WOW, WHAT A TREAT!!!!

WE'RE BACK
from our fabulous weekend away at Sun Mountain Lodge, nestled up in the North Cascades Mountains. Because we live nearby, we are able to partake in this "Local's Special" two times a year (because it's the slow season), but this was our first visit. I can absolutely guarantee it will not be the last! I don't know if it was the no cooking, no cleaning and no homework for two days or the fact that we all had so much pampered luxury and fun. Sun Mountain is awesome, and I'd recommend it to anyone! The second we walked into our room I just melted into "mellowness" (is that a word?) They had classical surround sound music playing and the window covered an entire wall looking out over the North Cascades. We got in late, so the first thing on the agenda was to hit the outdoor jacuzzi before it closed. Here are the kids standing on the bed in their complimentary robes, and part of our group in the tub. I never got any day time shots of the view from the Jacuzzi, but my friends did, so I will share that later. It was breathtaking!

I know I said I wasn't going to bring my computer, but then when I started thinking about how I would want to spend luxury time, I thought about scrapbooking. I loaded up some photos and digital goodies on the laptop and was totally prepared. To tell you the truth though, other than this brief little look at the photos we'd been taking over the weekend, I didn't do any computer play at all. There was just too many other fun things going on. How do you like my new shirt? Jeff couldn't resist clicking this one.

We split on Saturday, and the women went snow shoeing and the men (plus Zoe) went cross country skiing. Sun Mountain has miles of site seeing, groomed trails and a ski shop with everything you need to get out on the hills.

Max and Dylan had fun (without their coats!) running around on the ice skating rink. I wish it would have been up and running, but it wasn't. Maybe next time. Look at that view.

This morning, after having a fabulous room service breakfast, we went out for a walk to check out the other two buildings (with bigger, better rooms, believe it or not) and enjoyed a brief sprinkling of snow before the sun came out again. We had the best weather, so lucky!!! Jeff pulled this giant pine cone out of the snow for Max to keep as a "souvenir".

The lodge itself is was fantastic! The rustic, mountain ambiance was relaxing and cozy. The bar/grill area overlooked the mountains and served the best coffee drink (the Toasted Almond Coffee Nudge) I've ever had (we'll find that recipe somewhere Jill!) The Lobby had two ends to it, each with a giant stone wall and fireplace and cozy furniture and games to play (see photos below). There was a library, a couple other lounging areas, and cute cozy little nooks and crannies everywhere. The kids' favorite room, was the game room which had pool, ping pong, and Foosball. Jill's sister Robin, is apparently the pro pool player, according to Max. I think the kids spent more time in that room than they did in our own rooms.

One feature of the lodge that catches your attention the second you walk in the door, is their enormous collection of taxidermied animals. I wasn't really sure what to think at first (they were hanging on every wall, down the halls, in the lobby) because I'm not big on hunting or dead animals in general I guess. After reading the explanation of their existence in the hotel guest book, however, I changed my mind. Apparently an avid collector sold the entire collection to Sun Mountain years ago. They stated that they do not promote hunting in anyway (in fact it is prohibited anywhere near the resort). They explained that the displays are in place as an educational display, for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the wildlife that lives in our area. It was quite impressive. Here are just a few, including Floyd the Bison who greets you at the front door.

Well, that's about it. I'm all rejuved and ready for another week of work and life and a new class to begin this week! Next weekend begins the holiday celebrations! Wow, when January gets here, life is going to be so slow! That's OK, I can handle slow! Until then......

Have a great week!