout the ship. They include Central Park, The Boardwalk, Entertainment Place, Pool and Sports Zone, Royal Promenade, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center and Youth Zone.

There is SO much to do on board this ship and I snapped dozens of pictures to prove it! Here are some highlights.

Pool and Sports Zone---This is a super fun place where you'll find zip lining, rock climbing, swimming, hot tubs, mini golf, basketball and the Flo Rider. Even with four-thousand people on board, I found the pool deck to be spacious.

Kid pool at night, Photo by Alison Dixon

Pool and Sports Zone, Photos by Alison Dixon

Central Park---This is a beautiful place to walk around among real trees and other greenery. A few shops, bars and restaurants are also found here. Cabins overlook this area as well. We loved sipping drinks in Central Park and taking a stroll through in the evening. The Rising Tides bar (second picture) moves between the Royal Promenade deck and Central Park every 20 minutes or so.

Central Park, Photos by Alison Dixon

The Boardwalk---Want to take a spin on a carousel at sea? You can in the "Boardwalk" neighborhood of Allure of the Seas. There is also a hot dog shop, boardwalk games, a restaurant and the Aqua Theater.  Guests can book cabins overlooking this area. The Aqua Theater is home to the Oceanaria show which is a combination of acrobatics and high dives.

The Boardwalk, Photos by Alison Dixon

Aqua Theater, Photos by Alison Dixon

Royal Promenade---The Royal Promenade is where all the action is. You'll find shops, bars and restaurants here along with entertainment. It's a lively place to hang out and people watch in the evening. The picture below is of a bar called the Bow and Stern English Pub.

Bow and Stern English Pub, Photo by Alison Dixon

    Unfortunately, I did not visit the spa or gym during this cruise. However, our daughters loved the Youth Zone. Our 8-year old was even crowned "Dancing Queen" one night!

   There is a lot more to this ship too---the dining rooms, restaurants, cabins, theater and an ice skating rink!  It's tough to do it all and see it all. We had a great time and would definitely sail on Allure of the Seas again!