A while back I entered a little photo contest that (I swear) few people must know about;) I was lucky enough to win in a couple of categories, and one of the prizes was a two night stay in Waterton.
This past week we cashed in on that prize and spent a few days there doing all the things we love about Waterton.
First up, as soon as we arrived, I made the kids pose for some Family Photos.
And-They LOVED it!!!
Now, when I say "they loved it" I actually mean they whined and cried and complained the entire time, carrying on as if it was the biggest injustice ever to have to have a family photo taken. In all fairness to them, we did just recently snap some family photos, and we will likely in the future take more family photos, so it's not like I have a shortage of family photos or anything. I may have a slight addiction to taking family photos that borderlines compulsion, which I suspect stems from a childhood of no photos and precious few documented memories. (I may need counselling.)
Still, It had been a few weeks since our last picture, so what was the big deal?
We took 11 shots of this exact photo just trying to get one where Sam was actually smiling. And the more determined he was to not smile- the more determined I became to keep the pictures coming.
Unfortunately, just when the kids thought it was over, after we'd gotten back in the van and started heading towards the hotel, I saw a great little building with an awesome cedar shake wall and instantly liked that backdrop better. (What? I changed my mind, so sue me!)
All heck broke lose then as the kids flat out refused to cooperate. To make a short story even longer I'll just add that we all sulked, tears were shed, I lamented the fact that no one was wearing the clothes I'd laid out for them, and I bribed our kids with money to fake a smile.
And this is the picture that resulted!
Here we are: One big happy family, about to enjoy our holiday together.
Despite it all, we do look relatively happy so it's all good.
But let the record show, that on this day, and at this moment, if I'd been given the choice to a) keep taking my families photos or b) light myself on fire - I would have chosen the latter.
And that's all I'm going to say on the subject.
So now that I've spent that much time blabbing about the gong show that was the first 20 minutes of our trip- let me get on to the good part!
The rest was FABULOUS!
We checked into the lodge around four and immediately headed out to hike Bears Hump. The kids did incredibly well and John and I were impressed with Nate's determination to walk the entire time without any assistance. His little legs struggled with each high step, but he did it!
(I know, another family photo. I need to be stopped)
One morning, we also hiked in to Crandell lake because the kids wanted to do some fishing there. Because Cameron Road is closed, we had to hike in from behind and it ended up being an adventurous hike for sure. Turns out, they'd been having bear problems in the area and had actually banned all campers who were using anything less then hard walled trailers. There was an unusual amount of warning signs along the trail cautioning us that there was a "bear in the area." John and I kinda laughed at the obviousness of the signage and continued on the path.
Within minutes, we were stopped by this black bear and her cub. We backed our kids up carefully and expected the bear to continue on her way. But instead she continued to walk towards us. So....we backed up until she was outta sight. And....she continued to walk towards us!
I'll admit, I found her aggressiveness (well her lack of fear of us) to be somewhat unnerving, but I couldn't help but take advantage of this photo op:
John eventually did scare the bear and her cub away (he's so brave;) but by then the rest of us were already back at the van, shaking in our hiking boots. The kids and I wanted to be done with hiking for the day, but John told us to stop being wusses and continue on. John's determination to get to the lake could be compared to my determination to take a family photo.
There was nothing to do but continue on.
It was another great hike and the kids were definitely tired after. For the rest of the stay we spent our time playing in the splash park, swimming at the pool, walking around the town site and fishing below Cameron Falls. Sam LOVES fishing below the falls!
I absolutely LOVE being in Waterton at night. It has a whole different feel at night, once half the people have gone home, and the other half start winding down.
I tried to steal away each evening just so I could enjoy the ambiance a bit.
On nights like this I like to sit outside the theatre and listen to the live entertainment, or walk along the shore and watch the shadowy figures of others still playing in the water. My favorite thing I've done though is sit along the docks staring off towards the Prince Of Whales Hotel. It's pretty dreamy.
Speaking of dreamy. This BABY is pretty dreamy;)
Ben, Marilyn and Blythe came down to Waterton for one night as well and we sure enjoyed their company! Blythe is the most content and pleasant baby, and I bet her parents will never have to pay her to cooperate for a family photo.
It was a great few days. The kids swam, played at Pass Creek and flew kites together before we reluctantly called it quits and headed for home.
It was a perfect end to Fabulous Summer!
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