Monday, January 3, 2011

Hooray For Vaca! {part 1}

This Christmas was a rough one for me. It was the first one without my mom and everywhere I went and everything I did sent painfully reminders that she is gone. I tried to make the best of it because I know that Christmas was her favorite time of year and she would have wanted it that way.

Thankfully, my in-laws had arranged a family vacation to Colorado back in the spring which proved to be a very nice distraction.

Have you ever gone dogsledding? If you're anything like me, when you hear the term, you probably picture a warmly dressed person in animal pelts behind a group of dogs making their way across snowy Alaska.

By the way, have you watched any of the Sarah Palin's Alaska series? Love it!

Ok, back to dogsledding. We had the privilege of going with Alpine Adventures, Inc while in Colorado. What a great group of people! They currently have 103 dogs, each one looks different and of course, have their own personality. One thing they have in common though, is their desire to pull! Watching them get chosen to be the ones on your team is a treat. They spring high into the air and bark continuously until you're on your way.

{and please don't leave comments about animal abuse. I am a HUGE animal lover. These dogs are well cared for. I wouldn't have supported this venture if I thought otherwise}

I fell in love with one particular dog named Quebec. It was SnuggleFest 2010 for she and I.



My husband and I were given a quick lesson in mushing and we strapped the boys in for our trek across the open range. The boys enjoyed taking turns riding in the sled. Cozy and warm.

The dogs just follow the path made by the snowmobile that our tour guide, Jeff, drove ahead of us.


{my cute mushing hubby}

Stacy and Jeff were so accomodating. They are SUPER with kids and taught my brother-in-law who has Down Syndrome how to mush. And even though he is a little nervous around dogs, found it fun and exciting.

{the boys with our guide, Jeff}


{ our oldest with his favorite dog, Glory}


...And here's your's truly mushing. Who would have ever thought? I told you I was distracted real good.


4 comments:

  1. Fun!!! I would love that, I'm sure of it.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I knew she was sick. I can only imagine how hard the "first" Christmas was for you.

    It sounds like this was the perfect distraction. I can't wait to see more pictures!

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  3. Wow! Amazing pictures! I love the one of you cuddling with your little friend, Quebec! Do you know where I can get one of those covers that J and H had to put around my carseat?

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  4. Hi hun, sounds incredibly fun!! My husband and I would love to do this! I love the picture of you and Quebec what a connection. It's amazing how animals can soothe and just seem to understand.

    Hugs to you my friend. Have a great day.

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