Evening Walk

As I mentioned in my last post, we've been putting a big focus on exploring and getting outdoors this summer. It is mostly Anna & I during the mornings but these photos are from an evening walk with all three of us in St. Albert. I love their trail system and it's only 15 minutes from our place. 

These trails lead you through lush greens, singing birds, beautiful sunsets and once again I forget I am in the city. I feel happiest when surrounded by these things. 

This particular night our path lead us along the Sturgeon River and to a gorgeous rail bridge, an outdoor fitness park and a playground. It has something for all of us. 

Where: Red Willow Trail in St. Albert

Date: June 1, 2016

Product: Jilli Bean Soup's Mushroom Medley

I have been making a very big effort to get out, go exploring and find adventures in our own backyard. There is so much to do and see in the city. My goal this summer is to do just that... get out and discover. 

Goal: Explore

Where: Anywhere

Why: Because summer (and life) is too short to sit around and be bored, there is so much to see. It also makes me so much happier and leaves lasting memories for all three of us.

Maybe you'll discover something here that you didn't know about. Maybe you'll be inspired to go discover and explore yourself. Here's to new adventures!

Where: Kinsmen Park

Date: May 6

Cost: nothing

What we brought: picnic dinner (and runners next time as the sand makes all other surfaces slippery)

At the beginning of May Anna & I had a picnic / park date with our good friends Lisa & Lucas. We both packed up meals for our families and met at the Kinsmen Park where we spent the evening eating olives, Cheetos and maybe perhaps sneaking a G&T in a to-go mug. We climbed on equipment, refused to go down the spiral contraption (me) and watched two kids get to know each other better. 

Before:

"Is Lucas a boy mom?"

"Yes Anna, Lucas is a boy."

So... Auntie Lisa doesn't have a girl?"

"Nope, just Lucas but he loves to have fun just like you and I am sure he loves the park."

"Hmmm.... Ok."

After:

"You're right, Lucas was fun. They also had cheesies"

On our way home the two of us pulled over and went for a little walk across the river on the LRT bridge. I asked her if she wanted to go home to bed or to go see the sunset. She had no trouble choosing that one.  It was beautiful and I love these little moments of exploring. We talked about how beautiful the sunset was, we watched a beaver and she told me about the boy in class that doesn't listen.  They are some of my best and favorite times with her. 

Anna: "Mom, can I tell you something?'

Me: "Always."

Anna: "R doesn't listen to the teacher very good. But you think he's bad. S is even worse! He never listens, for real."

Me: "He can't be worse than R?"

Anna: "He is."

Exploring in the city.

A couple weekends ago we decided to find some new walking paths, we found one that was far too steep for our liking but had a fantastic view. On this stop our paths crossed the loveliest couple who told us about the Fort Edmonton Footbridge.  Off we went and it was so worth it! Neither of us even know this place existed but the views are beautiful. This impressive bridge crosses the North Saskatchewan river and leads to a great trail. We however headed off the trail and down to the river. There was so much sand to walk through, rocks to throw and warm water to wash off your feet. The sun was shining and we completely forgot we were even in the city. It was PERFECT! Here are some of my favourite photos from the day.

(the too steep trail)