We were packed up by Thursday night and ready to go as soon as school was out. We were meeting my brother’s family (from Calgary) in the Interior for another fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. Here’s how it went…..

I packed some peanut butter sandwiches, fruit and veg to tide us over until dinner time which was the ‘golden arches’ in Merritt ($16). A quick fill up ($60) and we were on our way again. The drive was pretty smooth and everyone arrived in time to have a drink and a catch up before bed.

Saturday: A quick trip into Vernon to sell a pair of ski boots ($15 credit) and to search for a pair of skis for our eldest. We found a pair that will be just right ($100) and two new balaclavas to go under the kids’ ski helmets ($40). A quick stop for a snack ($5) and home for lunch. The afternoon was sunny and we went on a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Three large, 2 medium, 1 small pumpkins, 1 butternut squash and several ornamental corns later, we paid ($16) on our way out. We finished the day with a bonfire and a family dinner.

Sunday: Crash Up Derby Day! Family fun for ($30) at the IPE grounds. If you’ve never been to one of these, you may wrinkly your nose and think hick but I have taken many a city goer to this event and honestly, you just can’t help yourself. Before long, you’ve chosen your car, truck or minivan and are cheering along with everyone else when a car you thought was finished, revs its engine and gets back into it. It’s smelly, noisy and busy. We made it home in time for a cup of tea and then I took the kids down the road for a horseback riding lesson ($20). Thanksgiving dinner was a ‘civilized’ family affair J

Monday: The Calgary contingent were out the door early to pay a visit to the Adams River Salmon Run and we soon followed to register and participate in The Great Pumpkin Race. The inaugural year, it’s a fundraiser for the local food bank. The entry fee ($30) and an additional donation ($10) paid, we were ready to start. The runner in the family placed 2^nd behind a local and received a chocolate medal for his efforts! After lunch and a little more hanging out and we are on our way back to Vancouver. A stop for gas ($60) and dinner ($16) and we’ll be home.

A great weekend with family and friends for $388 including a pair of skis, balaclavas and pumpkins galore or $263 without the ski gear.