First off, happy new year! Hope everyone reading had a safe and enjoyable holiday season and if yours is anything like mine you needed a break from your break.
As I write this I am sitting in the Vancouver Airport after a day of meetings and can’t wait to come home. I am sitting here with my Starbucks in hand and while it is good I am secretly wishing for a coffee and cinnamon bun from Zoe’s Café. In between day dreams of delicious treats I am 
reflecting on the crazy year that was 2015. It was an exciting time to live in Prince George. I have memories that last a lifetime and to no one’s surprise two of my favorite memories involve the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Probably one of my favorite moments (and one that cracks my all time career moments) was the floor hockey game and announcement with Team BC. For those who don’t know Team BC named Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George as their charity recipient of their legacy project. To announce and celebrate Team BC along with their Honorary Captain Olympian Kelsey Serwa came to play floor hockey with kids from BBBSPG. The energy in the room is what I will remember forever. The other moment was being able to carry the torch as part of the final torch relay heading into the Opening Ceremonies. Simply put – it was incredible. Some will say the Canada Winter Games changed Prince George but I believe that it just showcased to the world what I already knew – Prince George is an amazing, caring place to live and raise a family.
The rest of my reflections and memories seem to revolve around the most important role in my life – Ryan’s Dad. The little man turned three in November and as much as I joke about the “terrible twos” and the “trying threes” getting to experience Prince 
George as the father of a toddler is pretty cool. This last year showed me another side of community, and it is a side I like. It showed me how much there is to do and more importantly how much there is to do that doesn’t cost. Here are three free things that we have done a lot this winter.
1) Sledding. Just like when you were a kid. Sure walking up the hill is not so fun but it is a great family activity. There are a lot of hills you can enjoy! We are usually at Harry Loader or Rainbow.
2) Checking out Moores Meadow. We take our dog Bentley there quite often as it is an off leash park but even if you don’t have a dog it is a great hike or snowshoe.
3) Board Game night. We have played a lot of games this winter. Don’t have a board game? Game Quest has a game library that you can check out. I would recommend Ticket to Ride or Pandemic.
Well it is almost time to board and that means the end of another blog! Looking ahead I know 2016 is going to be a big year and I look forward to sharing the journey with you. You can always connect on Twitter and Instagram at @tiben12.
All the best,
Tim
