Snowy days

Here are a few left over photos from our wonderful time in Mazama, Washington.

A night of tubing

A friend of mine recently asked, "Do you guys ever just sit still?" My initial reaction was, "Of course not!" We enjoy being out and about, exploring new places and doing our best to lead an active lifestyle. One evening on an impulse we decided to head up to the pass to go inner tubing. It had been awhile since we have gone with my little sister and it reminded us of just how much fun the three of us can have together.

Sun Mountain Lodge

One day while we were in Winthrop, we took a day trip up to Sun Mountain Lodge. Although we had a great time sledding, going on a sleigh ride and eating lunch with a fantastic view at the end of the day we were content to return to the inn. Sun Mountain Lodge is great for families, but it is also the most crowded destination in all the Methow Valley.

Gigantic fireplaces, Christmas decorations galore and moderately helpful staff comprised the Sun Mountain Lodge experience.

Winter solace

We were seeking solace this Christmas and found it amongst snow covered rooflines, snow laden trees and frozen ponds.

Heaven sent

Two days after our son passed away we needed to escape. Our hearts ached and we wanted a break from the incessant tears and monotony of life. We packed up the car and headed north. We had no particular plans, only a destination in mind. We kept our eyes peeled for a place to stay and happened upon the coziest inn you could ever imagine..........it truly felt heaven sent. While we were there we spoke of starting a tradition to return each year to honor our son. Soon came Winter and an impending due date once again made our hearts heavy and we felt drawn to this special place. There is nothing which makes our hearts more full than enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

A small Christmas tree greeted us by the front door.

Winter Break

The days leading up to Christmas were spent in a wintery wonderland. We stayed in the most charming inn, enjoyed time by the fire, snowshoed through silent forests, went on a snowy sleigh ride, felt like kids again sledding and witnessed some of the biggest icicles we have ever seen. Those few days were pure heaven.

 

Mazama on Dwellable

Tubing at Alpental

One thing is for certain, we know how to have a good time. The wind was whipping pretty good up in the mountains, so we thought it would be fun to go tubing instead of snowshoeing. The session was not overwhelmingly busy and the runs got faster and faster throughout the day.

We only took the tow rope on our first run. Other than that we enjoyed a little exercise by walking up the hill after every run. It sure beat waiting in line and was much better for our hearts and lungs.

This photo is a good representation of just how gusty it was while we were there.

There were lots of cute kids in awesome snow suit combinations. One girl had a Hello Kitty snow cap complete with a sequin bow. Why didn't I think to bring a little bling to the tubing hill?

The lines were not too long, but just long enough to snap some photos.

Cameron after a successful run.

I am obviously having a great time in addition to being oblivious to the people coming down behind me.

The only part I dislike about Alpental's tubing is that you cannot do doubles.

Walking up the hill after our run.

Waiting in line you tend to always be around the same people. Everyone was friendly and we did not envy the parents dealing with melt downs because their children were cold or tired.

Me after beating Cameron in distance on a run.

Long legs and arms just make you an awesome athlete. With a little training Cameron could totally go pro in tubing. He has the whole running and jumping on the tube down pat.

The well marked and well protected lanes are the best part about Alpental's tubing. It makes it fun and safe for everyone involved.

A great way to spend an afternoon and a fun time had in the snow.