It is getting harder and harder to get our immediate family of 13 together all in one place - especially as the grandchildren are growing up, and jobs, school and friends are a bigger part of their lives. But the Mountain Chalet was the perfect draw - plenty of room and plenty to do in the area. We were lucky enough to have the most beautiful weather for our long weekend and there was still plenty of snow at the Chalet to ride a sled down the backyard hill and have a snowball fight.
The 6 younger grandchildren (ages 11-16) loved the downstairs space while the adults had the four bedrooms upstairs for some peace and quiet.
We were celebrating our 50th anniversary and took the opportunity to mark the occasion with a family photo outside amongst the trees.
We planned our meals before hand and everyone brought up supplies, but the grocery store in Shasta City was not too far for a quick run for ice cream. The kitchen was well stocked for cooking with plenty of pots, pans, utensils and serving pieces.
Two families traveled from the North Bay area and one drove down from Oregon - the location was almost exactly in the middle and made the drive manageable for all of us.
We plan to stay at the Mountain Chalet again next year and bring some games to play - that was the only thing missing in this comfy home.