Canadian Rockies

When I landed in Calgary on Canada Day in 2011, the customs official took one look at my passport and exclaimed, "Welcome home, young lady."  I immediately burst into tears.  It felt so good to be back in the country of my birth.  While this trip was a sort of homecoming for me, I had never actually been in western Canada before (I am from Ontario). What I saw was absolutely amazing!  Here are a few highlights.

Two Jack Lake in Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Valley of the Ten Peaks surrounding Moraine Lake

Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise in Banff National Park  (quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth)

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Natural Bridge

Crowfoot Glacier in Banff National Park

Peyto Lake in Banff National Park

Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park

This is how we got to the Athabasca Glacier.  It cost millions of dollars!

Athabasca Falls

White water rafting on the Athabasca River (Do I look terrified?)

Medicine Lake

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park

Spirit Island in Maligne Lake

Maligne Falls

I took the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver.  Total luxury for two days!

I took a ferry to Vancouver Island for a day trip to Victoria which is absolutely charming!

I visited Butchart Gardens, a series of gardens created in a former limestone quarry, while in Victoria.

In my opinion, Canada is absolutely beautiful and the scenery on this trip took my breath away on multiple occasions.  It was one of the best trips I have ever taken and I would love to return to Lake Louise!

African Safari

Sundays by the Fire

I go to my parents' house nearly every Sunday night.  I have done this ever since I moved out on my own (this started when I lived in an apartment and my parents would let me bring my laundry to their house). My parents have a great back yard and, several years ago, they built a fire pit.  In my opinion, this was the best investment they ever made.  Once the weather gets warm, they build a fire just about every night and I get to enjoy them on Sundays. I can't tell you how much I love sitting by the fire with my family during the spring and summer.  We talk (and laugh) for hours and, when Sean and Tashena are around, we make s'mores.  My Mom has the fixings for s'mores on hand at all times!

We had a wonderful fire last Sunday and I look forward to many more this summer.

It is one of my favorite summer traditions!