First Calgary Stampede.

Troy took Olivia and Soren to the Big Ol' Calgary Stampede a few weeks ago.  The older girls and I opted out for several reasons.  It was hot and crowded but the kids ended up having a wonderful time.

 Kids learned how to line dance.

I'm so glad Anna didn't go.  There must of been a hundred of these mascot things there.  

 Olivia thought this was pretty funny to take a pic with.  Let's see how happy we can make Mom!

 The parade was just right outside of Troy's work in downtown Calgary.  One of his co-workers kid was there and watched the parade with them.

Bowness park

It's interesting that my family and I are so attracted and drawn to the water. I'm scared to death of deep water.  If I can't see my feet, I don't go in it. It seem that where ever my family moves, we seek out the water.  I guess it's the nature that surrounds it, the tranquility of it, the life source that it is.

We are lucky enough to just live several miles from a wonderful park in Calgary.  Unfortunately Canada just celebrated Canada day and the people were out in full force.  From what everyone tells me, if it's sunny, people are outside.  Before we know it, cold weather will be here.

The first day when ventured out to the park I hadn't thought to put kids in swimming suits.  Of course they want to go in.  We started out with tucking Olivia's dress in, then just took it off.  She had on a sports bra, so it didn't matter.  The water is icy cold.

 So many activities to do there.  Young or old, we all want to play.  Plus we can take the dogs there too.

 This swing became a favorite of the kids.  I'm such a baby.  I got queasy just watching them swing.

 Yesterday, our neighbor wanted us to hit the park with her.  We grabbed an extra kid and headed down.  It's a shame to let that extra seat in the minivan go to waste!

 I'm so thankful that there are so many boys Soren's age in the neighborhood.  He had a really hard time leaving his best friend in Washington.

Just one more thing to explore here in O' Canada.  Taking it all in before the snow hits.

A windy walk.

 The kids are going a little stir crazy.  All the Calgary kids are still in school until next Friday so that means my kids get bored.  There is this nice little botanical garden tucked back in a neighborhood that is perfect for us.

It's not to old and was built by BP.  There is a cute little maze that was fun to figure out.  

 Had to take a pic of the doc's.

 I need to get a better shot of the trees.  they are planted in a spiral.   At the center of the spiral is a big brick circle.   

It was rather windy, rainy and cold.  I kept having to nag Olivia to put her jacket on.

There are plants that are starting to flower all over.  They have some veggie gardens and fruit trees also.  I'm sure I will have fun going there over the summer and seeing everything grow and change.  I will most definitely be spending time there.  A LOT!  I no longer have a lot of land to grow things on.  I miss the smell of the forest and ocean.  I just miss having that clean earthy smell that was Washington.

We were walking through the garden and all the kids commented on how they couldn't' get enough of the smell.  We are such country bumpkins.

A bit windy.

The park is also dog friendly.  It's an off leash park.  We got to pet and see a lot of different types of dogs.  The family and I are working with Milo and Elliot daily so they get used to the sights, sounds and smells of being in the city.  Both dogs so far have done really good around other dogs.  I just don't dare let them off leash yet.  They still catch a scent and take off.

Banff and friends

 Yesterday we were able to run up to Banff and meet up with our friends from Washington.  It was my very first time to the park.  What's really exciting is, Banff is 1 hour and 20 minutes from our house.  Seriously lucky to have it so close.

Troy was so good to me and stuck with me on the walk.  I'm so stinking out of shape and going up and down those stairs killed me.  I'm huffing and puffing trying to keep up and Laurie is there to run a freaking marathon.  I  will never run one but I am determined to get in better shape.  I enjoy being outdoors too much. 

 You should of seen our girls cry when they saw each other.  OK, so I cried too.  I know it had only been a month since we moved, but I miss this family like crazy.  Laurie was there to run in the Banff marathon.  We ended up bringing Cailyn home with us.  Wish we could just keep both girls for a while.  I grabbed my Leah and just breathed her in.  I know all my kids smells.  It probably sounds weird to some people but I miss hugging the girls and their smell.  That does sound weird now that I typed it out.  Mom's would understand though.

 We did a a lot of hiking.  We walked to the Fairmont Hotel.  Holy cow it's magnificent.  Definitely will be making some drives up in the Fall and Winter.

I'm really excited to start to explore around where we live.  There are some pretty amazing places.  From what everyone tells us we have to take advantage of the summer because winter comes to fast here.  We plan on doing a lot of activities too.  If any of you want to come spend time up here, let me know.  We have room for families and friends.