Isaac was hired last-minute to photograph Hidden Meadow Ranch and an ASU event being held there this weekend. In addition to his rate, he was given a couple nights’ stay at nearby Greer Lodge and some giftcards to cover all meals, family included. So, a two bedroom cabin, New York strip steak and halibut for dinner, omelets for breakfast and a blanket of snow to roll around in? We’re there!
Friday was a flurry of get-up-and-pack-as-fast-as-you-can-or-Isaac’s-leaving- anyway, followed by about four hours on the road, which I happily spent paper-piecing a grandmother’s flower garden quilt that I hadn’t touched for three years. It was the only project that was ready to go at a moment’s notice — and, I had to have a project.
We arrived at the ranch two hours before sundown, layered on random warm-things we’d tossed in the car and sploshed out into the mud and snow. Charlotte and I visited the horses while Elijah rolled around on the ground, collected icicles and tried out his sled on flat ground. Isaac went to work.
The next day, Saturday, the kids and I were car-less, so we played in the snow (which Charlotte called "snowman" no matter how many times I corrected her, "It’s snow, sweetie"). We dined at the lodge and enjoyed a many-hours snuggle: Elijah read Bridge to Terabithia out loud while I stitched away on tiny hexagons. Charlotte jumped and stirred about before curling up in the closet for a nap.
But, yesterday was the the best. We loaded up the car, loaded up on breakfast and took a short drive to sledding wonderland. Sledding Wonderland! Not just one great sledding hill, but layers and layers of great sledding hills, one on top of the other. Some crowded, some quiet. Ramps, bumps, straight, curvy. Icy-slick or deep & fluffy. Have your pick.
As the designated baby-escort, I figured my time in the snow would be short. Isaac set right to work on a Charlotte-sized snowman and Elijah tore off on a maiden voyage with his Christmas sled. It took Charlotte a few minutes to establish the lay of the land, but it wasn’t long before she was throwing snowballs and sliding down hills on her bum. After a few turns on Elijah’s sled, there was no holding her back. She found herself a plastic disk with handles to borrow and took many rides down the big hill on her own — barely two years old! And, if you’re nervous, like I was, I’ll add that she didn’t go nearly as fast as the others. She doesn’t weigh that much.
Three hours later, we hugged the snowman goodbye, packed up the snow gear and headed back down the road toward home: more paper-piecing, a John Grisham book on CD and The Incredibles on portable DVD (with headphones) for the kids. Ah, vacation — an embarrassingly rare treat.
FUN! And the cost sounds steller too! 😀
Now get workin’!! We want more Heather fabric! Lol!
There’s nothing quite as much fun to watch as kids playing in the snow.
Growing up I was determined not to ever have kids, and so, I haven’t. And now I miss things like this. Sounds wonderful. And the pictures look great.
That sounds really lovely!!
I’m in great need of a simple vacation to cheer up the winter blues. You have inspired me to take action for some relaxation.
What a great time you had!!! I think those are the best trips that you take unexpectantly. You don’t have time to stress over details. Just through stuff in a bag and go!!!
it sounds divine! the spur of the moment part makes things that much sweeter.
How perfect! It’s been such a busy whirlwind, you totally needed this!
Good for you Heather!
What wonderful ‘winter wonderland’ memories! And they are captured on ‘film’!
I have never been to the Greer area… but I hear it’s beautiful!
How did Elijah enjoy Bridge to Terabithia? I read it last year for my university course on Children’s Literature and then used it for one of my assignments…i just adored it. I then passed it onto my youngest daughter who loved it too…saw a preview of the movie tonight (at the cinema) and now i’m really looking forward to seeing the silver screen version…it looks a little different to the book though!
Snow!! It sounds absolutely dreamy! I always wondered who buys those sleds here in Arizona. Now I know!
What a great little vacation, and at an amazing price, huh?
Looks like fun!
Welcome home. I ALWAYS have a project on the ready. You never know when that little bag may come in handy. I cannot wait to see the handpiecing. AND new fabric. I just bought my first from the local quilt shop. I may just drool over it before I use it.
What a perfect trip! Sometimes last minute, without plans is the best way to go. That way there aren’t any expectations and you can simply live in the moment. Snow brings out the kid in everyone, especially to us West Coasters who don’t get it on a regular basis.
Glad you had such a great time. Spontaneous adventures like this are often the best…you don’t have time to think about it, just pack and go! The photos are great and the kids sound like they had a ball!
Sounds like a wonderful time!!!
What a great vacation! I’d love to see that grandmothers flower garden quilt. I’ve got one in bags that I work on now and again. It is very portable! I seem to run out of paper pieces too often though.
WOW! how fun!!! Those last minute getaways can be great! I am the same way as you! I would HAVE to have a project as well! 😉
What a wonderful treat!!
Oh wow! Snow..I am so jealous, it is still about 38 degrees here in Melbourne…I want snow! What a gorgeous time you and your family look like you had!
Bridge to Terabithia was one of my favorite books when I was younger…I can’t remember the last time I cried so much over a book…hang on, yes I can. The Time Travellers Wife!
Heather! I love the Greer Lodge – I spent a month of every summer from 3rd grade into Jr. High up in Greer at a camp up there that I helped my friends grandparents with! If you ever have the opportunity to go back up there in the summer I highly recommend – the wild raspberries are heavenly. I love spur of the moment trips!
Wendy (spendystyle)
I love spur of the moment trips!