Better than a snow day!

Being married to a school teacher, I've come to really appreciate and look forward to the holidays. There is nothing like those unanticipated days off, however, it is the unscheduled moments when school gets cancelled that bring sheer joy to my heart. Usually those days come as a result of a winter snowstorm. Today, it came in the form of a water main break! John was getting ready to leave for work when a teacher phoned him to notify him of the water problem and to tell him not to bother coming to work. For the longest time John didn't even believe the guy, and even after getting off the phone, he still drove down to the school to make sure that this wasn't some kinda prank. Sure enough, the High School was closed. Woo hooo!!! We didn't waste a minute of it. As soon as Abby got out of kindergarten we headed to the mountains. All summer long, I'd wanted to hike Bertha Falls in Waterton, but we'd never found the time.

I'm so glad we did it. It was a longer hike then we'd planned, as it was about 3 km in to the falls, and then the same distance out. It was sure worth it though. Abby hiked the entire way without ever really complaining. Sam was happy to be carried the entire way...except for those moments when we had to let him down so he could protect us from the bears! Jessica unfortunately INSISTED on WALKING most of the time. Have you ever hiked a mountain 18 month old speed? It was tedious at times, and more then once I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and haul her up that mountain, yet there was such determination on her face, and she truly enjoyed the challenge of the climb. She got lots of comments from people passing. Many of those people passing happened to be high school students! I guess we all know how to spend a day off eh?

I was so proud of the kids today and so glad that we got to do that as a family. I get such satisfaction from crossing things off of my "wish list" of things to do. It was a great day! And it didn't even take a snowstorm!


The kids stopped to eat some Thimble berries along the way. John was a great guide, as he was frequently stopping the kids and teaching them about the vegetation, berries, etc. I probably learned as much as the kids did! Of course, I didn't let on to that. John would say something smart and I was all like, "yeah that's right kids....what dad said!"






This is the view of Waterton Lake from our halfway point.










Once we reached the falls, the kids had the best time climbing on the rocks as they snacked. Suddenly all of their strength returned and they had energy to climb!



I also loved how well they all got along together. I think we need to do this more often. Sam and Abby....are actually FRIENDS! Who knew?




Of course, I have to show a picture of the falls! This photo does not do justice to how pretty, and large the falls were. I LOVE the sound of a waterfall.




As I leaned over the edge of the railing to watch the water flow under the bridge I saw this leaf nestled alone in a pool between some rocks. It made me want to sing O CANADA! right there for everyone to hear!!!
....but I didn't, don't worry!




To top it all off, after supper John watched the kids so that I could go to a book club meeting. It is my favorite meeting ever! Quick question for anyone still reading this looooonnngg post. I'm looking for a great book for this next month. The theme: anything by a British Author. If any of you have any good suggestions.... send em this way EH!