Big Girl Bike

Last Sunday was a big day around here, we surprised Anna with a Big Girl Bike. We were going to get her one for her birthday but I found the one I wanted on sale and though "What good is a new bike in November in Alberta?". The bike came home with me and I am so glad that it did. She was so surprised and over the moon happy! She came into the living room and froze! Then she looked at us, then back at the bike, then exclaimed "It's just what I always wanted!". After a few dozen hugs for us and the bike we headed outside- she was a pro and she has been riding every day since. 

Riding off to the park with her BFF. 

Jasper Adventures

We loaded up the car and headed to Jasper this past weekend. We wanted to get one more camping trip in before the summer ends and school starts, not to mention all the work I need to get complete before our trip to Disneyland. The weather was nice, not nice enough to go swimming in the lake again but perfect for walking around doing touristy type things. I swear that I see the mountains through fresh eyes each time I come and I hope that never changes.

Athabasca Falls. 

I am always blown away by the sheer force of the water each time I come here. It never gets old.

Jasper the Bear, lunch on patios, wine & smores and the hugest little dimples ever.

This little rocky "beach" is at the end of the falls where the water meets the lower river. We come here always and lose track of time as we navigate the rocks and search out heart shaped rocks for our collection.

We reserved this campsite because it is next to a small creek. Anna was in love and right in her element splashing in the water. It was pretty great to sit down there and drink our morning coffee.

On Saturday night a herd of elk came through and stayed for a visit. I lost count but I know for sure there were 5 little ones who still had some of there spots left. It's kind of magical sitting down for dinner and getting to see them so close. They ate, yawned, laid down, pranced around, scratched on trees, drank milk from the Momma, drank from the creek and called back & forth to each other. 

It was actually quite amazing. Just for the record- we kept or distance. 

Until next year Jasper.

Backyard Living

Last month I went to Target for... I can't remember what I went for but it wasn't outdoor furniture. However, they were blowing out their summer stuff (summer had just started so this made total sense to me) and I love a good deal. I had wanted to create a little cozy spot but the prices of everything always turn me off. My internal dialogue sounds something like this: "You want what for a pillow! That will get rained on! You're crazy!" 

When I saw everything on clearance I knew I could make it happen, so I did. Lights, chairs, pillows... I was doing a happy dance. That was until I got to my car and thought "oh oh" but fortunately it all worked out and I even had room to spare. Cory asked me not to go back in when I let him know I still had room.. ha ha ha.

We live in a complex so our neighbours are extra close and the fences are on the low side. We have a yard though and it's fenced so I am grateful, very grateful. 

Some of my favourite nights are spent here. We put Anna to bed and then we sit outside chatting, cozy under the lights and the candles, drinking a glass of wine and checking out the stars. Happiness. 

Life is good and I am grateful.

Summer Time = Margaritas

I love margaritas, not blended but on the rocks. It, along with the mojito, is the quintessential summer cocktail in my mind. My girlfriend Karen introduced me to this pre-mixed, ready to drink, no fuss, delicious Golden Margarita from the Costco Liquor store. It is the best, easily better than any margarita I have made from scratch. It is inexpensive at $19.99 and at best only needs ice to serve it over. 

The Making of a Margarita

Ice Cold Golden Margarita Mix

Ice

Course Salt

Lime

- Wet the rm of your glass with a lime slice

- Salt your rim

- Fill glass with ice

- Fill with Golden Margarita

- Serve with side of lime and enjoy thoroughly

- Tastes best when served with dear friends by your side

Weekend Away

We headed out to Jasper this past weekend and it was beautiful! We were so lucky to have the most amazing weather, blue skies and sunshine every day! We usually pack our schedule with places to go and sites to see but after a rocky start with Anna on our first morning there we decided to pack up towels and a picnic and head to the beach for a little relaxation. It was just what we all needed and I am so happy we did nothing. Well not nothing, we built sand castles, floated in tubes, snuck Coronas, soaked up the sun and read. Talk about blissful.

Margaritas to kick off the weekend. Also, this is me dressing up our campsite table. Feels like home.

One of our favourite things to do while camping: putting Anna to bed, playing crib by the fire, eating chips and licorice.

There is something so wonderful about eating your breakfast outside.

Hello Happiness!

Tough Day.

Saying yes to having fun!

We were in Jasper to celebrate dear friends getting married. My family is pretty good looking. :)

"Cory, take a picture so my shoes are in it. I love these shoes!"

Yes to wearing fancy cloths and feeling like a million bucks!

How come I don't live here?

Thank you Jasper! We will be back real soon.

100% Rad Weekend

This past Saturday I participated in the Edmonton Color Me RAD 5K and it was such a blast! I ran with my friends Lisa & Russell and Cory & Anna came with me to cheered us on. Anna made a sign that said My Mom Is Rad- it was the best!  The running part had it's moments but I felt pretty proud that I actually ran the majority. The color bombing tents were awesome, who would have thought that getting colored cornstarch thrown at you would be so rad! I picked up Anna just before the finish line, took her through a color bombing and then piggy backed her across the finish! Awesome! 

The energy down at the Expo Centre was amazing and the number of people participating was crazy- it had to be thousands! I am excited to sign up for next year and Cory & Anna will be running along side me in the next one. The diversity and abilities of  the participants was extra rad! Kids, strollers, wheelchairs, canes, full costumes, unicorn heads, athletic, not athletic, skinny, big, old, young- seriously I could go on! What a great event to bring everyone together for an amazing morning. I seriously had the best time!