For the first time, our little family of four ventured alone to The Greenbrier for a few days after Christmas. This was a family tradition growing up for Beau, it's where we got engaged (exactly 10 years before), and now our kids look forward to it every year. Wade has started to ask, "do we get to go to the Greenbrier this Christmas?"
We were the only Benichs able to make the trip this year, but it was a really nice change of pace for us. It was kind of nice to see what a trip is like with just us. We drove up in the snow and ice and almost didn't make it alive! The entire drive, Wade kept saying, "I can't wait to catch some snowflakes in my mouth". So that was first on our agenda...
Bree couldn't take her eyes off her feet in the snow and then I realized she had never "walked" in snow before. She had seen it as a baby, but never played in it!
Sledding was next on the agenda. We got the last sled out of the gift shop!
Bree just enjoyed making tracks...
They serve High Tea @ 4pm
Our friends, Hamp & Kim, were able to steal a few days to enjoy the Greenbrier as well. We tried to not bombard them with our kids since they were enjoying a few quiet days away from their kids.
We kept the kids busy with lots of winter fun!!!
A SLEIGH RIDE
BOWLING
ICE SKATING
They had double bladed skates for the kids and it really made a difference. Wade was out there for HOURS (literally), going full speed, and having a blast. It was a sight to see!
INDOOR SWIMMING
Bree insisted on wearing her "C-wella" slippers everywhere she went. Even in the snow.
Keeping up our correspondence! Writing letters to family...
Beau went with Hamp & Kim on their off-roading Jeep adventure. I was happy to stay back with the kids for this one.
In the evenings, we ditched the kids (with a loving and responsible babysitter) and went to dinner and the casino with Hamp & Kim. It was great to have some adult time to balance the vacation!
Here we are in the room we got engaged in. It was the 10 year anniversary (to the day!) of our engagement!
On our last night, we got the kids all dressed up for pictures. We had to bribe Wade to keep the bow tie on, and at the end of the night we had to bribe Bree to take her dress off. She was in love with it!!
We told Wade to do a serious face. Here's what he came up with!
This just might be my new favorite picture of all time...
Enjoying the Carolers on our way to dinner...
CHEERS!!!
Playing our new favorite table game, TELEPHONE!
Bree putting her lip gloss (ketchup) on...
The Greenbrier all lit up at night! We've never been at any other time than Christmas, but I'm sure it doesn't get more beautiful than this.
Plan are in the works for a summer vacation here, but we'll always love it best at Christmas!!!
