Christmas in Vancouver

Our little grandson's expected arrival just after Christmas was enough to tempt us to enjoy another northern hemisphere winter.  We had forgotten how dusk never left the day and night arrived late afternoon meaning the lights brightened even the dullest, coldest and wettest of days. 

Every corner we turned, sparkling lights greeted us, strung around lamp posts and trees, across roads and bordering windows, shop doors and stair wells. 

Everyone said the snow was late coming and the lack of snow was evident as we drove up the steep mountain road to the sledding fields. Sledding was fast and short and enjoyed by most people - some went headed straight down, others enjoyed a slow scenic route, while others came face to face with the snow as they abruptly came to a stop. I was the "official" photographer and never got a chance to sled as the heavy rain started not long after we arrived.  We all squashed into the nearby cafe, unloading our thick outer garments into the corner. Steam rose from our wet clothes in sync with the hot chocolates and once all the snacks were eaten and the children were bored we raced back to the for the drive home. 

Another snow event was New Years Eve when we piled (minus Mum and baby) into the car to go to  Mount Cyprus.  An early firework display in the evening for the children and night time skiing made for a wintry picture with an eerie light shining over the buildings and children as they threw snow balls.

It was unseasonably warm for winter, and many of our clothes stayed in the bag, not having to wear as many layers as we had planned.  The snow did not arrive until February, when outside in Vancouver, it was knee high, perfect for building snow people, with long carrot noses and smiles on their faces.  I was envious we had missed it!!

Gardens 

Then there were the gardens.  First was Capiliano - we have been there numerous times before - but not at night or in winter.  More hot chocolate and a walk over the suspension bridge.  I always want to hold on tight especially when the children are running over, and jumping on the bridge.  I looked down to the gorge in the fading light as water flowing steadily underneath me.  A long walk around the forest of lighted trees ending with more food to fill the tum and warm the body.

The Van Dussen Gardens were new to us.  In day light the gardens must be spectacular, but at night all we saw was trees casting shadows over the paths, wonder reflections on the water and snow covered grass.  A wonderful experience, that will be followed by a daylight visit one day.  

Train ride to the North Pole 

A treat for Nannie and Poppa and the two older grandchildren.  The old steam train puttered along a short track and local volunteers entertained us with juggling, singing, some clowning and of course sweets. Back at the station we visited the North Pole.  Our six year was disappointed, when he realised that he wasn't actually at the "real" North Pole, but in a large tent close to where we got on the train. "We are back where we started" he said. But he soon forgot his disappointment.  We occupied ourselves for hours, painting wooden trains, riding little trains, meeting Mr and Mrs Claus, eating hot chocolate and "as many as you like" marshmallows, colouring in and making Christmas decorations.

On each trip we always manage a trip to the Shipyards.  Harry and I always manage a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants there, looking over to Vancouver city. This year, the Christmas markets lined the pavements and although there were a lot of treats to sample we decided to sit outside at one of the restaurants under a gas fire enjoying the food and the scenery adorned in our hats and coats. 

On another day we went back, taking the kids for a scooter and ice cream "they used to have birthday flavoured icecream" I was told in a disappointed little voice, but we did manage to find other flavours equally as exotic and everyone seemed happy.

Christmas Day was spent with family and friends and a wonderfully cooked meal (ordered in from a local deli).  Our little grandson arrived and we spent time with him and looking after the other two - sleep overs in Nannie and Poppa's bed, visits to Science World and the aquarium and to the forest to find slaters and worms.

Ski school started and we hitched a ride to Whistler for the day.  We had been before, but in autumn when only the highest of the peaks were covered in snow.  This time was different.  People everywhere on skis, or wandering around.  We took the gondola (glass floor) up and over to the ridge and down the other side.  An enjoyable day while we waited for the end of the day and the skiers to return.