Dec 21, 2012

Snow Day

Back in October I had this brilliant idea - I was going to organize a trip up to the high country, to see the snow, ride the Polar Express, visit with Santa, walk through a Reindeer park and, most importantly, to go sledding. Yep, I was going to plan all this plus I was going to keep it a complete surprise from the kids! Well, Chase figured out that we were going to the mountains earlier this week and I asked him to keep it a secret (which he did, the little sweetheart)  but Alaina had no idea what I had planned and just how many people were in on it until we were on the highway and nearing Flagstaff. 

On Wednesday morning, Alaina and I went into school together and on the way into her class she was kind of whining about all of the fun things that Chase's preschool always had planned. (I even heard a few 'it's not fair!') I worked for a few hours at school, told her not to worry that I'd think of something fun to do and I'd be back for lunch. Little did she know, I had already packed a suitcase, all of our snow stuff, a basket of snacks for the kids, printed off directions and hotel info and had thrown it all into the back of the truck. (Have I mentioned how much I love that Alaina is completely oblivious to everything around her, I think she actually had to step over the suitcase that morning to get into my closet and she never thought twice about it. -  It sure makes surprising her really easy!) After running a few last minute errands, Peter, Chase and I went back to her school to pick her up and head up North. I walked into her class, told her to grab her backpack and that I had thought of something fun to do after all! 

 She screamed when she realized we were going up to the snow, "I've never seen snow in my real-life!"  Jumped up and down when she saw that we were going to ride on the Polar Express Train, told Santa that all she wanted for Christmas was a sleigh bell from one of his reindeer's (which Santa gave her on the train ride). She fed lots of deer and even a camel named Gracie! Chase meanwhile was awestruck and his usual quiet self, except when it came to sledding - I've never seen him smile so big or scream so much!

Best "last-minute" mini vacation ever. Enjoy the photos, xo ~ Tara



14 comments:

Unknown said...

How special! What a great surprise!

j. wilson said...

Super fun and your photos are GORGEOUS! I have never really been in the snow. I've seen it fall once...soft and fluttery but have never had to bundle up to see it. I don't even own appropriate clothing. Love that you DO living i nthe dessert and all. The last few days here in SLO have had mornings full of forst and chill. Yesterday it was 38 degrees as Jeff & I drove 25 miles north for an errand. I have become so acclimated that all I need is a sweater, scarf and jacket and I'm good...gloves help as well. Fun!

TeamMcDonough said...

Beautiful pictures. Great surprise in deed

Karen Lambert said...

Your blog goes into a folder named "Eye Candy" because you post such wonderful things that always make me smile and inspire me. Today's post was the best. Definitely fell into the right category. Your photographs were gorgeous and the snow is definitely the closest this Texas gal is gonna get to snow this Christmas. Thank you for taking the time to share with your readers.

Vintage Love & Photographs said...

So sweet.

Anonymous said...

Once again beautiful pics...especially the deer.

Merry Christmas!

Dawn McVey (dawnsing) said...

Tara, the pictures are gorgeous!! I'm so glad you had such a great time....the kiddos expressions are priceless!! xo

flowerdisco said...

gorgeous photos, tfs! i enjoyed them a lot. :)

Anastasia said...

oh wow what a fun surprise and gorgeous photos Tara, the kids look like they had a ball!

Helene said...

It's so beautiful! And nice pics! It seems it was funny! :)

http://sandracreaties.blogspot.com said...

Happy New Year.
Groetjes Sandra

Suzanne said...

First of all I wanna say thank you! Thank you for inspiring me with your blog.
I was on the internet looking for a penpal / snailmail friend when I saw your blog.
I really enjoy reading your articles and the best part: I finally found someone who has a long time fear for frogs too!

I'm a newby blogger, looking for inspiration and happiness. I found it here.


~

What a great loving pictures did you shot at this trip. I can imagine how happy Alaina was when she did realize where you all were going to.

I'm looking forward to read your new blogpost and I just start following you.

Thank you!

Leanne said...

Wow! These photos are beautiful! I wish I could take photos of this quality!

*Dream Weaver* said...

your photos are gorgeous.