Day trip to the snow

Last week I was inspired to take a day trip down to the mountain to take the kids to the snow.  It was totally last minute, and by far one of the best ideas I've had recently.  We overloaded the car, and headed south.  I don't know the last time I was so excited to be driving somewhere.  We took my SIL and Hannah with us.  We made it down there to find that it was snowing, like actually snowing.  I've been to the snow a million times, but I've never seen it snow.  It was so cool.  Except when it blew in the kids eyes and made them cry, not so cool then.  It also meant that i couldn't actually take my camera with us to the mountain, coz snow melts into water and my camera is allergic to water.  So the only pictures I got were in the carpark when we arrived and before we left (although right when it was time to leave I realised I could use the umbrella to protect my camera, and yes, i did look silly standing in the snow with an umbrella....).
But man the kids loved it!  Went sliding around, eating snow, throwing snow, making snow angels, building snowmen, riding on the free ski lift.  What a day.  Even little Vili enjoyed himself, didn't want to be held, wanted to run and flop on the snow.

















Mmmmm....snow.....



My awesome snow angel.


Our snow man.  We had to improvise for his face, but I think he's awesome.  The kids were done with the snow in their eyes however and smiling was out of the question.




Driving was interesting.  Why people live somewhere where they have to deal with this every day during winter....I have no idea.


Pretty view.  My SIL made my hat for me while we drove down there - yes, she is awesome.


Afterwards we went down to the hot pools in Turangi, as per tradition.  When we'd go to the snow as kids we would ALWAYS go to these hot pools afterwards.  It was packed, but soooooo nice.  We had to drag the kids out kicking and screaming (litterally).









What a day!
We've decided to make it tradition to visit the snow every year.  As Malachi said, "That was a awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome one!"