Big Bear

Every year we make a trip to Big Bear for the kids to play in the snow. We were not expecting any snow again this year so we took our climbing equipment instead. The night before, however, we had a freak storm that blew in. We got some much needed rain but we did not know quite what to expect in the mountains and preceded with our plans.

We were surprised to find a decent amount of snow on the ground.

The kids got to play in the fluffiest snow they have ever experienced since it just fell that night. Fresh snow coated the trees and there was at least a couple of inches on the ground. It was a really beautiful sight. There was not enough snow for us to have brought the sled or anything but the kids still had fun.

We did a bit of exploring and climbing in the Holcomb Valley area.

It was quite windy on top of the rock formation we had lunch on but we took shelter behind a big boulder and we had a fabulous view.

By mid afternoon though, most of the snow had already melted from most of the trees. Even a lot of the snow on the ground was gone. It was a really nice day. We had the whole valley to ourselves except for an hour or so when we were having lunch, a big group of really loud and obnoxious people came out for a while. Luckily, they didn't stay too long.

The main reason that we make this trip every year though is to celebrate our sealing anniversary. So we stop to have the kids visit the grounds of the temple, have dinner and spend time together as a family.

We generally come some time after the actual sealing date because Easter is always around the corner and they always close down the temple that time of year for cleaning and maintenance.