Destination: Chamonix, France

Ski vacations have never been apart of our family vacation repertoire. Not because we don't enjoy skiing. Geoff grew up in the mountains and went to college in Colorado so he's got plenty of experience. My skiing experience is much more limited, but I like the idea of skiing. However, because I worked in a job for so long that prevented me from ever taking vacations between January to April - peak ski season - it just never happened. Plus, we had a couple babies along the way which further complicated getting to the slopes.

So finally, now that my job is no longer an obstacle, one of of our girls is old enough to start skiing herself and the French Alps are only a short 90 minute flight from London via Geneva, Switzerland, it was time. We rented a chalet for four days in Chamonix, France with two other (American) families we are friends with here in London. It was different for us traveling to a destination and staying along side other families as we have always traveled on our own, but I think it worked out pretty well for everyone and was certainly lots of fun.

Getting fitted for her skis

Olivia had two days of ski lessons with an English speaking instructor. She had some tears of frustration at the beginning, but by the end, she got the hang of it enough to say that she though skiing was "Fantastic!".

Learning the basics

View from the bunny hill

Meanwhile, Geoff and the other guys hired a guide for the day and were skiing glaciers and other crazy stuff off the main ski runs. Here are a few of his photos:

While Geoff, Olivia and I were off skiing, we hired a local babysitter to come watch Ashton. That worked out good. Much of Ashton's entertainment for the weekend was playing with "Baby Alfie", our friends' 8 month old baby. Both girls thought he was hilarious and still talk about him even though it's been weeks now since they last saw him.

Chamonix down in the valley

Morning view from our chalet

Our last full day in Chamonix didn't involve any skiing for myself and the girls. Instead we went outside to play in the snow. Apart from Olivia's skiing the previous days, this was the girls' first real experience upclose and personal with the white stuff. Olivia loved it. Ashton hated it.

Her first snowman featuring bacon lips. She named it Olaf. (No surprise there)