Canmore Rocky Mountain Race

Swimming lessons started up again on Saturday, September 7th.  Ben moved up to Swimmer 2, and he's got the same great teacher again.  He loves getting to jump off the diving board (with life vest, of course)!  Nathalie is in the same Parent/Tot class...getting a little more used to the water with back floats and bubbles. 

After lessons, we left for Canmore.  Greg was running in a half marathon on Sunday, so we drove out to get settled at the hotel and have dinner.  We ended up in Banff for dinner at an Italian restaurant so Greg could get "carbed".  Back to our hotel for pool time...I think we all went down the waterslide about 50 times.  So much fun!

Up early on Sunday morning for the race!  Greg was feeling good, and the weather was a little cool...perfect for the runners.  We found a spot near a park to watch Greg run by at mile 2 and mile 5.  Stayed to play for a bit, and then off to meet our runner at the finish line.

Yay for Greg!  He finished with a great time, especially considering there wasn't a whole lot of time for training given his work and travel schedule this summer.  He felt good, and he said the course was beautiful and quite hilly!  So proud of you, babe!

Back to the hotel for Greg to shower and then off to Banff for some lunch.  Greg knew just the spot he wanted to grab a big cheeseburger!  :)  We had to drive around a bit to find a spot to park, and we saw an elk (I think??) on the front lawn of an apartment building.  At first, I thought it was a statue, but no way...it was the real thing!  Enjoyed lunch, and then on our way back home.  An exhausting but fun little get-away!

Goodbye Summer, Hello School!

Betsy and Marc left in the afternoon, and we had a surprise planned for the kids that night.  It was our last full night of summer, so we thought it would be fun to "camp" outside!  We roasted marshmallows over the grill and enjoyed some gooey s'mores.  The plan was for me and Nathalie to head inside for bed, and for the guys to sleep out in the tent.  But, once Nathalie saw the tent, she wanted in on the action too!  So, we all snuggled close and camped out for the night.  So much fun!  I can see this becoming a sweet little tradition in our home...a great way to say goodbye to summer! 

 

Labor Day (yes, the Canadians celebrate Labor Day as well) was very low-key at our house, just preparing for the coming week.  Ben started Grade 1 on Tuesday, September 3rd.  He was a bit nervous, as there is no orientation to see his classroom or meet his teachers before the first day.  But, we did know their names...Senora Robin and Senora Carla.  Ben will be in a "team teaching" room this year with 37 other students, oh my!  He had a great day, and his favorite part was lunch!  :)  Cute story...the lunch lady came by with a cart and told the kids that if there was anything they didn't want, they could put it on the cart.  I assume she meant garbage...Ben assumed she meant his carrots.  :)  One more sweet tidbit...Nathalie was already asking for Ben by 10 a.m.  She was ready to go pick him up about 5 times before it was actually time to go to the bus stop.  Poor thing, I think she is going to miss her big bro!

Another big day on Thursday...Nathalie's first day of preschool!  She will go to school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  She seemed pretty excited at home, but was a bit more cautious once we actually got to school.  There was a lot to look at (mostly crying kiddos) as she changed into her indoor shoes.  (Indoor shoes are a big deal up here...all kids have school shoes that they change into the minute they get to school.  Makes sense given that it could snow probably any month they are in school!).  I gave her a big squeeze, told her I'd be back soon, and off I went.  She walked slowly, but no tears...from either of us.  Hurray!  Came home with a cute piece of art already.  We took a walk before picking Ben up from the bus stop, and she fell asleep.  Preschool is exhausting!  :)  (PS, can you tell what her fave color is these days?) 

On Friday, Ben's school had a picnic where families were invited to come and eat lunch with their kiddos.  Ben loved getting to see us and eat with us.  And, we loved getting to watch him have recess with his friends.  I was able to snap a picture with one of his teachers, Senora Robin.  Wow, summer went fast...hard to believe school season is here and in full swing already!!!

Banff-tastic!

A few short days after returning from Seattle and being with new friends, I was lucky enough to welcome old friends into our home!  Betsy and Marc came to visit from Wednesday, August 28th through Sunday, September 1.  I picked them up from the airport late on Wednesday evening.  Lots of celebration once we made it home...happy birthday to Marc and happy engagement!  Champagne, cupcakes, Starbucks mug exchanges, and lots of catching up and laughing.  So glad they are here!!

 

We had important business to attend to on Thursday morning.  Marc is planning to wear a kilt for the wedding, and who knew there is a traditional Scottish Shoppe selling kilts right near COP?!  A little trial and error finding the place, but we made it, and there was much success!!  Kilt is ordered, and we summited Rock Mountain as well. :) After all that work, we headed to the Farmer's Market for lunch and goodies.  Back home for some sprinkler fun and relaxing in the warm Calgary sun.

 

Betsy and Marc explored Calgary on Friday...Stephen Avenue Walk, Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower, and more.  A babysitter came to spend time with Ben and Nathalie that evening so the four adults could enjoy some Alberta beef (or fish) at Saltlik.  Yum! 

Up early on Saturday morning to play tour guide in Banff!  Greg and the kids stayed in Calgary so we could explore a little faster and on our guest's schedule instead of a 3 year old's.  :)  The Gondola was first and amazing, as always.  Got to see some wildlife this time...mountain goats!

Next stop was Bow Falls.  Still beautiful...

Moved along to Banff Spring Hotel.  We explored a few shops, and Betsy and Marc were able to find a piece of art to bring home. 

Lunch at The Bear Street Tavern.  Yummy drink, yummy food!  Took a picture of the Aon jersey on the wall for Greg.  Ha!

 

After all that food, it was time to stroll a bit in downtown Banff.  It was a gorgeous afternoon!  A little shopping at Roots, and then it was time for a Starbucks stop before heading home.  Marc's review was that Banff was "Banff-tastic"!  I TOTALLY agree.  :)

Betsy and Marc were so creative and thoughtful at Christmas to get us a gift card to the Pannenkoek Haus in Calgary.  So, on Sunday morning, we enjoyed some pancakes before they flew out that afternoon.  It was so sad seeing them go, but we are definitely looking forward to celebrating with the Mr. and Mrs. in Chicago next July!  Thanks again so much for coming to visit, Betsy and Marc!  We love making memories with you!