Summer Fun

This summer we had a great time in Calgary. As the family gets larger, more spread out, and more established with their own lives (jobs, school, etc) it becomes more difficult to gather everyone together. But we managed it this summer - everyone came to Calgary. I arrived first and after just a couple of days there, I flew to Kamloops to visit Dad & Deanna.

We had lots of good old family time - spent looking at photo albums, dinners together, choosing library books & reading them, doing puzzles, cooking, swimming, and just enjoying time together.

Elaina is modeling her new princess dress-up from Saudi.

Usually I bring a supply of shoes for our granddaughters, but this year it was fun to share with my daughters. It's easy since we pretty much all wear the same size.

What fun to teach Elaina to play 'Old Maid'. She caught on to the game quickly, but not the idea of not divulging what's in your hand. She's certainly not ready for Las Vegas yet.

We also spent a lot of time at nearby parks with the girls.













One Sunday afternoon we had a picnic with friends, the Waltons, at North Glenmore Park. What a great time - just like old times, but with the next generation.

We ended our time in Canada with a visit to Ontario. First we made a quick stop to visit Claudette in Kenora and enjoy the world's best pyrogies. Then a reunion with some of Brian's cousins in Ontario and a visit to Amesdale.

What's this?! Brian using a luggage cart!

Our summer ended with a week in Belgium & Germany on our way back home, but I'll save that for another time.

Calgary Stampede

I'm back and we had a great time in Calgary. It was Stampede Week while we were there so we took in a few breakfast and dinners as well as a day at Stampede Park. For those who have never been to "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" I must explain that it truly is a 10-day event that transforms the entire city into a western theme. One of the most amazing events is the multitude of pancake breakfasts and hot dog/burger suppers that are set up for free in hundreds of shopping mall parking lots around the city. Many are complete with petting zoos, pony rides, line dancers and of course country singers. We introduced Elaina & Erin, Mike and Jared to Calgary Stampede hospitality. (I had come prepared with cowgirl boots for the girls from Saudi Arabia - no they don't have cowboys here - but they love 'glitzy' things.

We spent a day together at Stampede Park. The barns are always a hit for the kids and everyone loves the midway (well almost everyone) but from these photos, you'll notice that one of our favourite activities was sampling the full range of fair junk food - and I didn't even post the rest (corn dogs, ice-cream, popcorn, etc)

What a great time. More later on some of our other fun.