Chasing the Snow

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Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Pacific Northwest, Sledding, Snow, Washington

20 December 2015 – After a snow-less winter so far we headed up into the mountains for some proper winter exposure.  We bundled the kids up, packed up the sleds, and headed into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and towards Mt. Rainier National Park.  This is near some of our favorite hikes.  State route 410 was closed at the park entrance, but the road to Crystal Mountain was open and we headed into elevation for deeper snow.

Just down from the resort area we found a decent place to park across the road from a good sledding hill.  The hill was obviously a well-used sledding spot given the packed snow and a small snow jump.  But, while we were there only a few other families showed up – maybe it was the ‘no sledding’ sign which kept the crowds down 🙂

The kids grabbed their sleds and headed up the hill.  For the first runs Sherrie stayed below to stop the kids from going too far and Sergio was on top helping the kids get on the sled before it slid out from under them.  Isabella (7) and Aurelia (4) loved going together, hitting the jump a couple of times.  Lucas (6) loved to go down by himself, but didn’t want to go too high up the hill.

Lucas (6) sledding or surfing?

Isabella (7) and Aurelia (4) heading up the sledding hil

Giuliana (1) didn’t care too much for the snow.  At first she wanted to get down with the other kids and play in the snow, but after a couple of minutes of feeling the cold snow on her hands (she wouldn’t keep her gloves on) and sinking waist-deep into the snow.  However, she went sledding down with both Sergio and Sherrie but didn’t seem to care too much either way.  She spent most of the time in the ergo keeping Sherrie’s back warm 🙂

Giuliana (1) in the snow

Isabella playing in the snow

After an hour the kids were tired and sledding and spent the time playing in the deep unpacked snow building snow castles and trying (unsuccessfully) to build a snowman.  In the end everyone loved the adventure and wanted to go back again in the future.  Living only an hour from the mountains has its advantages in the winter – and the summer!

Sergio, Giuliana (1), Aurelia (4), Sherrie, Lucas (6), and Isabella (7) enjoying the snow!

Northwest Railway Museum Santa Train

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Cherry Pie, Christmas, North Bend, Northwest Railway Museum, Pacific Northwest, Pop Culture, Santa Claus, Santa Train, Snoqualmie, Waffles

18 December 2015 – The Northwest Railway Museum runs an annual Santa Train.  This is our second year taking the trip and the kids LOVE it.  It has become a new family tradition.

This year, before the train we first made a pop culture pilgrimage by having lunch at Twedes Café, the fictional Double R Café in the 90’s TV series, Twin Peaks.  We enjoyed the Christmas Waffles (colored green and topped with M&Ms) and the famous Cherry Pie.

Isabella (7), Giuliana (1), and Lucas (6) enjoying Christmas Waffles at Twedes Cafe

Sergio and Aurelia (4) at Twedes Cafe

Isabella (7), Giuliana (1), and Lucas (6) enjoying cherry pie at Twedes Café in North Bend, WA

After lunch we boarded an antique train in North Bend and sang Christmas carols and shared Christmas stories while rattling along the tracks south to Snoqualmie.  The trip takes about 25 minutes.

Once at the Snoqualmie station we first visited Santa where the kids shared with him their Christmas lists and had a short conversation before receiving wooden train whistles.

Sherrie, Giuliana (1), Isabella (7), Aurelia (4), and Lucas (4) visit with Santa in 2015

Then we visited the 40s Army troop train car where they were baking cooking (in a 40s coal oven) and serving hot chocolate.  Aurelia accidentally spilled her drink but they had mops on hand for just an occasion – not the first spill there 🙂

Aurelia (4) and Isabella (7) enjoying treats at the Santa Train

Aurelia and Cookie

Lucas (6) eats a cookie at the Santa Train

Isabella (7) loves hot chocolate

Afterwards we got back on the train and headed back towards North Bend to conclude our evening.  It was highly enjoyable for everyone and recommended for anyone in the Seattle-area.