before the snow flies

It's on it's way!  Snow that is!  Today just may have been one of the last warmer days of the year, before the temps drop tomorrow, and the snow starts to fly!  Not that I'm complaining....goodness no!  You all know that I love winter!
So, because the kids only go to school for a half a day on Friday's, we thought that a little adventure into the mountains seemed an appropriate way to spend the afternoon.   Now, you may look at the pictures and think that "I thought she said it was warm, those pics don't look warm at all!"  Well, yes.  It wasn't really "warm" where we were, it was...nice.  Crispy nice.  But, you throw in a little rock tossing, some good snacks, and geocaching, the temperature means nothing. 

 

Bree was all smiles and loved carrying her own pack.  (Note to self: bring two backpacks next time.  You'd think I'd know that by now.) 

One of the "missions" if you will, for today, was to get Bree and Jenna more actively involved in geocaching.  Something that we as a family love to do.  So with a little intro on how to use a GPS (we're talking very basic here) and then what to do when you get really close to where the "treasure" is hidden....

....they did quite well!  Talk about excitement in the woods!  Their first unassisted find!  Yay girls! 

And the best part....doesn't Bree score a Little Pet Shop character....something that both these ladies love to play.  How awesome is that? 

Now....the one thing we need to work on is explaining to the girls that a geocache isn't hidden under every tree, or every rock, or every bush, that we pass along a trail.  It makes for a really long walk back.  We'll work on this one....

fall hiking

I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday than a fall hike!  Prairie Mountain was our destination, and although I have climbed this one several times in the past, I did forget how steep this climb actually is.  Egads!  But, these two little climbers amazed me once again, and did not seem bothered by the steep ascent to the top.  They thought it to be more of a game than actual work.  Phew!

We had an amazing lunch at the summit, albeit it was a quick one, as the temps were a wee bit chilly and wisps of raindrops kept us from lingering to long.  Seriously though, I could have spent the day up there, just.....sitting.

I still get goosebumps whenever I hear the words "wow!" and "cool view!" from both of them, and no doubt my smile is huge.  But, yes, they still do there fair share of complaining, but hey, it's worth it if you ask me!  And when they talk about their adventure the entire way home, well......I'd say the hike was a success!

flashlight friday

Four adults.  Six kids.  Two families.  We all entered the corn maze, and we all....made it out.  In the dark!  It was "Flashlight Friday" at the Calgary Corn Maze last night, and what a fantastic evening it was.  I have never navigated my way through a corn maze at night, and despite my over active imagination, I think I did ok.  I mean, I had the best possible leaders ever....how can you not trust a group of kids aged three through almost eight to lead the way?

 

It was dark in there my friends... 

And that corn field?  It was about the size of three football fields.  Did I mention it was dark? 

The kids however, did great.  Bree and Jenna bailed a little early, but lasted longer than we thought they would.  They had more fun going down the tube slide in the dark with their flashlights.  Who wouldn't think that was cool?! 

Thanks to our dear friends for having us over for a fun pizza dinner, and then heading off to the maze.  A fantastic evening, and we are so doing this again next year!

morning at the market

It's always an adventure when I travel to the Farmer's Market with my two little ladies.  They are becoming quite "market savvy" when it comes to shopping, and they also know a good photo op when they see one.   I have trained them well...

Next week, we make the adventure again, back to the market, to select that perfect pumpkin.  I am thinking I may even grab one of those specialty ones that are white!  It was a feast for the eyes today with so many pumpkins piled so high.  The market had a good fall vibe today as we wandered the aisles picking up fresh produce and locally baked breads and treats.  And the chai latte I had from my favourite "tea guy" was the icing on the cake for our morning at the market.

thankful

This year, we are finding many things to be thankful for.  We have had quite a busy few months, and we were able to see oodles of family since summer began about five months ago.  Now, as fall is starting to settle in, we are once again celebrating Thanksgiving with family.  And that my friends, is the one thing (of many) that I am thankful for this year....family.

Thankful for being able to spend Thanksgiving with everyone.

Thankful for a crew of fun cousins...

Thankful for the addition of a new cousin who will eventually be running around with the older ones...

Thankful for a fantastic family life...

Thankful for dinner helpers and the rewards the helpers receive...

Thankful for baby Cameron and someone who thinks he is just "all that"...

But most of all, thankful for being lucky enough to spend the holiday with family, and share so many special memories and good times.  And, make so many more!