| My husband and I have always tried to take time off in | | | | The lodge had a dining area, bar and large game room |
| the summer as well as the winter. We plan our | | | | with pool tables, arcade games and tables to play |
| vacations around ourchildren's school schedule. The | | | | board games. Theirselection of board games was |
| summer months are generally easier to arrange due to | | | | huge. The lodge was beautifully decorated for the |
| the extended length of time that schoolis not in session, | | | | holidays. We arrived at the lodge at 5:00PM. |
| however the holiday breaks and spring breaks are | | | | We unpacked our bags and then went to have dinner |
| generally harder to plan for. Several years ago | | | | together. We played a board game after dinner then |
| wedecided that we would look into ski vacations to | | | | went back to our chaletand spent time in the hot tub. |
| take over the holiday break. Our children were ten and | | | | The next day we skied and went into town for |
| twelve years old atthe time and they enjoy skiing. | | | | groceries. It was a magical week that I know |
| My husband found a good deal on two ski vacations. | | | | mychildren will remember for the rest of their lives. |
| The only problem was that the flight was on | | | | This year my husband is again checking out ski |
| Christmas day evening. Thatyear Christmas fell on a | | | | vacations. Our oldest childis a senior in high school this |
| Monday so we celebrated with my side of the family | | | | year, so this may be our last family trip during the |
| on Saturday evening, his side of the family on | | | | holiday time. We have not gone back tothat first lodge |
| Sunday and we had our own family Christmas | | | | again; partly because of the expense and partly |
| Monday morning prior to heading out to the airport. We | | | | because the time was so perfect that I doubt that it |
| bought each of the kids aportable CD player that year | | | | can beduplicated. This year Christmas falls on a |
| so that occupied their time during the flight. The ski | | | | Monday again. My husband feels that this is a sign that |
| package that we purchased included a twobedroom | | | | we should repeat theskiing package. Our children are |
| chalet with a kitchen and living room area. There was | | | | excited about doing this also. That had been their |
| a hot tub that fit six people on a raised platform area | | | | favorite time out of the ski vacations wehave taken. |
| in theliving room. The hot tub over looked the | | | | The price has gone up considerably, but we have |
| mountains and one of the skiing runs. The chalet was | | | | decided that this will be our Christmas present. I am |
| a short walk to the main lodge. | | | | lookingforward to a special time with my family. |