It was the best of camping, it was the worst of camping

Craig has been begging for us to go camping in Jasper (again) for months. It's a good thing he started asking months ago, actually, because campgrounds book up quickly in national parks!
Anyway, earlier in August, we headed out of a weekend in the great outdoors. We picked up Kyler at work and ate some lunch along the way.

It rained on the drive, which combined with the weather forecast, wasn't the best sign.

When we took a stop at a lake, it was rather overcast.

I know there are impressive mountains back there, but you can't see them.
By the time we got into town, the sun was breaking through, but it was pretty windy.

We looked at the display at the firehouse,

Calista got to pretend to be a baby bird, we ate some tasty Italian food (roughing it, right? Don't worry, we'll make up for it).
Then we headed to our campsite. While we were setting up the tent, it started to sprinkle.

Caleb retreated to the car, partially I think because he'd been super annoying while I practiced setting up the tent in the backyard earlier in the week.

I'd threatened to make him stay in the car while camping. He took me at my word, voluntarily.

After we got the tent up, it started to rain. Quite a bit. We still decided to brave attending the campfire put on by the park rangers.

The rain paused long enough for Craig and Calista to dress up as bears, and show off the differences between a black and a grizzly bear.

That pause in the rain didn't last long. We retreated into our tent and played Uno, and then tried to sleep. Alas, that was mostly in vain. While the tent put in a valiant effort, the shear amount of rain began to overwhelm it and we started to have drips. Onto our pillows, mostly. Calista was not pleased, and it was one of the worst nights of Kyler and my lives.

Eventually the rain subsided, the kiddos fell asleep, and all too quickly it was morning.

Good news, though: morning included a hot breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and hot chocolate,

which did a bit to improve some people's moods.

After breakfast we embarked on our next adventure: the Pyramid Lake Overlook loop,

which is the longest hike we have ever attempted with our children, even including our hikes in Utah this summer.

There were some rough moments, especially considering how little sleep we got the night before.

And, of course, Caleb had to be carried by Kyler for parts of it.

The views were pretty nice, though.

And Calista and Craig did really well.

Towards the very end of our hike, and when Calista and I both had to use the bathroom, we came across 2 elk, grazing right next to the trail.

Calista was a little scared, because the rangers at the campfire the night before had told her more people were injured by elk in Jasper than any other animal. But we made her walk past them anyway.

After the hike, we headed to Pyramid Island.

There were a couple of weddings happening, so lots of people taking pretty pictures.

Thankfully the weather was nice for them, and for us while we ate lunch.

The view from our lunchtime picnic table. Pretty awesome, right?

After lunch we drove to Maligne Lake.

Kyler was absolutely exhausted, so he slept

while the kids threw rocks 

and climbed on top of me. I didn't mind Kyler's rest, though, because it meant he was awake enough to drive back to the campsite.

Caleb liked the fort we made of camp chairs and blankets.

While I was making dinner, we started hearing thunder in the distance. Kyler and I were not pleased, as we absolutely did not want another night of sleep like the one before. But the thunder stay in the distance, and while it did rain a bit after we went to bed, it wasn't as intense as the night before and we stayed dry inside.

And, just like that, it was time to pack up the tent and head home. Well, nearly. First we had to stop at Athabasca Falls.

So much power in the water. It's a little scary, actually.

More than one bench is dedicated to a young man's memory, having died after falling into the Falls.

We, of course, lived to tell our tale just fine.

Mostly because we made 100% sure to stay on the path.

No straying even just a little bit!

We also saw a black bear fairly close to the Falls, but didn't stop to take a picture. Pretty cool, though!

And, finally, exhausted and dirty, we arrived home to sleep in our own beds, with a real roof over our head if it rains. I'm glad we went, but there were some moments I wasn't so glad at the time. Ha. Still, thanks to Craig for encouraging us. We're already planning our next trip to Jasper!

Calista Year 8 Retrospective

Sometimes, I feel like Calista is pretty much the best kid in the world.

I love her so much. She is smart, funny, and kind, and I am privileged to call her mine.
Other times, I just want to smack her. I'm not sure if she's 17, or a toddler. Calista can get upset and have tantrums about the dumbest things.

She doesn't want to listen and be obedient, preferring to "help" in her own way, which is usually useless and takes a long time (on purpose).


Still, she is usually an excellent big sister.

Especially to Caleb, who is still little enough to forgive readily when he is annoying.

But she and Craig get along pretty well, too.

They all love to play and read together,

and I usually try to ignore them if they are enjoying themselves,

because as soon as they remember I exist, they fight and need Mom for something silly.


Calista is thriving at school.  Sometimes she comes home upset about something - usually the boys in her class saying dumb things - but most of the time loves going and learning.

She is probably the best reader in her class,

and usually ready with an answer, as long as she's paying attention and not just talking to her friends.
Outside of school, she is curious and wants to learn.

Once Calista gets over being shy, she'll ask tons of questions, absorbing all the information carefully.


Always busy, Calista loves to do lots of activities. This year was ice skating,

gymnastics - earning her tan badge,

curling,

soccer,

online piano lessons... through it all she got stronger, tougher, smarter, and better.


Calista absolutely loves art and music.

She will write her own songs on piano,

and her use of color in drawing is always striking.


As a family, we've gone all over in the last year. Trips to Banff and Calgary,

Drumheller and the dinosaur museum,

lots of time in Raymond,

and, of course, Idaho and Utah.

Calista is a fantastic traveler, usually happy to read and snack while we go.

And occasionally learn she can lick her elbow.


Par for the course for 7-year-old, Calista lost quite a few teeth this year, and is starting to grow them back.

I love her toothless smiles, although I'm sure she's happy to be able to eat apples again.


Calista also likes to play board and video games,

and even occasionally has sat in on our grown-up game night, rolling dice with the best of them, and come up with silly things for her character to do.


And, of course, Calista ended her eighth/began her ninth year by being baptized,

and we couldn't be prouder of the choices she's made and the faith she has shown.


Calista likes:
Swings
Lasagna rolls
Dark chocolate
The ocean and animals
Creating art
Music
Screen time
Reading

Calista dislikes:
Green peppers
Cleaning up
Doing hard things


August 2018

September 2018

October 2018

November 2018

 

December 2018

January 2019

February 2019

March 2019

April 2019

May 2019

June 2019

July 2019

Thanks for another year, baby girl! We love you!