weekend pics

we had gorgeous weather this weekend.  it truly felt like spring.  sun was shining, lots of people outdoors, daffodils in the ground (and vase) and family to enjoy it with.  melanie (my sister-in-law) and her oldest child, ruben, came for a weekend visit.  we managed to pack in alot in just 2 nights and 2 days.

we snowshoed in the sunshine.  i believe it was the clearest day i have had on grouse mountain this season.  it was so lovely to be outside.  the boys, kai and his cousin, managed the uphill climb to the very top, i was impressed.  and what's a romp in the snow without a snowball fight or two - the boys loved it.  as did the adults!

 

 

 

 

that hill ahead was one of two more to the very top

taking a rest before the final trek to the very top

finally, at the very top

sliding down the hills was a nice reward and lots of fun, of course

 

my favourite picture

i have noticed two things always happen when melanie visits.  one, we end up at granville island. two, we eat dessert.  both are always welcome.

we have been loving mangoes lately!

dessert from thomas haas

kai and his cousin ruben got on famously.  lots of playmobile and lego fun as well as loads of silliness.  i loved having the extra energy in the house.

 

i got some girl time too. melanie accompanied me to the theatre, we saw the importance of being earnest. it made fun of the late victorian social ways; it was very entertaining. we also managed to fit in a yoga class.

other happenings this weekend included the most delicious soup.  stefan has made the most delicious meals from the magazine cooks illustrated and it is here that he found the italian wedding soup recipe.  i have eaten many bowls of this soup at traditional italian weddings and although not quite the same it is a wonderful interpretation of the soup.  the broth smelled and tasted flavourful, not surprising as it was made from onions, fennel, garlic, and a load of other stuff. once the broth ingredients were removed, kale and pasta were added to cook in the pot of broth.  stefan finished it off with my mom's homemade meatballs.  we happily devoured it.