ski trip

How is it possible that this little 3 year old has been with us only 3 1/2 weeks and she seems like she has been here always?

We knew our annual family ski trip would depend on how Annie was adjusting. Either we don't know the signs of adjusting or Annie is doing incredibly well.

On our first flight en route to Colorado she seemed somber, unsure of what was going on, although it was very early in the morning.

By the time we met up with all the Pittsburgh Stack cousins she had either woken up or realized this means six more people who will love me and lavish me with attention and be great fun! They did not disappoint. Uncle Eddie allowed her to use his blackberry regardless of what buttons she pressed or who she called as long as she was sitting on his lap, Michael chased her around until she screamed in laughter and Maggie announced that she feels she would never be able to say no to her.

When we arrived at our rented condo she appeared to be very comfortable. She ran from room to room checking it all out as if to say: "this place is really cool!" 

We took her to ski school to just inquire about possible ski lessons. Nothing was available until the next day. She was excited about everything she saw. The play room full of kids at day care, the snow, the shops, taking it all in she dragged me from one thing to the next.

 Once Annie spotted the chair lift that was it. She insisted on riding on it.

 I explained that you had to have on your ski boots and skis to go on the high speed, six person chair lift. She said yes, grabbing at her skis that were in the stroller basket and pointing to the chair lift! So we put her skis on and she tried moving about...a little scared but determined. She had called my bluff.

Finally, we realized we could ride the gondola up and down with no need of equipment...She loved it pointing and calling my attention to all the people skiing below. We rode so many times that we stopped getting off at the top and bottom, we just stayed on.

During our marathon gondola adventure we meet several interesting people. Some rode with us in silence seemingly not noticing this smidgen in her fleece jester hat and rhinestone sunglasses. Yet others were eager to engage in conversation.

Five year old, Emma who spilled all the family secrets including how thrilled she was to have her ski boots back after her daddy mixed her boots up with her cousin's. I asked her if she was in kindergarten. With her missing two bottom teeth and blonde curls sticking out from under her pink helmet and goggles she replied, "no" in a clearly disappointed tone. 

George age 8 who answered my intrusive questions with one word answers until his mom asked where Annie was from. He turned from where he had his face pressed up to the glass and said: "Ni hao" (nee-Ha-OW)  Chinese for hello.

The couple who after a brief conversation regarding Annie and Chinese adoptions looked at each other and said, " We have to do this." Then looked at me and said: " We have been talking about this. There are no accidents in life, we were meant to meet you at this moment."

Annie also learned a few new words; "One more time?"