SUMMER VACATION...

Guess where this guy went for vacation... Whistler, BC !! For those who don't know, Whistler is a gorgeous mountain resort north of Vancouver, BC. Breathtaking mountains, lakes, rivers, a serious mountain biking playground in the summer, and home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
So, we made the trek up to Whistler, British Columbia Friday evening after a long week of working. Certainly a bit weary, but VERY ready for some down time and lots of recreation. After a quick snooze outside of Seattle (in a lovely Motel 6) we made it to Whistler Saturday afternoon. Kyle hit the downhill bike park with Paul and Erika and I found the yoga studio in town. Ahhhh, the "active" relaxing had begun. Sunday morning we toured the mountains with Grammy & Grumpy (Blackcomb/Whistler) via Gondola (a 2.73 mile crossing peak-to-peak: gorgeous), on foot, and chair lift.

Oh man, did Benny ever love it. "Red Gondola" is his new favorite request.
We spent quiet evenings reading, eating yummy dinners, and getting to sleep early to allow for a full day of activity the next day.
And then, there was the biking....Oohing and aahing at the bottom of the bike park...
Cheering on the "Crazy Bikers" with Auntie E....
Asking "Benny bike, Mommy? Please, Mommy"...

Ok, here you go, buddy :)

We got in some nice cross-country rides and then Mommy braved the Whistler downhill bike park with Paul and Erika. Here's RoboMommy with her pads on (envision a full-face mask on top of this too!!). Erika is a great guide and I had a blast! If my wrist didn't hurt so much from braking a 400lb bike I would have gone another day!!

Our place was just across from a beuatiful mountain lake. A bit warmer than our Central Oregon lakes, so it was perfect for swimming, sand castle building, and cooling off after riding/running.We had a lovely time up in Canada, and now know why Whistler is such a special spot for Auntie E and Uncle Paul. On our loooong road trip home (2 hours at the border, a 4 hour traffic jam to travel 30 miles through Seattle due to accidents in 100 degree weather, and overall travel time of 15 hours for a 10 hour trip, was a less than pleasant way to wrap up a short vacation). Fortunately Benny handled it well (far better than the whiney adults in the car), and we got to stop over to see Tyler and Tracey in Portland for a superb home-cooked meal (thanks T) , cozy bed, and good catching up over coffee and pastries. We then rolled into Bend Saturday afternoon, and our dear friends Zach and Rachel were holding down the fort for us (after Thad, Jess, and lil' Jackson passed the pet-watching baton... thank you ALL for your help!). We squeezed in some much needed laps in the pool, caught up with a guest appearance from Quinn, Lanny, and Steve. Benny got to have a slumber party over at Weston's and the adults all headed off to our friend's Jessi and Jim's wedding! The wedding was beautiful and we had a blast dancing up a storm. Congrats Jessi and Jim!! XOXOLastly, Auntie Amy stopped by to say farewell. She is moving to Spokane tomorrow. Amy- we wish you and Pete loads of happiness and joy in your new life together. This isn't really farewell, we will see you often, and we can't wait to celebrate with you both in October. *I love my necklace- so very thoughtful. Thank you :)

So... a whirlwind week, really. Maybe not the most relaxing vacation and ceratainly far too short... but, we had a great time with friends and family. Evidently, Benny is packed up and ready for our next adventure.

P.S. Jared and Trish (and Weston- aka "Money"): Big congrats on your beautiful wedding!! We are so sorry that we missed it.