{winners circle: vancouver}

john won winners circle this year! in order to win, you have to open new accounts, and they have to buy a certain dollar amount to qualify. it's a year long contest so there's always much anticipation when the final results are announced. we are so thankful for gfs and how they value their employees and reward them for doing well.  with all the hosts, owners, winners, and guests, there were 287 of us.  it was another fantastic weekend! 

we flew out of chicago on thursday and because of the time change we arrived around noon so we had some time to explore the city. vancouver is beautiful and there's a little of everything there. we walked around-the views were breathtaking- and then enjoyed some gelato. it was so good!

thursday night we had the welcome reception with a fabulous dinner. we knew several others so it was fun to catch up with them and celebrate our hardworking men. 

this was within a five minute block of our hotel...loved this area! 

friday morning we woke up so early because of the time change so we got some breakfast and took it to the bay to eat. we also walked around the cutest part of vancouver but none of the shops were opened yet. after that, we headed to the spa for massages, facials, and pedicures. i loved my facial and john loved his pedicure. we always take advantage of the spa while on these trips and i always leave thinking i need to go more often.

we headed to grouse mountain where we ziplined. we both loved this! the longest run was around a half mile and we got up to 55 miles per hour. the views were amazing. after that we explored the mountain where they had lots of attractions. then we had a whole group lumberjack show and dinner. we sat with dan gordon and his wife, one of the owners, and i was a bit intimidated but they were so down to earth and just wonderful people that the conversation flowed nicely.  

saturday we got up nice and early and went on a sea safari.  it was so much fun! you couldn't beat the views and we saw many seals and we even saw two eagles.  the water was about 55 degrees F, so the boat ride was a little chilly.  we had to wear suits and when we saw them we thought we'd roast because the temperature was in the high 70's, but it all evened out and i actually had goose bumps (we never put the suits fully on).  

in the afternoon we took an aquabus to granville island where they have a market and lots of shops.  john loved looking at all the food. i wasn't feeling well, so i sat outside and listed to the jazz festival that was going on.  

saturday evening we had a dine around with other gfs peeps.  we were fortunate enough to get our first choice, coast, and had amazing seafood.  i tried oysters and clams for the first time.  i am not a fan of either. :) but at least i tried them.  i think i would like oysters but i couldn't swallow it.  so after trying to get it to go down, i was turned off.  after the dine around, we went to the hotel patio with michelle and troy to enjoy some wine, cheese, and salami, and the men enjoyed cubans.  it was fun getting to know them more (they are from john's branch so i see them once or twice a year).  

winners circle officially ended on sunday but john and i decided to extend our trip another day.  we rented bikes and rode around the seawall and through stanley park.  we sat at the beach and enjoyed the time together.  we also went to the hotel's pool to swim, read, and sleep (john).  that night we went to another great restaurant called the blue water cafe.  it was amazing.  by far the best seafood we've ever had.  the atmosphere was fantastic.  

the entire weekend was wonderful.  i loved being able to spend so much time with john uninterrupted by kids.  we are so grateful for my mom, sister, shari, and faith for watching the kids and keeping them alive.  it sounded like everyone did well and adjusted as necessary.  i let john know that i'm expecting another win next year...a three-peat sounds great! ;) 

congrats john! we are proud of you and grateful for all of your effort and time that you put into doing your job well! love you!!