We started with a really early flight Thursday which finally took off after sitting on the runway for 2 1/2 hours because of some computer issues. We arrived in Canada around 2 and took it easy most the day. We just hung out at Kyle's grandparents with a total of 14 people.
Friday we went and visited the world famous Gopher Museum. They have a trailer full of stuffed gophers in all sorts of funny scenes.
Friday night and Saturday were family reunion and 50th anniversary activities. Alexander danced the night away on stage with his cousins. He loved all the attention. Kyle's cousins were all so good with our boys. Saturday night he sang "Eye of the Tiger" to the crowd. He loves the spot light.
Sunday after church we headed to Kananaskis to go camping. After throwing rocks in the river and cooking smores, Alexander sat by the fire and said to no one in particular that he loves camping. (Unfortunately I was fighting Benjamin to sleep and missed it and getting pictures of him in his little camp chair, but they are all over Facebook by other family members if you feel like searching).
Monday all the boys went golfing and we roasted hot dogs and got rained on. It was cold, but it really wasn't worse than I expected and it was really enjoyable. I don't mind camping as long as it isn't in Alabama summers.
Tuesday had lots of . . . well problems, but I really enjoyed it. We started the morning with Benjamin falling off the bed in the trailer and busting both lips open. We drove to Lake Louise and discovered he had a blow out diaper and we had no change of clothes. (Lake Louise is a beautiful green lake created from glacier run off--it is breathtaking.) We couldn't find any clothes to buy him at the hotel so we opted for a onsie and hiking socks--he looked stupid to say the least. Then we started the hike up to the tea house--with the stroller--and figured we'd go as far as we could then turn around and wait for everyone else.
Well as far as we could go ended up being 3.4 km with Kyle and Kris piggy backing the boys all the way up the mountain. Once at the top we were able to see the most amazing views. Then Kyle and Kris carried the boys all the way down again. Benjamin started wobbling on Kris' shoulders only for us to discover he had fallen asleep. About 1/3 the way down the mountain the rain started and we were sprinting by the end to get out of the rain. It is a tale to tell most definitely, but I'm so glad we were able to do it. We also drove through Banff and saw two wild grizzly bears on our way.Wednesday we headed back to civilization and warmed up and had cake for Kyle's birthday.
Thursday we toured around Calgary. We ate at the famous Peter's hamburger joint and Silver Inn (Chinese). We also went 5 pin bowling--I think I'll stick to good ol' American style--I can at least beat Alexander at that.
Friday we went to the Calgary Stampede which is part fair, part concert, part carnival, part etc. It was really impressive. Benjamin loved the animals and kept trying to pull himself into the cages. Alexander got to see Max and Ruby, Miss Spider Sunny Patch and Bananas in Pajamas. I got to eat lots of fair food--I still argue that a caramel apple is good for you, the caramel doesn't take away any of the nutrients.
Saturday we went to the Calgary zoo. We were charged by a gorilla, walked through dinosaurs and played on the best play ground. It is a really impressive zoo.
We took the red eye Sunday morning and after too many hours of traveling we were finally back home. It was a great vacation though. I was able to see some of the most beautiful places and spend lots of time with Kyle and the boys. Hopefully we can make use of those passports again before they expire!PS The majority of my pictures are on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment