We figured since we didn't have enough snow in CT - we should make the trek to our cousin in Saranac Lake NY in hopes of finding MORE snow!. Well if you can believe it, our drive 4 hours north resulted in LESS snow. Crazy right?
Here is the start to our Valentines day trek - with treat from their favorite Valentine Oma Sue!
We were headed to Saranac Lake to enjoy a weekend with our cousins as their area celebrates Winter Carnival. The winter in Saranac is often long and dreary and MANY years ago (1800s actually) they came up with this carnival to have something to look forward too and celebrate (and than go back into hibernation for a few more months)
It seems to constantly snow there - just never huge quantities. They DO haveVERY cold temps. VERY cold. -30 at some points of the weekend. You would NEVER know by the amount of folks out and about.
So here is festival stop #1 Saturday around lunch time - the Parade. We drove in and parked as Liz, Tam, Seb and Winslow were already parade prepping. so we got a great spot and enjoyed the entertainment.
Almost all organizations and groups create float with the theme of theme of the year to enter in the parade. The local High School, the forestry school, boy scouts, Northern lights - etc...
The Northern Lights school that Seb attended and Winslow is currently at that both Tam and Liz are huge supporters just went by. I literally could not get my gloves off and phone out fast enough. (as a note - neither the Iphone nor the camera will take photos in such chilly conditions. They literally shut off)
Look there is Liz!
I did manage to capture the lawn chair ladies that literally do an orchestrated dance every year. With Lawn chairs in hand
Next up - a little tunnel building outside Liz and Tam's house while we were inside warming up. When dressed well, these guys can play for hours!
Later that afternoon we bundled up for the coolest cross country excursion ever - right across the lake by their house. It was awesome. A bit scary as there were a few spots NOT frozen which made you wonder about the rest - but not really since it was so darn cold. The kids did great with Seb, Winslow and Nick leading the pack and Tam keeping up with them. Shane trudged across with me while Drew didn't last long so Chris ended up towing him with Liz. So if you are on cross country skis and go through slush, what happens???? It puts on the brakes - big time. Learning experience.....
Normally when they make it out to this island they start a fire and roast marshmallow. But with our late start we needed to head back before it got really dark. Really dark. We just barely made it. Thankfully Tam had a YUMMY meal prepped and ready for us on our return.
The next morning Sunday was FULL. We got just a dusting of snow the night before
Its COLD out
It was time to head out to the ice castle. Built with Ice collected on that lake! (minimal transportation costs) I love seeing these little ones all bundled up and loving the cold.
Can you find Winslow?
Brrrr
Love this photo of the crew - u would think we literally posed them - but they can't hear us!
Every year the carnival has a theme - this year in particular - peace, love and happiness from the 70s
yes, it was cold and windy
such a cool structure (no pun intended)
There isn't a 70s ice castle complete without a VW camper to pose in.
road trip anyone?
Are you driving?
Nope, I am not riding in that jeep, I bet the seats are cold.
great tunneling in the ice castle
Here is where the ice burgs were coming from
Drew normally doesn't smile and I am pretty certain I am colder than him in this photo.
Tam and Chris were due to play in and outdoor volley ball tournament. When we found out temps would be -20 Tam verified the tournament was still on.... Well it is winter carnival. Not like they were expecting temps in the 60s. Of course the tournament is on.
Can you see Chris trying to stay warm. Skill doesn't matter at this point
right after the volleyball tournament we walked over to a little outdoor rink that we shoveled off for the kids. Again - brrrr
I like the cold and my kids stayed out longer than I did. This was a small little hut on the rink that was barely heated. But it wasn't windy in there. So Drew and I hung out for a bit. Of course Drew got the better seat.
Than we went in to watch Seb play hockey. What a skater he is!! All those pads and the skill involved. So amazing to watch him make it look easy.
See this pro -
We were inside watching the game - no need to take the snow gear off!
Hey there lego man
After the success on the rink it was time for some beers. I took this photo for my dad and his love for Aldi - no I did not go in to see what they were selling.
We had beer to drink and wings to eat.
The kids were great with an assortment of things to entertain themselves and we soaked in the time with Liz and Tam. The brewery itself was once a car wash. Its now a brewery and they actually tracked how many car washes versus the amount of beers served. Can't imagine it will take long before the beer number passes the car wash - good stuff!
The next morning we headed to Lake Placid - only about 20 minutes from Saranac - it held the Winter Olympics in 1980 - and therefore a bit more touristy. Here is the entire lake - frozen!
So what do you do on a frozen lake? GO for a dog sled ride!
Here's the inside of the hotel - impressive -
My toes were thankful to be INSIDE and not OUTSIDE.
Cool Photo example
love
Now to a great restaurant - where they had a play room for the kids - and apparently a TV on the other side of this window.
Q T pie
He found his Alma Mater
Cheers all!! We LOVED being with Liz, Tam, Seb and Winslow. Our families just fit together. They did so much to make us feel comfortable - but yet just let us enjoy life with them. WE are so fortunate to have them only 4 hours away for now. I know life for them seems to be ever changing as the science world is not what it once was. Where will they go next? What next, will they stay. Well since we are here, I hope they stay a bit longer as summer up there is ultra beautiful and another winter carnival sounds pretty awesome.
We cannot thank you enough guys. Everyone LOVED the weekend with you guys.
Stay warm.
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