On Monday, we loaded up our SUV and headed for our first snow trip to Big Bear Lake in the mountains. The kids were excited about the chance to see snow for the first time; I was looking forward to a change of scenery; and Alan was jazzed about trying out his new tire chains.
The Lord arranged a great week for us to go--the weather report called for snow, snow and more snow! Initially, we were concerned about the conflicting highway reports. Cal Trans reported that a major highway into the mountains was closed due to the storm, but locals said that the highway was open as usual. Jonathan said, "If the highway is open, I am going to thank the Lord!" I asked him, "What are you going to do if the highway is closed?" He thought for a brief moment and replied, "I am still going to thank the Lord because it means He has a purpose for it." I loved his answer. It turns out the highway was open after all; thank You, Lord!
After a couple of hours of white-knuckled driving up steep and icy terrain, we finally reached Big Bear. Alan exclaimed, "This reminds me of Narnia!" The scene before us took my breath away; it was truly a winter wonderland. The frosted pine trees, the white caps on fence posts, the roofs displaying dazzling icicles, the snowflakes floating onto our windshield, listening to George Winston capture the mood of winter on piano--it was all a bit surreal for a former Hawaii girl.
Grace, like snowflakes, swirled around me.
We soon arrived at the snow-topped cabin. The kids were delighted to discover an adjacent hillside to play on, and they quickly suited up for their first foray into the snow. Squeals of delight were soon followed by flying snowballs, snow angels and exciting sled rides.
Can we go into the snow now?
Daniel started out saying, "No way!" but soon mustered
up enough courage to try sledding. His yell became,
"Do it again! Do it again!"
Jonathan fulfilling his need for speed.
Elizabeth invents the sled-less ride.
Alan and Daniel check if the coast is clear.
Daniel taking a break with his sled.
Tuesday morning brought a visit to the Moonridge Animal Park. Never before have we witnessed animals in such winter splendor. We tromped around in our snowboots and spotted mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, wolves, barn owls, bald eagles, and our favorites, grizzly bears wrestling in the snow.
A portrait of serenity.
A terrific time at the zoo.
Later that afternoon, the kids were back to sledding on the hill. Something strange happened. On one of the rides, almost in slow motion, Jonathan's sled twisted sideways at the bottom of the hill, and he hit the back of his head on a rock. He seemed fine at first, but when he began exhibiting signs of a concussion we decided to take him to the ER. The physician ran a CAT scan on him, and after reviewing it proclaimed Jonathan "okay." We knew he was feeling better when he started charming the nurses. ;-)
Most tourists bring home souvenirs like postcards and magnets; we brought home CAT scan x-rays and a hospital ID bracelet. Unlike his parents, Jonathan was thrilled about his impromptu "science class." He giggled, "Dad, you can't tease me about not having a brain any more because now I have proof that there is a brain in there!"
On Wednesday, in addition to more sledding, we visited the quaint shops in Big Bear Village. One cool store, The Book and Bean, had a whole section of homeschool books! Back at the cabin, we munched on Alan's favorite granola in front of the roaring fireplace while he and Jonathan played chess. We read aloud the true story of Snowflake Bentley and Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Though we've read these wonderful books before, they were even more enchanting in the midst of the snowfall around us.
I had visions of blogging from our snow-topped cabin, but the slow connection tried my patience. (I have empathy for my pals with dial-up!) Instead, Alan and I enjoyed reviewing each day's photos and taking turns reading The Schwarzbein Principle, a fascinating book on health, nutrition and aging.
On Thursday morning, we packed up our gear and savored our last journey into the snow.
Savoring the scenery.
A chilly reception from a new friend.
As if on cue, the changing weather signaled the end of our vacation. The sun appeared in full force and the pine trees began dropping surprise clumps of snow on our hooded heads. It was thawing, just like our beloved Narnia did when Aslan made his appearance!
Alan removed the tire chains, and we slowly winded our way down the mountain. As we said farewell to our snow-filled adventure and reflected on the precious memories of the past few days, we couldn't help but sing praises to God for His goodness all the way home.
"He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes." Psalm 147:16
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