We woke this morning to a picture perfect winter view framed by our floor to ceiling bedroom window - a view of fresh fallen snow blanketing the paths and trees with a backdrop of the crystal fingers of stalagmites slowly dripping water suspended from the eaves. It was breathtaking.

Can't say that we woke ourselves. There was a pounding at the door at just after 9 and Mindy and Ian were there ready to go. We were sound asleep so Mindy and Ian dropped off their gear and headed out for breakfast. The fresh snow was just too good to resist and they returned in an hour to get Anthony kitted out and on the mountain.

The plan was to ease into the rhythm but Ian ran into some mates who insisted that the snow was perfect at 7th Heaven. So much for taking it easy...they headed straight for the black run of 7th and a great day of boarding adventures continued...captured on the gopro of course. (Footage pending). The snow continued to bucket down. The wind stayed away. The boys were out till park close. The sun sets here just after 4 so there was plenty of time for the obligatory hot tub recovery soak.
Mac definitely redefined lazy today. He spent the ENTIRE day in his bear boxer shorts - reading, relaxing and watching the snow fall. He declared it as a perfect holiday start.

Mindy and I suited up and trudged through the snow to get to IGA in The Village and shopped up a storm...of groceries. Of course, part two of this story is always about carrying them home...but Mindy's backpack is king!

By the time we returned home we only had 40 minutes to bake the fudge cookies and throw them together as little Santa hats ready for Mindy's work meeting. No worries - had her bundled up and heading out the door right on time.

That left me a good four hours to slowly brew up the most amazing chicken noodle soup for dinner. Chopped and stirred my way to an aromatic dinner hit.

The unit is great and Pamela (the owner) has even left a Christmas themed dinner set for us. Put it to good use tonight, served up the soup with thick crisp slices of garlic bread, washed down with a splash or two of Rose and polished off with the Santa hats.

We have played Christmas Carols all day and the presents from Oz have been wrapped and are out. Squeezing, rattling and even close scrutiny have all been banned. Mindy however somehow CONSTANTLY finds herself in the banned zone - touching, poking and rattling! She's a shocker.

Finished the night with a walk around the village and final drinks at the Irish Pub. Live music and Irish Coffee, a warm fire and the general buzz of people having a good time.

Whistler seems to have welcomed us back with open arms. There is so much that is familiar but it all looks so incredibly beautiful tucked in its winter blanket of snow.

PS: not sure what the people on the pathway who walk by thought about the view "from the other side" of our bedroom...but am considering that there are possibilities for a few ticket sales for those wanting a view through the window ... Could convince a few they are in Amsterdam...and Mac is the star!