Thursday morning, the 18th of December was the first day of winter break -but it also would be known as "Snowpocalypse: Day 1"

I can't take credit for the name "Snowpocalypse". I heard it from a friend, and it pretty much described what happened up here in the Pacific Northwest that week.

We awoke that morning to a fresh blanket of snow, the first snowfall of the year. It was only 6-8 inches deep, but falling fast in thick, clumpy flakes.

Normally this would have been exciting and fun, but we were supposed to drive up to Nicole's parent's house up in Surrey, BC that day.

So by the time the two cars were loaded we started off, it was 11:30 am, there was another 6 inches of snow on the ground, and it showed no signs of stopping. We made our way slowly navigating the deserted streets out of town and onto the I-5.

Once on the 5, the road surface was somewhat clear, but traffic was moving at about half-speed. There were times when it was nearly white-out, and the road surface was totally white. The two lanes became one big lane, and it was a little chaotic.

But we eventually made it safely, a trip that normally takes an hour and 40 minutes took us almost 4 hours.

Once we reached the safety of the Carey house, we started a fire, and played Rock Band 2 as more snow fell outside. Within a couple of days there was another two feet of snow outside! The driveway had to be shoveled 5 times.

It was definitely the whitest Christmas ever, and hopefully one that Elliot will remember. We sure will.

The break was long and super-relaxing. We had a lot of time to just hang around in our pajamas, play with Elliot, sip coffee, watch movies, and play games. We didn't go out much because of the weather, but that was ok. We had everything we needed at the house.

On the 31st, Ross, Chris, Jacqueline, Nicole, Elliot, and I drove down to Suzy and Hawk's waterfront home on San Juan Island for the annual New Year's party.

This year we all pre-chose appetizer dishes to serve the other guests. Each couple had a 1/2 hour window to cook their food and present it, which was awesome because there was always something good being set out, and nothing sat around for very long.

We danced, and sang, and I actually didn't drink too much this year.

The next day we went on a walk through the forest and Elliot got to throw rocks on a frozen pond, probably the highlight of the trip for him.

We're pretty sure this was our best Christmas ever.

-Rob and Nicole

Our first morning up in BC, we're greeted with a fresh 12-inch blanket of powder. Yay! Here's the street looking Southeast from Ross & Chris' driveway.

Facing one of the Seven Rights of Passage of being a child, Elliot braves the Santa Photo...and survives.

The next night it really snowed, and we got another couple of feet. Here's the Snow-Management Team shoveling the driveway for the third time.

Christmas Eve... Barring any freak tropical rainstorms, it's looking like it will be a White Christmas tomorrow.

Christmas morning, Elliot finds his card mid-way up the tree.

His new apron. For cooking?

Elliot helps Nicole unwrap her new cookbook.

Nicole, Chris, and Jacqueline. Are these girls related maybe?

"Hey Rob you think you can stop snapping travel photos of the locals working their asses off and pick up a shovel?"

Faster, Grandma! You ain't gettin' paid to stand there!

Kisses for Grandma.

Jacqueline and Chris pause along the trail from Suzy and Hawk's house.

Haley and Liam's hands, busily making their sashimi and rolls.

Jacqueline is caught red-handed holding two sake glasses. Actually one of them belongs to the photographer.

Paisley and Haley take a break from dancing to hug.

Paisley, Haley, and Rob take a break from dancing. Apparently, Rob is contemplating the unattended bottle of single malt whiskey on the shelf.

Elliot gets to walk around in the snow, sporting the latest anti-cold technology and winter fashions.

Our poor 4Runner with the 2nd night's snow. It's not going anywhere for approximately 6 days.

"Yeah, well OUR band has a naked drummer! What do you got?"

"I think some of these ornaments need a little re-arranging. Don't worry I'm on it"

"I made a Christmas present for you dad! I'm not helping you unwrap it though. Take a good whiff and try to guess what it is!"

Methodically opening his presents, he hands each small torn-off piece of paper to Nicole or Jacqueline before tearing off another piece...

Just when we think it's over, it's snowing AGAIN! All we asked for was a White Christmas, not an Extreme White-Out Christmas! Total 5-day snowfall is about 3.5 feet.

Over at Harry and Fran's house, Elliot gets to meet "Fluffy" the friendly tarantula.

Elliot cautiously pets Fluffy.

Grandma and Elliot venture out to the back yard.

Suzy and Hawk, hosting the New Years party at their house on San Juan Island.

Nicole, Charlie, Chris, Elliot, and Jacqueline all looking very ready to ring in the new year.

Rob's aunts Kit and Suzy, his cousins Carlene and Paisley.

Hey, 2008: F-You!

"Hey Paisley, we should dance-off some of those appetizers we stuffed ourselves on! Especially Rob's impossibly-good chicken quesadillas!"

"Yeah that would be nice except for the fact I didn't get one, Haley!"

After dancing too much, the cousins collapse in a heap of exhaustion.