Itching to see 200 photos of mountains with a some cute kids mixed in? Here’s life lately. In February we travelled across to the country to spend a late Christmas holiday with our family from another country. Mike’s parents came as well and we enjoyed a five glorious days skiing at Whistler with some Vancouver sightseeing to bookend the adventure.
Day 1
With the time-change, I was wide -awake at 5:00 am and went out for a run around Stanley Park. Not the smartest thing to do alone in a big city, but it was a bucket-list item … It was really dark (which is why these pics are so grainy) and also why I thought the statue in the water was a real person. 
After breakfast we met up with Mike’s brother and his family and went back to Stanley Park to the see the totem poles and visit the Vancouver Aquarium.
In daylight, she looks a lot less real.
Joel, David, Evan and Celeste:
As a devote DANGER BAY fan, I was excited to see where Dr. Robert’s worked:
Sting Ray touch tank:
Afterwards, we took a bus to Whistler and made it in time to see the fire show.
Day 2
The kids went to ski school for the first three days and had a blast.
… And here are the mountain photos – I mostly skied alone on the first day.
At the end of the day, I rode the peak-to-peak – the gondola that takes you on a +4km ride from Whistler to Blackcomb mountain:
Day 3
I skied with my father-in-law. He was incredibly patient (with my skiing and photo taking) and I convinced him to ride a t-bar up to Blackcomb Glacier… then we hiked up a hill just to snap some more pics.
Carl and me on the top:
Lunch with the Ackermans:
Whistler village has totem poles too.
Terrible photo (sorry) but it’s the only one I have of Jeff and Allie. It was great to see them again!
Day 4
It was rainy at the bottom and wet snow at the top so I only skied in the morning. 
But I enjoyed the mitten warmers in the bathroom at one of the hill-top restaurants:
After lunch, I roamed around the village and grabbed a coffee.
Day 5
We got in line super early for the first-tracks breakfast at the top of the hill. Steve, Celeste and Rachel on one side:
And me and Pauline on the other:
David and Evan own the podium:
After breakfast we attempted to all ski down together… which did not happen. Turns out, families that ski together, don’t stay together. 
Half of us headed over to Blackcomb for the rest of the day:
Back on the peak-to-peak, this time with Mike, Evan and David.
Day 6
Our last ski day at Whistler – it was great to see how much the kids improved with just 3 days at ski school. They’re so much better than me, and brave! 
The best part about skiing:
Day 7
Our last bit of time with the family before they travelled back to England. Joel is already taller than me… and I am guessing Evan will be too the next time we meet…
The village rink and playground:
Cousin time is the best time:
Day 8
Back in Vancouver, we explored the city and rode the mini taxi boats to Granville Island.
David thought I was taking a picture of him but obviously, I was taking pictures of the palm trees:
We had lunch with Nelson and his lovely family – Nelson and I met in University and it’s been years since we’ve seen each other – what a treat!
Earl’s in Yaletown:
And finally, hockey night to wrap up the holiday.
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Hello Sunshine 