Sun Valley 2011

Sun Valley was amazing.  It all started back at USU in a performing group I was in.  As part of being in the group we got to go to Sun valley, ID for 2 weeks for exchange for a full package vacation. Now that the group at USU is no more, there is a pool of past singers who jump at any spot that opens up to be able to go.  That is what happened this year for me. And I have been waiting 3 years.

Usually, SV is known for its celebrities, but this year, maybe because of the no snow issue (kind of a bummer for the resort) they all cancelled their plans and wend somewhere with snow! So these were our only sighted, as far as I know, "celebrities".  Ice skaters Sasha Cohen, and Evan Lysacek. They performed at an ice show which we were the opening number.  SV's year round outdoor ice rink is renowned apparently to where gold medalists like to perform and train there.

And this is the amazing man that makes it all happen.  Derek Furch, besides being an amazing arranger, director, is one amazing person whom I call family.  All of us are family.  This was Derek's 29th year bringing up the Carolers.  His family doesn't know a Christmas away from SV and his grand kids are following in the same wonderful tradition!

Self shot from the iPhone.

The lobby of the Inn where we stayed.  It is beautiful.  What perks we have!

They produce these amazing ice sculptures all around the village.  This one is a huge throne. 

Eli loved going outside, especially without his winter coat.  There was hardly any snow, and it was cold!

Here are the kids in the village.  There are shops and restaurants and the Inn and Lodge Hotels. It is very quaint and cozy.

The lights in the village are beautiful.

Eli's first time ice skating. 

Eli "practiced" skiing for the first time in our back yard in preparation for SV.

And finally we are off on the bus to Eli's first day of ski school.  He was soooo excited!

The magic carper, a great invention.

But his favorite activity was the groomed tubing hill.  He was known on the hill for being a little "speed demon". He always wanted to to go fast, and to spin.

And of course another magic carpet to get up to the tubing hill..  All of these activities cost money, but as a caroler, me and my family get to do them all for FREE!!!! How awesome is that?

Up the mountain on the gondola!

Scared or excited?

  

We all loved it.

This is the staircase to the newly renovated and historic Roundhouse lodge and restaurant.

Me and Elijah at the top of the mountain!

There are tons of cool things in the neighboring town, Ketchum.  We found these cool huts made of sticks and twigs.

And a giant chair.

 

Apart from eating free at the employee cafeteria, we got a food gift card to eat out at the restaurants every day as well.  The food is so delicious.

This was at the Konditerei.

This is a funny story.  At Gretchen's, a restaurant in the village, we thought this was Robert Downy Jr.  Turns out it was not.

 

Kate and I had a tea party while I worked on some music.  We had all day to do what ever we want until about 5:30 for call to carol around the village and in the restaurants.

Travis could only be there the last week and I had my parents and in-laws come to help.  It was great to have them there, but we sure missed daddy!

We love to hit the thrift shops there.  They have great stuff and prices.

At which, we totally scored this radio flyer for $25!!!!

Another ice sculpture.

Christmas morning.  It was a good day.

On the 31st, we headed home.  The two weeks went by fast, but we were ready to come home.  But the kids were already asking that same day when could we go back to Sun Valley?  Well, hopefully next year!!!

The next day at church.  Being there, together, with nothing to do but to just spend time together really opened my eyes to how I need to be spending my time- WITH MY FAMILY.   So that is my goal for this year...FAMILY FIRST.

Posted in: extra notions, family