Pre-Wedding days

August was a crazy month.  I'm not even sure what to do with myself now that it's over.  ;)
The first half of the month was filled with preparation and anticipation for the wedding of my youngest sister Ruth-Ann to her love, Ben Tiemsta.  It meant company was coming and since we happen to live in Alberta we not only got to attend but also we got to enjoy some company here at our own place, to have some pre and post party get-togethers. 
First to arrive were my Opa and Oma Oosterhoff.  It was so special to have them here for a weekend, and as I had grown up seeing them weekly I have a real soft spot in my heart for them.  They are like old furniture, comfy to have around.  It's not every child who gets to enjoy such active great grandparents, and we made the best of the time together.  xoxox - thanks for coming, and come again.

We went to Henderson Park in Lethbridge for a walk and some play time.

After Opa and Oma left for camping on Monday, we had a few days to get ready for our trip up to Neerlandia and for the next round of guests.  It was warm, so of course we had to spend some of the time in the pool...even though the water wasn't public-pool-clean, it was very refreshing and alot cleaner then swimming in the pond.  We are still trying to figure out this whole pool/pond maintenance thing;)  

Then, finally, to the great excitement of our boys who love going on an adventure, it was Friday the 22nd, time to pack up and leave for Neerlandia!  Oh Rowan, you are such a handful but so bright and cheerful - it makes up for it all. We stopped in Red Deer for Happy Meals.  Can you tell it makes him happy?
 

After arriving later afternoon we had time for the boys to run around and get the car wiggles out while enjoying a lovely dinner and catch-up time at Tiemstra's. 

Uncle Sam! And cousin Gavin!

Sulphur Mountain - Aug 2

Our final day in Banff was spent at Sulphur Mountain, which is just 5 minutes from the town site. We were planning on walking around a bit and seeing a few things from the van windows before heading to Calgary but the fresh morning weather lured us into staying a couple hours longer and doing one more hike.  From the parking lot we had the option of taking the Gondola up to to the summit where there were viewing decks overlooking 6 mountain peaks, or to get there by doing the 6 km strenuous hike.  Obviously we took the Gondola;)   We luckily had arrived before the crowds so after grabbing a Starbucks coffee to go, we boarded with some very excited children.  Which of course, makes up for the cost:) 

 From the summit we did the 1 km walk on the pathway to the Sulpher Mountain historical weather station/observatory.  It was a bit cloudy but still the views were beautiful. 

We stopped for a snack (Pringles anyone?) and Rowan fed one to a chipmunk, (which I found out was illegal) and it caused quite a stir with everyone watching and snapping photos of the cute little creature.  At that point we walked away so as not attract more attention.  :))

There was an interesting viewing deck over the gondola platform showing which direction and how far away various cities in the world were. 

Lake Louise, Banff - Aug 1 (afternoon)

 Lake Louise, Canada's "diamond in the wilderness", or so they say.... one of the most hiked places in Canada. Royals tour there, foreigners snap pictures like its going to disappear... another gorgeous glacier lake, known around the world.
Which would also make it a place we wanted to see.
A fantastic place to stroll on the boardwalk, eat chips on the benches, dip toes in cold water and people watch:)

Rundlestone Mtn

Moraine Lake Banff - Aug 1 (morning)

 "For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth, 

and the mountains peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down and worship, 

let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

Psalm 95:3-6

As the kids were saying... "No rain at Moraine!"  It was a good way to get the name to stick.
The forecast called for rain and thunderstorms, but we were blessed with another comfortable and gorgeous day.  We soaked up the sun as well as the views, marveling in God's artwork.

This was Rowans first time being surrounded by such huge mountains and he scrunched up in his car seat with his hands over his eyes saying "Scary, scary. Fall down!"  I think he thought the mountains were going to fall on him.  

This lake was one of those prestine places Andy had found on his quest for adventure.  We just did the smaller hike around the lake as the one Andy wanted to do originally was closed unless you were in a group of four - due to bears.  Not something we wanted to take a chance on!

This first picture has a bit of a trivia question attached to it. Does anyone think they may have seen these mountains before? Printed?  They are 'famous' due to this piece of information... actually, you get to know if you make it thru all these pictures. Answer at the bottom.   We thought it was interesting, and I even had a copy stored away which I scanned in for proof...

Seth is a good big brother.  "I need to be taller Seth!"

The water looked so inviting but no one could swim in it as it was too cold, fresh from melting glaciers.

 At the beginning of the trail, by the parking lot was the moraine deposit that could also be climbed for a view overlooking the lake. We did that too, and it was worth it, although the kids were tired and hungry at that point.

On top of the deposit - the only thing holding in the lake.

 Here you go:
The old twenty dollar bill!  Lake Moraine in Banff National Park.   How's that for trivia?  ;)