Oh, Canada

What an amazing week we had in Whistler-Blackcomb! Celebrating Corey's birthday, an amazing ski trip was what he wanted - and what he definitely got!

The village was so fun to visit.  We were able to ski right out of our condo to the slopes, or walk across a beautiful little bridge to the village.  The kids (and Corey) had a blast skating and throwing snowballs and playing in various snow forts.

The ski conditions on the mountain were incredible.  We skied five of the days we were there. Slightly sunny the first day, the snow dumped more and more each day.

The conditions were so crazy.  One run it would be cloudy and blustery, the next would be rainy, and then the sun would peak through and briefly warm us up.  I didn't get nearly enough photos for fear of freezing my hands.  So, most of the pictures I took are from when the sun dared to make an appearance.  And though it did occasionally, the snow just kept coming! The kids loved skiing above and in the clouds! Porter and Corey loved skiing through the trees - which were so cool - tall and almost plant-like with lime-green "moose-hair" hanging down.  Absolutely beautiful.

One of the coolest sights to see was from the gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb peaks. The gondola, the largest and longest of its kind, spanned nearly three miles, over 1400 feet in the air.  These pictures just don't do it justice:

We loved the lodge at the top of Whistler - the Roundhouse, were we sat over the mountain in a window booth:

It was cold, and we ended up getting Emma Rose a little face-mask and she skied. bearing her teeth the whole time. (If you zoom up, you can see them...)

The kids were definitely exhausted every night, after long days of skiing, a couple hours in the pool, and a hearty meal:

(The mornings were spent coloring and playing games...)

Corey was thrilled that our last day skiing, Saturday March 25, was the best snow day of all. The conditions were like butter.  The kids and I were so happy to celebrate this amazing guy, who loves life and is constantly looking for adventure.

(Notice the moose-hair mustache)

That last evening, we had a nice night on the town, celebrating the way Corey loves best: with a Margarita.

So goodbye for now, Whistler.  Going into surgery in a week, I definitely ended the ski-season with a bang.  Happy Birthday, Corey, and thank you for such an awesome celebration. And thank you, Emma Rose, Porter, and Vancouver for an amazing trip!