In the spirit of more experiences in 2018, we took a little family getaway the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa the first weekend in February to celebrate their Winter Carnival. In case you don’t know where the Grand Geneva is, it’s located about an hour and half from Chicago in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Grand Geneva’s Winter Carnival took place at the resort’s “Mountain Top” which is open to guests and the public.  The Winter Carnival had such activities as a toboggan race, face painting, kayak race, and tug of war between the ski patrol and ski school. But the highlight of the Winter Carnival was watching Luke learn how to ski and the grand finale show in the evening.

Before going, I did not know that there is a ski area at the resort. I had no idea how big the resort actually was until we drove up to it or that the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has seasonal packages year-round, like the Grand Winterfest Package that we were able to enjoy.

And little did I know the family memories we would create during our weekend there….

We checked in to the Grand Geneva late on a Friday evening. The next morning, we decided to have room service in our room, since Luke is fascinated with room service.

We bundled up after breakfast, got on the Grand Geneva’s trolley, and headed to the resort’s Mountain Top. Luke could not contain his excitement.  I have never been skiing before but Charlie knew what to do since he went to college in Colorado. So I relied on Charlie to figure out the ski rentals and gear.

SKIING AT THE GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA

Once at the Mountain Top, I could tell that Luke was ready to ski. I loved seeing the excitement on his face but I could see his frustration as well. Luckily, Charlie is a very patient teacher and helped him get with his skis.

I guess I was a bit overbearing as I tried to help Luke up when he got down or push him along. At one point he looked up at me and told me to stop. To be honest, I was a bit stunned and hurt. The thought and feeling that he didn’t need my help anymore crossed my mind. He’s really growing up and showing me this side of him…the persistent side, the side to try things on his own. As a mom, you don’t want to see your child to get hurt or injured. But for Luke, he was willing to take those chances because he wanted to learn to ski so bad…without my help.  I’m still trying to learn to let go. It’s been hard.

So I decided that it might be a good idea for Charlie and Luke to ski together and back away. To be honest, I didn’t mind being the photographer. The advantage of standing at the bottom of the hill waiting for them to come down was seeing Luke’s big smile and calling out “mama, look at me!” It made me proud.

The ski activity was also memorable for Charlie as well. He told me that after he and Luke got off the lift and down a somewhat steep hill, Charlie held onto Luke as they skied down fairly fast. Luke was yelling with excitement and in that moment, he yelled “Daddy, you’re my best friend!” Charlie told me he could re-live that moment over and over again.

Charlie and I were both surprised how quickly Luke picked up skiing. Although he fell a few times, it didn’t stop him from getting back up and trying. He told us he wants to go skiing again. Maybe he will be an Olympic skier one day? I can dream, right?

We took a rest from skiing to enjoy some lunch and Winter Carnival activities at the Mountain Top. And then headed back to the Lodge to get some rest and dinner at the Geneva Chophouse.

TORCH LIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORK DISPLAY

We headed back to the Mountain Top that night to watch the cool torch light parade and the fireworks to cap off the Winter Carnival. It was the perfect ending to a fun winter day in Wisconsin!

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL CODE FOR SECOND CITY MOM READERS

I know I only shared a snippet of our stay at the Grand Geneva but the resort has so many activities this winter for families to enjoy. From now until March 31, 2018, readers and followers can use the promo code “SECONDCITYMOM20” to receive 20% your next trip the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa or by using this link here. 

The code is good for a minimum two-night stay and must be booked by March 31, 2018. The discount is subject to availability and applicable for select room types. See this link for more information. 

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Thank you Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for inviting my family to your resort and for letting us create these family memories. All opinions and photos are my own.