Big White, Canada

February 15, 2019

Kids have basically had 3 days of school in the last two weeks because of all the snow, but pulling them out at 11:00 (with guilt, but want safe roads) today because we are off to Big White in Canada! Just before crossing the border at Sumas we had to  make our traditional stop at the best place to get ice cream pretty much in the world...Edaleen Dairy.  `Don't miss the chocolate milk there too.  Made it to Kelowna 6 hours after leaving Seattle.  Stopped in at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Rutland to get the family Biggie Cards.  A great card because they are discounted and you can just add a pass onto your card each day from the computer to ski that day.  Super easy! This is a great stop too because it is right next to the grocery and liquor store....easy peasy for the last few things before the place.   Roads were good, but of course got a chip in the windshield.  Seems like it wouldn't be a trip for us without one.  We are staying in the Timbers #102 this year.  Really a beautiful place with a hot tub on the deck and overlooking the trees and gondola. 

 Easy walk to the ice skating too.  We got unloaded, organized and made our way over for a visit with the Williams while the boys jammed down to skate a bit.

A good journey up and ready for some fun! I think there are around 15 families in the group.  They are a fantastic group of people who always seem to have smiles on their faces and always ready for some fun! Unfortunately, we missed the photo. 

February 16, 2019

Looking at the entry of our place this has got to be the most gear intensive trip ever! Just a few things:

3 pairs of ice skates

3 pairs of skis

3 pairs of ski boots

4 pairs of poles

1 pair of snowshoes

3 helmets

2 sleds

3 hokey sticks and pucks

4 sets of snow boots

4 sets of all snow clothing: long johns, pants, socks, goggles etc.  You get the idea..a lot of sh*t!

Saylor is off with her friend Moira today skiing.  Haven't seen them all day.  With a sandwich in her pocket and $20 she probably won't be back until dark.  Hudson and Andy hit the slopes. 

There was a little snowfall last night so they were hoping to make some track and got out early.  Super nice that they can put on their skis and be to the gondola in 10 seconds.  I've cooked chili so they have something hot and filling to come home to. Now I'm just getting to sit, write and enjoy a beautiful fire and view.

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The family had a good day of skiing.  Saylor, Kate and Moira all went in the hot tub here and listened to their music and nonstop chatting.

Then a bunch of the kids went skating while the  parents met at one of the condos and enjoyed drinks and apps.  Finished off the night with more hockey, fireworks and of course a great hot tub on the deck.

February 17, 2019

Hudson fell out of his bindings skiing last weekend and took a hard fall and messed up his knee.  It caught up to him this morning so the boys decided to take the day off from skiing.  We played cards and worked on a  puzzle. 

 Saylor skied all day and played hockey until the pond shut down.  Not sure how she just goes nonstop.  She is loving all the freedom and hanging out with all her friends.

It is super cold here, but that hasn't stopped the family. 

February 18, 2019

Saylor finally needed a break.  She passed on skiing with the friends and I got to have some time with her.  We just relaxed in the condo but it was nice to see her. Kathy texted and we headed out for a good long walk on the snow trails.  It was compact enough that we didn't need snowshoes.  It was about 18 degrees, but the sun was shinning and it was beautiful!  Saylor connected with the girls and they went tubing.  Parents all met up at the Archers for drinks and apps while the kids sled.  I love them not having electronics and just being able to have fun with a bunch of kids and play.  Of course hockey finished up the night followed by a hot tub.  Another good day. 

February 19, 2019

More of the same today.  Boring to write/read about but fun for the family.  Just got a text from the boys  who went in for a quick warm up and enjoying a beaver tail. 

Chocolate and Banana Beaver Tail! 

And a text from another mom with a picture of Saylor skiing with the girls.  Great to have such a fun group to be here with. 

Andy and I had a quick date night dinner at Bullwheel's.  The village was beautiful at night with the Christmas lights still up. 

Finished off  at the Eleveld's for drinks, games and snacks.  We brought butterscotch schnapps to share.  Bob Archer was the man  and grabbed snow from the deck and put the schnapps over it. 

A definite adult snow cone! A big hit, must be sure to bring more next year!

Pits, Peaks and Points

Cindy

Peak: A great walk with Kathy on a beautiful day and super fun evenings with the group!

Pit: A long car ride

Points: On the way up stop at Good to Go Meat Pies in Everson and get frozen meat pies for dinner one night after skiing. Stop at Edaleens for amazing ice cream and chocolate milk.  Biggie passes are good for three years! Grocery stores in Canada do NOT  have public restrooms!

Hudson

Peak: Skiing with dad

Pit: Not really knowing any of the kids

Points: watched an epic crash of a guy that ended up straddling a tree. Best Beaver tails with chocolate and banana at bottom of Gem Lake chair.

Saylor

Peak: Hanging out with friends

Pit: not getting poutine

Points: dress warm because it will be very cold (-5 degrees is cold!)

Andy

Peak:  Skiing untracked runs with Hudson

Pit: Rock chip in the windshield and rock gouges in skis

Points: Butterscotch snow cones are yummy, sad to not have karaoke night. Epic days of skiing, skating and sledding almost offset the rich meals we ate.