Thursday, September 26, 2013
marathon of hope
We are all thinking of my Aunt Cathy today (a great-aunt to the kids), who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Aidan and Maelle ran in the Terry Fox Run this afternoon in her honour, a run that is helping to raise money to help research and conquer cancer. The entire school was out in full force , and Aidan ran seven laps of the soccer field, and Maelle ran five. I am so proud of these two, and you Aunt Cathy, for being super strong during this trying time, and always smiling. Love you!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Waterton
I love it here. No doubt about it. Waterton may just be one of my favourite places on earth. There is no better place to wrap up a summer chalk full of camping adventures, than Waterton Lakes National Park.
Even Betty made the trip to Waterton....I took her on a spin along the lake one evening and sat and enjoyed the scenery with a hot chai tea! Perfection I say!
It was hot! Hot enough for a little dip in Upper Waterton Lake.
We happened on the Blackfoot Festival for a few days, and got to take in a pow-wow...the music was incredible!
A surrey ride down the main street...I followed along with Betty snapping photos as I rode! We were a sight that's for sure!
We hiked up Bear's Hump for a breathtaking view of Upper Waterton Lake and the townsite below.
This was Bree and Jenna's first time up this short but steep trail and they rocked it!
I seriously cannot keep these kids out of the water!
We celebrated Brent's birthday in Waterton, and one of his gifts was a moped rental to cruise around the area. The first stop, however, was the campsite to give a few eager kidlets a spin around the campground roadways. Grins and giggles is all I can say! The kids liked it too!
One of Brent's "finds" on his little road trip, was Waterton's Alpine Stables. A gem that is often overlooked in this area. Bree and Jenna went on a bit of a daddy date and did a little pony riding on the nearby trails. Can't wait until the kids are all old enough to embark on some horse back riding adventures!
We spent an entire week in Waterton enjoying the Blackfoot festival, hanging out and visiting with friends we met last year (who happened to be camping at the same time....awesome!), hiking, biking, exploring, and playing. A perfect way to finish off summer and rest and relax before another busy school year is underway.
Plans for next summer? Still in the works. Some possible new destinations? Maybe. We have lots of time to think about what is next on our list of camping destinations, but there is one thing I know for sure....it will be full of more adventures, new discoveries, and loads and loads of fun!
Even Betty made the trip to Waterton....I took her on a spin along the lake one evening and sat and enjoyed the scenery with a hot chai tea! Perfection I say!
It was hot! Hot enough for a little dip in Upper Waterton Lake.
We happened on the Blackfoot Festival for a few days, and got to take in a pow-wow...the music was incredible!
A surrey ride down the main street...I followed along with Betty snapping photos as I rode! We were a sight that's for sure!
We hiked up Bear's Hump for a breathtaking view of Upper Waterton Lake and the townsite below.
This was Bree and Jenna's first time up this short but steep trail and they rocked it!
Jenna shared her snack with a new friend!
I seriously cannot keep these kids out of the water!
We celebrated Brent's birthday in Waterton, and one of his gifts was a moped rental to cruise around the area. The first stop, however, was the campsite to give a few eager kidlets a spin around the campground roadways. Grins and giggles is all I can say! The kids liked it too!
One of Brent's "finds" on his little road trip, was Waterton's Alpine Stables. A gem that is often overlooked in this area. Bree and Jenna went on a bit of a daddy date and did a little pony riding on the nearby trails. Can't wait until the kids are all old enough to embark on some horse back riding adventures!
We spent an entire week in Waterton enjoying the Blackfoot festival, hanging out and visiting with friends we met last year (who happened to be camping at the same time....awesome!), hiking, biking, exploring, and playing. A perfect way to finish off summer and rest and relax before another busy school year is underway.
Plans for next summer? Still in the works. Some possible new destinations? Maybe. We have lots of time to think about what is next on our list of camping destinations, but there is one thing I know for sure....it will be full of more adventures, new discoveries, and loads and loads of fun!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Victoria
Alas....we have reached the final leg of our trip. The stunning city of Victoria. Beautiful harbours, good eats, chalk full of culture, markets, and great parks, this is one city that can be enjoyed by everyone. A great way and place to wrap up our visit to Vancouver Island.
One of the days was spent, travelling by water taxi over to one of the kids' favourite places, Fisherman's Wharf.
And yes, there was ice cream.
I ventured down one of the docks that was lined with the cutest little floating houses, each one depicting the charismatic personalities of the people that lived there. Would that not be the best place to live? Ingenious these homes were. And I amongst many others, were completely fascinated by these little abodes.
The best part (a highlight for the kids and us) was getting a little crazy and taking part in "Pirate Adventures". We were dressed, named, and then boarded a pirate ship, taking part in a swash buckling adventure of treasure hunting....pirate style!
Brent, however, expressed his opinion to the captain of the ship, and thus was nearly thrown over board by fellow pirate Typhoon Tom. All in the name of fun of course!
The kids were entertained by stories and dancing...
All the while, keeping a watchful eye on the water for that illusive treasure.
Enter Pirate Pete. The lone pirate who tried to steal our key for the treasure, thus being ambushed by water cannons manned by none other than the littlest pirates on board. That's Bree firing a water cannon in an attempt to get Pirate Pete to surrender the key. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Kids are still talking about this one, to this day!
Now, although the stair access to the waterfall at our campround (Goldstream) was under construction and technically closed, the older two and Brent found a way to make sure swimming in the waterfall was a task that could be crossed off our to do list. They were rewarded, one weekend day, with a slippery climb down and dirty climb back up.
Symphony Splash was enjoyed (with good friends!) once again, and the kids tried out some musical instruments on a gorgeous Victoria day!
Thanks to some insider and local information from family, Witty's Beach was a destination one warm afternoon.
A beautifully shallow beach, just outside Victoria, was a big hit with the kids. Not to mention snacking on the wild blackberries growing nearby!
For a few minutes, the family appeared to be stranded on a bit of a deserted island!
Perhaps the toughest day of the trip...saying good-bye to Vancouver Island.
We had such a fantastic time on our camping adventure - with visits to both old places and new, the Island is still full of many magical places and destinations that our family will always remember. I am once again reminded of how much the kids love the ocean, and all it has to offer and discover. They, as well as we, learn so much whenever we visit, and this year was no exception. Thank you Vancouver Island!
One of the days was spent, travelling by water taxi over to one of the kids' favourite places, Fisherman's Wharf.
And yes, there was ice cream.
I ventured down one of the docks that was lined with the cutest little floating houses, each one depicting the charismatic personalities of the people that lived there. Would that not be the best place to live? Ingenious these homes were. And I amongst many others, were completely fascinated by these little abodes.
The best part (a highlight for the kids and us) was getting a little crazy and taking part in "Pirate Adventures". We were dressed, named, and then boarded a pirate ship, taking part in a swash buckling adventure of treasure hunting....pirate style!
Brent, however, expressed his opinion to the captain of the ship, and thus was nearly thrown over board by fellow pirate Typhoon Tom. All in the name of fun of course!
The kids were entertained by stories and dancing...
All the while, keeping a watchful eye on the water for that illusive treasure.
Enter Pirate Pete. The lone pirate who tried to steal our key for the treasure, thus being ambushed by water cannons manned by none other than the littlest pirates on board. That's Bree firing a water cannon in an attempt to get Pirate Pete to surrender the key. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Kids are still talking about this one, to this day!
Now, although the stair access to the waterfall at our campround (Goldstream) was under construction and technically closed, the older two and Brent found a way to make sure swimming in the waterfall was a task that could be crossed off our to do list. They were rewarded, one weekend day, with a slippery climb down and dirty climb back up.
Symphony Splash was enjoyed (with good friends!) once again, and the kids tried out some musical instruments on a gorgeous Victoria day!
Thanks to some insider and local information from family, Witty's Beach was a destination one warm afternoon.
A beautifully shallow beach, just outside Victoria, was a big hit with the kids. Not to mention snacking on the wild blackberries growing nearby!
For a few minutes, the family appeared to be stranded on a bit of a deserted island!
Perhaps the toughest day of the trip...saying good-bye to Vancouver Island.
We had such a fantastic time on our camping adventure - with visits to both old places and new, the Island is still full of many magical places and destinations that our family will always remember. I am once again reminded of how much the kids love the ocean, and all it has to offer and discover. They, as well as we, learn so much whenever we visit, and this year was no exception. Thank you Vancouver Island!
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