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Dad came to visit us here in Vancouver at the end of January. We planned the whole trip around what was supposed to be an epic family weekend ski trip to Whistler. And then… it rained… A LOT.

Since everything was all prepaid we still tried to ski. The first day we were drenched by the time we got to the top of the mountain. And not just wet… I mean mittens saturated, puddles in elbows, hair dripping. It was gross. Plus it was hard to see because of the fog and the snow was super heavy and sticky. We only lasted until like 1PM and then we went back to the condo for lunch and showers and dry clothes. Poor Scott had chosen this day to pay for a full day snowboarding lesson, but somehow didn’t have as miserable time as we did. He said he learned lots and even took a few extra runs after the lesson was over. Go Scott!!

The next day we just decided to screw it and not ski. It was still pouring rain and all of our gear was still wet despite laying everything out on the heated bathroom floor and in front of the fireplace. Instead we hung around and played games and watched TV and I went to skeleton practice.

Thankfully the last day was a bit better. We were able to stay above the clouds most of the day and got to ski a bit more of the mountain. Dad helped Lauren with his skiing a bit and Scott showed off his sweet new moves. Rosemarie and I went off to ski a bit alone, and then Rosemarie and dad did a few runs alone too while I hung out with the noobs.

Dad and I ended up driving back on Tuesday to use up his last lift ticket since I had the day off work. It wasn’t raining, but it still wasn’t great because the snow was so heavy and the visibility was really bad. Dad fell on a green run and then we pretty much called it a day.

All in all, not the greatest ski vacation, but we still did manage to have lots of fun times. And at least he didn’t come this past weekend… because it’s way worse now. Man all the BC hills are having a terrible season.

Other things we did:

  • teach dad to play Settlers and Carcassonne
  • play lots of Wizard
  • trivia night at Falconetti’s (we dominated)
  • a tour of TRIUMF (dad nerded out!!! I think he should get a job there… so many employees in sweaters)
  • brought dad to watch me skeleton
  • eat sushi

It was nice hanging out with dad so much. Can’t wait until next time!

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After 9ish months of waiting, Scott was granted Canadian citizenship.

The ceremony was okay, as ceremonies go. Quite organized and efficient. But the way the room was set up it was very difficult to get nice pictures. Scott was actually as far away as possible from where I was forced to sit. Ah well.

They all had to say their names, repeat the oath (I did as well) and sing the national anthem before receiving their citizenship certificates. Then a quick photo with the judge, and then done!

After work we had a party at our house. We had butter tarts, maple cookies, ketchup chips, Canadian chocolate bars, poutine, tourtiere, pâté chinois, Canada Dry, and a whole lot of Canadian Club and Molson Canadian. We had a maple leaf cutting out competition and a citizenship test leaderboard, and an epic Canadian music playlist. Scott and I enjoyed ourselves immensely, and I hope everyone else did as well.

Next step: passport! And then an effortless trip across the border, just because we can.

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The view from the top of the track in Whistler.

I spent the weekend helping out with the ICC and NAC skeleton races. They had me wiping runners, measuring temperatures, timing the ice box, folding clothes and more. It was actually more work than I expected, especially the first day, but it was a good way to learn FIBT rules so I don’t accidentally disqualify myself in the future. Plus I got to watch dozens of athletes push off the block, which was super motivating.

I especially liked how supportive everyone was to the Korean slider who was still very new to sliding and especially the (challenging) Whistler track. Everyone still cheered her on to slide smart and slide her best even though she only tentatively ran off the block. It was the same when I was in Calgary last year, and it’s so helpful. There are some great people in skeleton.

I had an awesome sliding session on Friday night. My coach and I are now actively in the process of getting me ready to slide from the top. He told me a new thing to try in corner 7 and I got it right in my second run and went right through the straightaway (corner 8) without tapping and right into corner 9 cleanly. It was the first time EVER I have gone through 8 without hitting and it felt amazing. I cheered to myself as I went through corner 9. So good. Hopefully I can replicate it next week.

IN OTHER NEWS…

Today is Scott’s last day as only an Australian. We are going to his citizenship ceremony tomorrow morning!!! So exciting!!! Then we’re having a little party at our house in the evening.

And dad is arriving on Wednesday!!!

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Ferrero Rocher bubble tea. OM NOM NOM. 8 trillion grams of fat and sugar and deliciousness. This bubble tea is intense. I don’t even want to know how many Ferrero Rochers they use per drink… it must be a lot. There’s a whole one on top, plus whipped cream and pearls. The whole thing is ridiculous, and ridiculously good. It’s a good thing Bubble Queen is way out in Richmond otherwise I’d be tempted to get one way more often.

Don’t worry about the line out the door, they are very efficient and you shouldn’t have to wait too long.

Bubble Queen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Southern Crab Cake Benny – crab cakes, avocado, hollandaise, home fries

Pulled Beef Brisket Hash – beef brisket, black beans, chile verde, home fries, poached eggs

We went to Chewies for brunch a couple weeks ago. Both dishes were rich, indulgent, tasty. But it’s no Screen Door. If we had gone to Chewies first, and then Screen Door, everything would be fine. But nope, Southern-style brunch has been ruined for us. Nothing will top that amazing brunch we had in Portland.

Chewies Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato