Go Skiing

Be it downhill or cross country, skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter. In our family, downhill is the choice. This could be expensive but a little creative shopping, attendance at equipment swaps and smart Christmas gift lists to grannies, grand dads, aunts, uncles, etc can really cut down the cost.

This family's mom and dad have been very clever and much to the kids joy, Santa managed to find everything they need to ski this winter. Goggles, helmets and mitts are new. Everything else was purchased at ski swaps or traded among friends, to be returned when the kids out grow them and/or new little ones are ready to hit the slopes.

 Even the littlest member of the family (age 3 1/2) is ready to go.

Once the family is equipped the next expense is tow tickets. I suggest you shop around at ski hills within an easy drive from your home. Many offer season passes and family passes at greatly reduced prices. Also, you sould pick a hill suitable for small children - these are usually a lot less expensive as those with black runs, lots of moguls, etc. Save these for the few special days when Mom and Dad get to go on their own.

So Here's the Snow      Build a Snowman      Great Tree for the Birds

So Here's the Snow

Finally, the snow has arrived and we are looking forward to going outside and having fun - skiing, coasting, throwing snowballs, etc. Might even try snowshoes this year. A local business rents them and I think it might be fun.

Tara especially loves the snow. You can see more pictures on her Facebook page. Lots of people have asked where Tara gets her name (for those of you who don't know - she is a dog). My grand niece, Hannah, named her. It is Hannah's favourite name.