Getting the kids and Brazilian(s) out

This was a great fun day a few weeks ago. We had some friends come out for some dogsledding, skijoring, skiing AND toboganning. Yes, all in one day! Nothing like packing a whole winter of sports into one afternoon. One of the reasons was that Sarah's boyfriend (now husband), Edi, was from Brazil and spent a couple of months here in the dead of winter while awaiting the arrival of their new baby, Elis. Poor Edi was thrust into -30C weather, but you never saw the smile leave his always-happy face! What a sport. So he tried to pack a lot of winter activities that he hadn't tried yet into this afternoon, which was only a few days before they headed back down to Brazil.


Here is Sharon's daughter, Kataya, attempting to skijor with Jack (or Harris?) and Ray following in behind. Sarah and Edi.


Gracie and Lucy attempted to pull the kids first. I thought it would be the safest option. It looks like Tanner was about to wipe out here as Sharon lunges to grab him!


It went ok, a bit chaotic at the bottom of the hill...

Lucy trots along, "what is slowing me down? Oh yeah, that kid hanging on to me..."

Note Gracie in behind, not pulling so much. Rather standing and watching. Well, really, it IS uphill!! Kataya got a *bit* annoyed with Gracie's attitude. Like "um, why don't you pull ME Kataya?" is what that dog of mine was thinking.


Tanner sports some Olympic-style splits. Oh to be 7 years old and that flexible. Yet he's STILL hanging on!!!!


Kataya rocks the skis, who needs dogs?!?!




Whupps, wipeout! Looks like Gracie is laughing!


Gracie looks at Kataya, "Aren't we done yet? Heck, I've pulled you for like 20ft, what more do you want!!?? And where's my treat? I don't work for free, y'know."


I give Gracie a talking to, and look - she slowly trots up the hill. Kataya looks less than impressed.


That's George loose, trying to distract Gracie. I'm not sure how she got loose, but this crew is horrible when I only take one or two out of the pen. Soon after, they ALL find a way out to join us.


So, as you can see, this wasn't all that thrilling for the kids. The thought having Lucy and Gracie pull the kids, was that "they won't kill them!" But kids being kids were like "they're not fast enough! I want Harris to pull me" said Kataya after she met him. Ok, Harris actually weighs more than her so is that really a good idea? So we gave it a try, 'cause you want to make the kids happy! I have no pictures of this, since I think at the time I was inside helping lone mom-of-twins, Heather with two screaming babies, but I know Harris and Jack were a little wild and strong at the beginning. After some help at the start (they were ripping the kids arms off as they lunged to go!) everyone figured it out. Jack & Harris got less crazy and kind of figured out just to trot uphill with the kids. Those dogs are soooo smart! :)


How can you not love this shot! Adelaide wide-eyed at Gracie. Adelaide thinks "Ack! That's a bit close!" whereas Gracie is thinking "mmmm.... I can see (and smell) that milk drooling down her chin..."


I intervene and get Gracie OFF of the baby.

This was the non-dog team - of Kataya, Ray and mushers Heather and Tanner. Sled riders Adelaide and Sarah.

Those *dogs* were pretty good, but they complained too much. No fish heads for them!


The slackers, riding the runners as usual... ;)


Sarah, totally helping out Edi as he wipes out for the 500th time. He is no quitter!


Sarah still not helping Edi out. Wait a sec, I'm not either. And it's quite evident I'm taking pictures too. Poor guy. We just laughed...


He's a good sport, as he tries the hill again.


This time donning the Brazilian flag!


I can definitely say that this was the first time someone has skiied down the meadow wearing a Brazilian cape.


Sarah shows off Elis, who had a couple sled rides that day, and skied with her mom. Didn't even wake up when mom fell on her butt.


The baby trio - Elis, and the twins.


They were so content, Heather and Ray snuck them in the cabin in the sled.

We're off for more tours this weekend. FOR THE LOCALS: If you're around and looking for some FREE dog sled rides, c'mon out to the Beringia Centre! We are having a FREE Open House as well, in conjunction with the Transportation Museum. FREE admission to both, with draws for prizes and snacks as well!! Wow, now that's a deal that can't be beat eh? AND! There is FREE snow in the forecast! Nice. See you there!