Calaway Park... a day of dizzying daring for some... and lazy meandering for others (well, for me anyway.)
We had a perfect day at Calaway Park. We left early, fortified with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, arriving just after the park opened at 10am. With our half price coupon, the entrance fee was only $103 for all 8 of us, including all rides and shows (making this dutch mom very happy.)
We immediately separated into small groups - speedy, dizzy, and very slow - going our various ways and staying in touch with radios.
The very slow group had a great time watching the little ones on their rides and taking photos (my brother Dave brought his camera and took some amazing shots :-) After a while, Katy was bored, so Mom, Julia and I watched the camera and little kids, and Dave took her and Amaris on several exciting rides (they are actually tall enough for some fairly terrifying ones!)
We were thrilled to connect with the Neumann family and had a picnic lunch midday together, then spread out across the park again so everyone could enjoy it at their own pace.
It was definitely a highlight of our vacation!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
discoveries in Canmore
Unfortunately the pool here at the chalets is out of service for a few days, so we've had to venture further to satisfy our recreational requirements... so here are a few of the things we've discovered...
The Canmore recreation center has a wonderful pool with a large hot tub and many floaty things to entertain children for hours. They even have a foam canoe which fits 3 kids momentarily until Daddy or a sibling flips it over! ;-)
A delightful lady having a garage sale blessed us by generously giving us whatever we chose from her treasure trove. Limiting the children to one item each was difficult for them, but critical to our ability to travel home in one vehicle.
The Lost Sock laundromat has a lot of single socks pinned to the bulletin board. Despite the obvious risk, we went there anyway because it's air-conditioned.
Instead of paying $3 each for a small cone at the cute yellow schoolbus ice cream shop, we checked out Safeway and found strawberry cheesecake/wildberry frozen yogurt cones on sale $1.25 each. Delicious!!
The Nordic Center in Canmore has beautiful trails (we saw but did not hike since I'm not allowed to exercise.)
The jewelry shop on Main Street is run by a cute old couple and they only charge $8 to replace a watch battery.
The candy store has some dropjes, but not as good a selection as the Banff candy store. Good thing we'll be back in Banff in a few days!
The Canmore recreation center has a wonderful pool with a large hot tub and many floaty things to entertain children for hours. They even have a foam canoe which fits 3 kids momentarily until Daddy or a sibling flips it over! ;-)
A delightful lady having a garage sale blessed us by generously giving us whatever we chose from her treasure trove. Limiting the children to one item each was difficult for them, but critical to our ability to travel home in one vehicle.
The Lost Sock laundromat has a lot of single socks pinned to the bulletin board. Despite the obvious risk, we went there anyway because it's air-conditioned.
Instead of paying $3 each for a small cone at the cute yellow schoolbus ice cream shop, we checked out Safeway and found strawberry cheesecake/wildberry frozen yogurt cones on sale $1.25 each. Delicious!!
The Nordic Center in Canmore has beautiful trails (we saw but did not hike since I'm not allowed to exercise.)
The jewelry shop on Main Street is run by a cute old couple and they only charge $8 to replace a watch battery.
The candy store has some dropjes, but not as good a selection as the Banff candy store. Good thing we'll be back in Banff in a few days!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
relaxing in the rockies
Happily enjoying the view from the deck. :-)
Our chalet has a jacuzzi tub -perfect for swimsuits and bubble bath!!
God's creation is SO incredible! Robyn & I were just enjoying the contrast and equal beauty of a tiny barn swallow swooping and swerving on the backdrop of a massive, majestic mountain. The detail of the daisy, echinacea, and other wildflowers dotting the greenery on the meadow. Wow! "How Great Thou Art" takes on such powerful meaning when sung in the Rockies!
Our vacation goal is simple: relax. :-) So far, so good!
Friday, July 13, 2007
many words, no picture
Not sure why, but I seem to be having technical difficulties getting pictures from my camera to the computer. :-(
I have lovely pictures of our day at the Legislature grounds on Wednesday. The weather was perfect, lots of sun, a slight breeze. The children splashed in the pools, enjoying time with friends. I sat in the shade, keeping an eye on them and handing out food and water every time they came near. We had a wonderful day! (with no sunburns :-)
Stephen is turning out to be a rather fearless kid. Yesterday I was told he was punching a boy at the park. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boy was being mean and teasing Stephen and... was at least twice Stephen's age! I managed not to smile as I explained to Stephen that hitting is not the answer, and gave him other options for bullying situations. (But I was slightly proud of my little "David" facing "Goliath".)
Gradually I am feeling better. I still need a lot of rest, but I am greatly encouraged by this trend towards health. I am so thankful for the many prayers and encouragement from friends and family. I know that God is healing me and teaching me. I am learning to enjoy life in the slow lane. I am also learning to be a "Mary" not a "Martha", and God loves me for who I am and not what I do... powerful lessons which bring much peace!
Today I am finally up to sorting kid's clothes. It's +30 so I think it's time for summer wear! This isn't my favorite job, but I know I'll be glad it's done when I pack for holidays. :-)
I have lovely pictures of our day at the Legislature grounds on Wednesday. The weather was perfect, lots of sun, a slight breeze. The children splashed in the pools, enjoying time with friends. I sat in the shade, keeping an eye on them and handing out food and water every time they came near. We had a wonderful day! (with no sunburns :-)
Stephen is turning out to be a rather fearless kid. Yesterday I was told he was punching a boy at the park. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boy was being mean and teasing Stephen and... was at least twice Stephen's age! I managed not to smile as I explained to Stephen that hitting is not the answer, and gave him other options for bullying situations. (But I was slightly proud of my little "David" facing "Goliath".)
Gradually I am feeling better. I still need a lot of rest, but I am greatly encouraged by this trend towards health. I am so thankful for the many prayers and encouragement from friends and family. I know that God is healing me and teaching me. I am learning to enjoy life in the slow lane. I am also learning to be a "Mary" not a "Martha", and God loves me for who I am and not what I do... powerful lessons which bring much peace!
Today I am finally up to sorting kid's clothes. It's +30 so I think it's time for summer wear! This isn't my favorite job, but I know I'll be glad it's done when I pack for holidays. :-)
Thursday, July 5, 2007
heat and a holter monitor
One of the tests the cardiologist wanted was for me to wear a holter monitor for 24 hours. The clinic called and informed me that I could wear it today since there was a cancellation.
What is a holter monitor? Well... it's basically a 24 hour ECG. I have to keep a log of my activities and they can compare my heartbeats to my activities. The nurse adhered 7 sticky things to my chest and sides (not anywhere considered private - this is a family blog :-), and in an effort to ensure they won't fall off, she first cleaned me thoroughly with alcohol swabs, then scratched me with something like sandpaper, then put 2" square sticky things in various places. I am glad to be going to sleep soon since they are making me very itchy. Tomorrow morning they come off! The monitor will be returned to the clinic and hopefully they can tell a little more of what is going on with my heart. :-)
Of course, I did have to wear this on the hottest day of the year (+33) with a button up shirt to conceal the wires and such. No doubt I will remember this day fondly come January! ;-)
What is a holter monitor? Well... it's basically a 24 hour ECG. I have to keep a log of my activities and they can compare my heartbeats to my activities. The nurse adhered 7 sticky things to my chest and sides (not anywhere considered private - this is a family blog :-), and in an effort to ensure they won't fall off, she first cleaned me thoroughly with alcohol swabs, then scratched me with something like sandpaper, then put 2" square sticky things in various places. I am glad to be going to sleep soon since they are making me very itchy. Tomorrow morning they come off! The monitor will be returned to the clinic and hopefully they can tell a little more of what is going on with my heart. :-)
Of course, I did have to wear this on the hottest day of the year (+33) with a button up shirt to conceal the wires and such. No doubt I will remember this day fondly come January! ;-)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
what's new?
Not much is new, but I am feeling gradually better, and thankful for that.
I've learned a couple of things lately...
- always check to see if there is anything resting on your car before you drive away and hear a tremendous crashing while turning the corner as your husbands 5 million piece socket set scatters across the alley. This is a scary and frustrating experience... I now look carefully at the car before getting in and driving.
- Facebook is very addictive, and is a wonderfully easy way to stay in touch with family and friends, and renew friendships from years ago. :-) http://www.facebook.com/
I've learned a couple of things lately...
- always check to see if there is anything resting on your car before you drive away and hear a tremendous crashing while turning the corner as your husbands 5 million piece socket set scatters across the alley. This is a scary and frustrating experience... I now look carefully at the car before getting in and driving.
- Facebook is very addictive, and is a wonderfully easy way to stay in touch with family and friends, and renew friendships from years ago. :-) http://www.facebook.com/
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