1.  Mom, Dad, Eli and his younger brother Simon spent a snowy week in Leavenworth Washington, a Bavarian town.
2.  We went sledding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, built a snow cave and went hunting for polar bears. 
3.  At night we played cards and watched "Aristocats" and episodes of "Bluey". 
4.  We each got a stuffed animal.  Eli named his cougar stuffie "Sandcat Marie".  Simon named his white wolf stuffie "Foof". 
5.  We had a great time but I was happy to get back to our home in Seattle afterwards. 

The Snowflake Squad

Eli and Simon playing in the snow, surrounded by a snowy winter wonderland in the magical town of Leavenworth.

Once upon a time, in the magical town of Leavenworth, Mom, Dad, Eli, and Simon arrived for a snowy adventure. The town was covered in a thick blanket of snow, making everything look like a winter wonderland. Eli, who was three years old, couldn't wait to explore the snow with his little brother Simon. Mom and Dad promised a week full of fun and exciting activities. The family was ready to make unforgettable memories together.

A Snowy Adventure Begins

Eli and Simon sledding down a snowy hill, with Dad cheering and Mom taking pictures.

The first day, the family went sledding on the snowy hills. Eli and Simon giggled as they zoomed down the slopes. Dad cheered them on, and Mom took pictures to capture the fun. Everyone took turns racing down the hill, trying to go faster each time. It was a day filled with laughter and snowy smiles.

Sledding Fun

Eli learning to ski with Dad's help, while Mom holds Simon watching with wide eyes.

The next day, the family decided to try skiing. Eli was excited to learn how to ski like a pro. Dad helped him put on his skis, while Mom held Simon, who watched with wide eyes. They all learned to glide over the snow, feeling like winter explorers. It was a thrilling experience for everyone.

Skiing Adventures

Eli and Simon helping Dad build a snow cave, with Mom decorating the entrance with icicles.

On the third day, the family built a snow cave. Eli and Simon helped Dad dig through the snow, creating a cozy little hideout. Mom decorated the entrance with icicles, making it look like a magical castle. Inside, they had a little picnic and pretended they were in an ice kingdom. The snow cave became their special spot for the rest of the trip.

Building a Snow Cave

Eli and Simon pretending to hunt polar bears in a snowy forest, with Mom and Dad making bear sounds.

One chilly afternoon, the family went on a pretend polar bear hunt. Eli and Simon imagined they were brave explorers searching for polar bears in the snowy forest. They found animal tracks and followed them, giggling all the way. Mom and Dad played along, making bear sounds and adding to the excitement. Although they didn't find any real bears, the adventure was unforgettable.

Polar Bear Hunt

Eli and Simon snuggled up with their stuffed animals watching 'Aristocats' and 'Bluey', with Mom and Dad nearby.

Every night, the family gathered around to play cards and watch movies. Eli loved watching 'Aristocats' and episodes of 'Bluey' with Simon. They snuggled up with their stuffed animals, feeling warm and cozy. Mom and Dad enjoyed the quiet time, sharing stories and laughter. These evenings became a cherished part of their snowy adventure.

Evening Entertainment

Eli with 'Sandcat Marie' and Simon with 'Foof', their stuffed animals, playing in the snow.

During the trip, each family member got a special stuffed animal. Eli named his cougar stuffed animal 'Sandcat Marie', and Simon chose a white wolf named 'Foof'. The stuffed animals joined them on all their adventures, becoming part of the Snowflake Squad. Eli and Simon loved taking their new friends everywhere, even to the snow cave. The stuffed animals were a reminder of their magical trip.

Stuffed Animal Friends

Eli hugging 'Sandcat Marie' and Simon cuddling 'Foof' in the back of a car, snow-covered mountains in the background.

After a week of snowy fun, it was time to head back to Seattle. Eli and Simon were sad to leave but excited to share their adventures with friends. Mom and Dad promised they would return to Leavenworth for more snowy fun next year. As they drove home, Eli hugged Sandcat Marie and Simon cuddled Foof, feeling grateful for their wonderful family trip. It was a vacation filled with love, laughter, and snowy memories.