Christmas Day IN THE SNOW!

Christmas Day in Denver was a beautiful clear, cool day with a mild 50F (10C).  We decided that since it was still spring weather, and we had no family obligations since Australia already experienced Christmas Day, we would go to the snow.

 We were invited to the Ballard's home on Christmas Eve to join in with their family traditions.  Another family from our ward was also there and after eating dinner and playing a couple of Christmas games we re-enacted out the nativity with full costumes (no tea towels around the head, oh no!!) script and carols.  Rick & I were Joseph and Mary, Tom was one of the wise men and Sarah was the star shining brightly.  For this she had to shine a torch light on a silver star above us (Mary & Joseph) at the appropriate time! After which, we had dessert.  This was a lovely evening with new friends and their children.  We not only enjoyed their kindness and gifts, we received advice on snow fields and all the snow clothing we needed, since clearly you shouldn't go to the snow just rugged up!!  At home again, we were able to skype and talk to Michael, Karlie, Nathan, Chloe, Zayla & Deb and her family.  That was really nice, as well as to talk to Nanna, and my sister and parents in Perth.  (Such a contrast, 39C in Perth!)

So Christmas morning was spent opening our small presents to each other, sharing our traditional Christmas breakfast (complete with summer fruits found in Australia but came mostly from Central America!) and then headed out to Copper Mountain.  We had booked a 12 noon session on the Tubing Hill.  Copper Mountain was about 1 hr 10mins away and it was a lovely drive into the Rocky Mtns and very exciting as we first glimpsed some snow and then became surrounded by this white world.  It is so spectacular, white against the vast blue expanse of the sky with blankets of fir trees seemingly draped down the mountain sides with white caps of snow dotting their branches.  Very beautiful. On arriving and finding the 'free' car park, we were joined immediately with other car loads, the car park filled amazingly quickly as snow enthusiasts made a beeline for the shuttles that take you out to the resort.  Recently, there has been heavy snowfalls on the Rocky's leaving the Colorado plain dry and mild.  Snowfalls have been up to 10ft, well over 2m.  This you have to understand, was a very exciting moment for us, but especially for Tom & Sarah who have never seen this white stuff before!! We arrived at the entrance to the hill 30mins early, and just decided to wait and watch.  But when an attendant came, Rick & Tom persuaded him to let us start early, given that we were from Australia, never seen snow before and it was Christmas!!  So we had 90 mins on the hill flying down each of the four tracks in tubes that were a bit like tyre tubes but with a bottom and handles.  It was amazingly fun, exhilarating and very exhausting!!  Voted 'the best Christmas ever!' by Tom & Sarah!  I experienced great speed, spins, motion sickness, and sidesplitting fun as we were hurtled down the runs (each varying in speed) by very enthusiastic attendants.  We went down as singles on our own or doubled, or all four, linked together by hands or feet in various positions ie, backwards, on stomachs, forwards facing in, as a train and so on.  Wow! often being on the end, I recieved all the 'spray' from the snow arriving at the bottom breathless, giddy and exhilarated!  (Actually, not at all Grandma behaviour!!)  This was incredible fun, and has given us all a taste of the snow. 


Passing through a 2 mile tunnel on the I-70 on the way to Copper Mountain





Emerging from the tunnel to face a white white world!!





First time in the snow!!



Sarah and Rick at the top of the slope. (She loves her Dad!)



Michelle on the 'escalator' having a ride back up the slope

Tom and Sarah at the top of the run.  (The small 'ginger bread houses' in the background)

After the tubing hill we went for a wander around the resort and found 'fields' of untouched snow.  It was so beautiful.  It looked like fields of white pavlova.  Leaving the paths, you think you could just walk over it.  No, mistake! Trying to walk on it only found yourself sinking into soft white 'powder' up to your thighs, an incredible experience!  We all had a lot of fun trying, then falling into and wrestling in the snow.  Its very cold and very wet actually!  Nice to eat though, like a slushy without the flavour! We are very ready to have a go at snowboarding and skiing next!  Christmas lunch consisted of a grilled chicken burger each and some root beer from the resort 'diner'!!



Amazing icicles.  The chalets look like actual gingerbread houses from the slope!



Tom sunk thigh deep in 'powder' snow

Sarah also having fun! Unfortunately the camera battery went flat after this shot :(

We arrived back in Denver with an hour to get cleaned up before going to Jan Luse's home for Christmas Dinner.  She is the coordinator for the exchanges here in Denver and has actually had 2 exchanges in Adelaide.  It was great meeting her family and talking with people who actually knew not only where Adelaide is but who also went to Magill PS!!  Jan taught at Para Hills and Lockleys and lived in Magill and Cheltenham.  (Small world!) We had a lovely evening.

This was a lovely day despite being so far from our children, grandchildren and family which we miss.  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Nearly Christmas!

Thursday, 23 Dec 2010

Just to add to the day, Rick & I went for a drive to discover Deseret Book and to find the Temple.  We had a lovely mooch around the shop.  We went back tonight to the Temple to do a session.  Its a beautiful Temple, a bit larger than Sydney but with a similar layout, many more rooms!  A session is going every half an hour every day and seems very busy!  It was really lovely to go at Christmas time and focus on the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of our Saviour and for Him making the way possible for us all to be able to return to our Heavenly Father once more.

It is also a wonderful time to ponder, think of and pray for my family as we are all so far apart this year.  The Temple brings us close again after all, 'Families are Forever..'  We are especially blest this year to share Elder Bennallack's experiences in the MTC.  We hope this truely is a sacred Christmas for you Jonathon.

It is not forcast to snow on Christmas, but we have booked a toboggan session at Copper Mountain on Christmas Day at lunchtime since there is just the four of us.  This should be a fun introduction to the snow.  We will be more adventurous later, apparently the snow is quite heavy until about March..

Here are a couple of woeful pics of the Christmas lights as we drove through the neighbourhood, but an ok one of the Temple..  (I do love how even the trees and shrubbery are lit up too!)

 



Denver Temple

 I mentioned we bought ourselves a tree last night from "King Soopers" the local supermarket for $15.00.  Its a fir of some kind, smells like pine but is very thick like a bush with a lovely shape.  We bought 8 baubles for $2 and small box of lights.  Oh well, it feels a bit like Christmas now, I especially like the strand of evergreen and lights for the mantle - goes nicely with the fire.. Yes, its very cold out!!

We have a few little gifts under the tree from family that we bought over in our hand luggage.  Thanks everyone and we wish you all a very safe, and happy Christmas! xx

Settling in

We have now been in Denver for a whole week.  It took us a few days to stop feeling tired, and we are still not sure if this if due to jet-lag, residual exhaustion or the thin air.  Denver city is a mile above sea level.  Anyway, by about last Saturday after a lovely long sleep in we were all feeling like ourselves again.
We have had fun getting our bearings and can find our way around our local area quite well now.  I went for a walk by myself yesterday and managed to find my way home again, a great accomplishment, because I truely felt like I had no sense of direction at all!! 

We live in a subdivision called 'Governor's Ranch'.  Every home is 2-storey.  And all would have basements!  Our home is lovely.  We are extremely comfortable with the central heating.  The kids wear t-shirts inside.  Today the temp is 46 F which is 8 C with an overnight low of -3 C.  We haven't had any more snow since last Friday although there was a sprinkling last night.  The locals are all complaining that its so unusually mild, so it doesn't look like Denver will have a white Christmas this year.  However, on the mountains about an hour from here, they have received 6-8ft of powder snow. Apparently great for skiing.  We have had all sorts of advice about going to the snow and what resorts to go to.  We thought we would go and have a look on Christmas Day and perhaps try some tobogganing first before we have another go at snowboarding and skiing. 

At first being here felt so surreal, now I feel I am in America.  This is a complete change of scenery, no gum trees, but lots of Aspens and evergreens.  The grass is brown, evidently the frost and snow brown it off. But the days are cold and  clear and yes, I have invested in some thermals from Wal-Mart.  Speaking of which, must be one of our favourite shops!  The prices are incredibly cheap, which is helpful to us.  The first visit, we bought some warm tops and Sarah and I stocked up on makeup.  Lipstick for .93c !!  Maybelline is half the cost that it is in Australia.  We have been sharing and trying to make our supplies last until we got here, but I am so happy to say we have our own now!! (Trivial I know, but very nice!)

Everywhere we have gone, we have found the people to be very friendly, courteous and helpful.  Once you get past the accent!!  I am getting used to that too!  Seriously, we went to a farewell get together last Saturday night with all of Barb & Ken's friends who were so nice to us.  Even the kids had a great time.  We have offers of borrowing ski things whenever we want and received an invite for dinner on Christmas night.  On Sunday at Church we were made so very welcome.  It's like an instant social network where you feel so at home with all things familiar. 

On Monday night we went with a family we met on Sunday to 'Elvis Cinemas'. It's and older cinema which shows movies that have been out for a while.  We saw R.E.D (Retired Extremely Dangerous) starring Bruce Willis for $3.50 each.  If you go before 6pm the movies are $2.50.  I think the drinks & popcorn cost more than the tickets!  Sarah actually researched this cinema before we left so it was cool to actually go to it!  Afterwards, Tom went ice-blocking with some boys he met, one lives 2 doors up. Tuesday night they were going to go ice skating but ended up watching movies and yesterday they managed the iceskating (on an open rink) and then spent quite some time throwing rocks at a frozen pond trying to crack the ice!!  They also visited the Columbine Memorial, which was a moving experience bringing what they had learned virtually into reality.
Yesterday there was a knock at the door and a young mum who I didn't see at church but lives just down the street, introduced herself to us and invited us over Christmas Eve with a couple of other families to share in their Christmas traditions.!  People are soo kind!

Our home is 4 bedroom, the main with an ensuite and walk-in robe(room), upstairs has a main bathroom, there is a small bathroom downstairs and Sarah and I discovered only the other day another bathroom in the basement!!  (That actually adds up to a toilet each!!)   I love the basement idea, there are so many nooks and crannies!  I am finding my way around the kitchen and laundry and hope Barb can to the same ok when they get to our place.  The back yards are interesting.  Every yard is open with just wooden posts and rails.  There is a green area and path separating the homes at the back. 

The front of our house, 9183 West Prentice Ave, with the car we get to drive!

Looking up the street, Aspens, Firs and 2-storey houses

Looking at the back of our house

Every morning I have stood in the kitchen and watched the squirrels play in the back yard /walkway.  They scamper from the pines along the fences and yards playing some sort of game.  Ken says they are a pest, but I think they are fascinating and wish Chloe and Zayla could watch them with me, they would love it!! 

Can you spot  the squirrel?  (See also the fences?)

Tom, Sarah and Rick have joined the local Gym!! I think I might stick to the walking, the neighbourhood is very lovely.  They are just coming back now, so we are off to do some more exploring.  Today would be Christmas Eve in Australia, so tomorrow I look forward to skyping with Karlie, Michael and the rest of the family..  (We bought a tree last night and a set of lights! ) I'll make sure I take some photos of our street tonight and post them so you can all see the beautiful lights. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Arrival in Denver

WOW!  We are actually here!  It's happened!! We had a long journey, but travelling overnight wasn't too bad.  Poor Sarah travelled poorly and threatened to empty the contents of her belly.  She was given a motion sickness tablet that helped little, she was glad to get to Denver.  When we arrived at San Francisco, the line to customs took a while, there were so many people!  But surprisingly, the actual process through customs didn't take that long, however it was a scurry to the domestic terminal to catch the connecting flight to Denver.  We only just had enough time.  On the flight to Denver, we were all separated. I sat between 2 black young men. One was a college student going home for Christmas connecting another flight in Denver and the other was a member of some music band.  (Tom was telling them all about us!) We have found the people very friendly so far. One international airport starts to look like another, and we were glad to arrive.  We were met by Barb & Ken Wolma eventually! By the time we headed for their home, it was completely dark.  'Home' is about 45 mins on the freeway heading south.  The Christmas lights are really lovely.  The street we live on is like Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills!  After slow starts, we have visited Columbine High School to enrol Sarah.  After some deliberation, they will also accept an enrolment for Tom despite him having just finished HS.  We also managed to open bank accounts despite not having a social security number.  The tricky thing is proving we live at this address since with the exchange program we continue to pay for our own bills and so don't have anything with this address on it.  The accent is crazy!!  Very loud and drawly!! We stand out the minute we open our mouths :)  The kids are especially enjoying this! 

Both Rick & Tom have had a go at driving, but I'm not game yet!  We had fun visiting South West Plaza, a huge shopping centre about 5 mins nearby. Coming home it took us about 25mins, we got so lost! ha! ha! Had to ask somebody, but had a great drive around the neighbourhood looking at all the pretty lights while trying to get our bearings!!  It gets dark early, by 5pm its very dark.

Last night we had fun grocery shopping.  Such alot of convenience foods, but great prices.  We went at about 10pm, a tad COLD so probably not the ideal time to grocery shop!




This is what everything looked like as Rick drove to work at 7.15am

 

I wonder where this landed?  Mum or Sarah?  Sarah won..



This morning (Friday 17 Dec) we have woken up to a white world.  Everything was covered in a blanket of snow. It has since melted mostly away, but not before Tom & Sarah experienced the snow for the first time.  It is very very cold (like the inside of a walk in freezer) but very pretty.  Very stereotype Christmas, not one we are familiar with, but very nice.  Its really starting to feel like Christmas with the snow and the lights, but I do feel very far away from home (probably because I am!).

New Zealand

Rick's brother Paul & wife Andrea, and Rachael live in beautful Takapuna in Auckland.  We were thoroghly spoiled by their generosity and hospitality. 

Paul & Andrea

John in charge of the BBQ

We were also able to catch up with my brother John and his wife Tania and Anna-Louise and Anton.  It was lovely to share a BBQ lunch together and learn some ROSS family history.  So many skeletons in the closet!  Thanks John.



Tania, Michelle, Anton, Anna-Louise, Tom Sarah & John



On Monday morning, 13 December, we headed south through Hamilton to Cambridge to visit my Grandma and introduce Tom & Sarah to their Great Grandma Ross.  What an amazing lady she is. Grandma is 96, she will be 97 in February 2011.  We talked for some time then went for a stroll to the lake which is actually an extinct shield volcano. Afterwards took her to lunch at the Albert for a pub lunch.  The portions were enormous!  Grandma then showed us where the cemetary is.  I had never been there, so had not ever seen where Grandad was buried over 20 years ago.  We had trouble finding the grave, it wasn't where Grandma thought it was, so that was a confusing time for her until we found it for her.  It was just so nice to spend some time with her. 

Me and my Grandma, I never thought I'd get to see her again!

Grandma insisting she is 'quite sturdy' walking with Sarah

Tom with his serve of spare ribs!!



Grandad Ross's gravesite, found amongst the Retuned Servicemen.



The cross country jaunt around the grave yard was tiring for her so we left her to rest and took the kids out to Waignaro Springs which is about 23 km outside of Ngaruawahia, a small town north of Hamilton.  This is a place of memories for me, my family came quite a few times when we lived here.  The place has not changed much in over 30 years except to add a huge TV outside, paint the swimming pools a very bright blue and take away the diving log which have been replaced by some slides.  We had a great time relaxing in the hot water. 

Men at war with Tom the victor!

Not really a hug, ulterior motives!!

Back to Hamilton, to Temple View actually where we stayed overnight.  We were in time to see the Christmas lights being turned on for the night.  Carols and the lights are a nightly thing every year at Christmas time.  It was very spectacular.

Tuesday morning found us at the Temple which was really nice.  There was a group from the Cook Is, so we joined them.  Temple View is outside of Hamilton surrounded by farmlands.  It is very peaceful and beautiful.

I was able to spend some more time with Grandma in the afternoon before heading back to Auckland.  Words cannot describe how wonderful it was to see her once more.  She is very eloquent and has a quick wit.  She doesn't miss much although she certainly has aged since I last saw her 6 years ago, and her hearing has dimmed a little.  I just loved visiting Grandma.





Wednesday, 15 December 2010.  Happy Anniversay Rick!  26 years!

Wednesday turned out to be a very long day.  It began by packing and repacking our luggage.  We were all heavy, but distributed our things thanks to the extra suitcase we replaced Sarah's with. After farewelling the Auckland Bennallack's we were picked up by the Airport shuttle about 3pm. The van had a breakdown on the way to the airport and we had to transfer to another along with the other passengers picked up, but we arrived in good enough time to check in.  Our lugguge is alot!!  And yes it cost us again to San Francisco and again on the Denver leg.  We paid for it in Auckland in NZ $ which actually saved some since the NZ$ is doing very poorly against the Aussie Dollar.  We finally boarded and the long flight began!  Wow!  we are actually going!  It sure has been excellent to rest in New Zealand.  I certainly recommend a visit to this beautiful country to anyone.  Its well worth the effort.









First Leg - AUCKLAND!

Time to go -  BYE EVERYONE!!
  

Grandma & Zayla





Nathan, Karlie & Zayla



Uncle Tom & Chloe



After a sleepless night for Rick, and not much more for me, then a tearful farewell, we have arrived in Auckland New Zealand.  The first leg of our journey.  How nice to enter on my New Zealand passport!  The Customs Officer said "oh, you didn't go and settle down with an Aussie did you?"  Auckland is a beautiful city, it's so nice to show Tom and Sarah my country.

The first small dilema, Sarah's new suitcase was damaged after its first use! Yes, her Barbie pink one! It was replaced by Baggage Claim with a slightly smaller, red one!  Nice service Air New Zealand. 

In the end, we actually got it replaced completely by warranty in Auckland.

A very tiring last month, it sure is nice to arrive at Paul and Andrea's and look forward to some sleep..