Once they came back to Calgary Rich had to go to a Harley Davidson Conference in Denver so I went to Calgary and hung out with my boys - we had an absolutely fantastic time with Nana at the lake and are so thankful for all the wonderful things that she did for us while we were there. AND I now have the best tan line I have ever had!!
On Tuesday we thought we could give Nana and Grandpa some time off so we went camping in Banff. It was amazing - we camped at Tunnel Mountain and hiked Johnston's Canyon the first day. Soaked in the hot springs and then went on a self guided tour of the Banff Springs Hotel. Our boys called it a castle and were looking for the king and queen that lived there - it was very entertaining.....
This is Lincoln in his favorite spot - Daddy's shoulders. We were hiking Johnston's Canyon in these next few pictures
Isaac, Merrill and Andy - they kept telling us how this was the coolest hike they had ever been on. It was our first family hike :)
This is classic Andy - He makes us laugh, he always has a special pose for the camera
Another one of Lincoln in the carrier - He loves to be outside - fasinated with trees and leaves and wind. I sure hope this stays with him.
A family picture that another hiker was kind enough to take for us
It happens to get cold at night in the mountains and unfortunately we didn't bring enough blankets. The children were fine because being parents we sacrifice....Rich got up with Links at 6:00am and offered to take him to McDonald's. I know he did this because the van has heat! I just had all the bigger boys come and snuggle me. I was all toasty except for my feet. We still had a fantastic adventure that day - we climbed up Sulphur mountain with all the boys. I have never been so proud of them as I was that morning - No complaing - just great attitudes about it. Rich carried Links up on his back the whole way. Isaac was very excited to earn some of his hiking badge for cubs and the boys were very excited to get to the top so they could eat ALL the trail snacks we had brought with us. Isaac and Merrill took turns carrying the camel pack and Andy and I took care of the snacks. What a great experience for them - they worked hard - they didn't know what was waiting for them at the top - they just kept plugging along, trusting us that all their hard work would be worth it. A little bit like life I think.
We had our picnic at the top and then the best part was that we got to ride the gondola down the mountain!!
We headed back to Calgary for our last night there and Nana had worked hard making us all tin foil dinners. We went to Fish Creek Park and had a campfire with Great Grandpa and Grandma, Nana and Grandpa and the elders. After our delicious dinner Nana and the boys did campfire songs - What a wonderful way to spend a vacation - surrounded by family. I loved every minute of it and I can hardly wait to do it all again in just under a week!
Rich is enjoying a well deserved rest after our adventures
All my boys together!
