Cameron Lake Adventures

If we were to chose one thing that our family loves to do together (like really LOVE to do) it would be fishing in Glacier or Waterton.   Sadly there have been a couple of devastating forest fires in Glacier that have prevented us from going down there so we've been forced to enjoy some lovely evenings in Waterton exclusively.   

One particular evening awhile back, we made the last minute decision to fill the cooler with all the fixings for a wiener roast, and drive up to Cameron lake.   Just shy of Cameron lake is a great little pullover/cooking spot called McNealy's.  It has quickly become a favourite place of ours in part because it is just minutes from Cameron Lake, but also because it is secluded enough for us to enjoy the tranquility while we eat.   

I believe (with all my heart) that food tastes better when cooked outside and this meal did not disappoint.   It didn't take long for my little family to polish off a dozen hot dogs and we were back in the van and headed on up the road to Cameron Lake.

Because of the forest fires south of us, there was a smoky hazy that covered the sky, but the weather was good and the lake was calm.

It had initially been very busy when we arrived, with more tourists walking around then I had ever seen!!   Within minutes though of setting off on the water, people began to leave.   When I looked back a short while later to see how far we were from the dock, I could tell there were just a few of us left up there.   I much prefer Cameron Lake when we are the only ones there;) 

We had to divide our family up into two groups which meant there was a girl boat and a boy boat.  (Classy of the guys to take the one with the motor, don't you think?;)

We didn't mind.  Us girls felt invincible in the dingy. (...for the first 30 minutes at least;)

Soon we were smack dab in between both ends of the lake, all was quiet, and I was tired.

And my legs kept cramping up.

And blisters were forming on my hands.

And my elbows hurt.

And the boys had long since past us, leaving us dismally alone. 

I wanted to throw my ores in the lake and yell "stupid, dumb, boring, hate it" until someone came to pick us up.   But Jessica was worried enough and I knew it likely wouldn't be an effective way to handle my frustration - so we rowed on.   

And on.

And on.

And on.

We reached John and the boys at the far end of the lake and watched them fish.   I began to feel my bad mood dissipate as I reminded myself of how much fun these fishing adventures are and how much we love doing things like this as a family.  (Granted, I'm not usually the one doing all the stinkin' rowing but perhaps this was a good chance for me to, you know, walk a mile in John's shoes and stuff like that.)   

Whenever I get to this part of Cameron lake I like to just sit and listen to the waterfalls and scour the shore in search of grizzly bears.   It is so lush and quiet and gorgeous here!   

The highlight of the night came when us girls made it back to the dock alive  Nate caught his first fish EVER!!!    (A beautiful brook trout, which was actually a fairly decent size for him.)  He often called out to us from across the lake to let us know that he'd caught a fish and it was cute to see how territorial he was over it.     But for good reason.  Nate has waited a long time for this fish, his whole life in fact, and we were all so proud of him! 

  

 

John and I both feel hopeful that now that he has experience the thrill of a catch, he will feel more inclined to actually join us when we go fishing in the future.   That's right, no more laying in the van wasting our data plans away watching movies on my cell phone.  Woohoo!

Heritage Park

One day, early in August, I looked at my calendar (for the first time in weeks!) to see that I had an appointment in Calgary in just a couple of days.   John and I debated for probably a total of thirty seconds before deciding that it would be fun to take the whole family!  We had a lot of options when it came to fun things to do.  Calaway park?  The Zoo?   Heritage Park?   

In the end, I got online and searched for coupons.  Whoever offered the best discounted admission would get this families business for the day - so Heritage Park it was!!!  haha

It ended up being the perfect place for these four and offered a little bit of something for all of them.

We started by taking an old fashioned train ride into town. (Fun!)

We got off the train just in time to board this old boat for a ride around the reservoir.  (Double Fun!)

There were canoes and dragon boat racers out on the water, which was fun to see, but I'm pretty sure that Nate's favorite part of this boat ride was being able to walk around and explore every deck.  

 A parent could get sea sick just trying to keep up with him! ;)

As soon as our boat ride finished, the kids headed straight for the old time fair, which consisted of all sorts of fun ring toss style games that are designed to suck every last penny from you and old fashioned rides.    My favorite ride of the day was the Caterpillar ride, which consisted of a line of cars that could hold 1-2 people in each car.   The cars would race around a track that went up and  down small elevations.  What made it cool though is that part way through the ride, a vintage green curtain unfolds and expands over the entire train of cars giving you the feeling that you were actually in a tunnel.   It was the kind of ride where you could steal a kiss or two from the person next to you and nobody else would ever know.   Lucky for me, John was sharing a car with me so we did our best to take advantage of the opportunity;)  Carpe diem, you know?

All of the kids enjoyed the swings and I love this picture of Abby and Jess.   It depicts perfectly how well my kids get along when we go places like this.   It doesn't matter if we are camping, hiking, at the mall, or taking in an amusement park.  If it is new to them - they are so full of happiness and excitement.  It's contagious and just spills out of them in a lovely and harmonious way.   

It's bliss. 

Us girls insisted on riding the Ferris wheel.  What a charming ride!

I had to sit alone though because Jess and Abby wanted to share, so I had the opportunity to listen to them scream behind me every time one of them leaned forward just a tad too far.  It was so relaxing;)

I was actually really enjoying the ride (so long as I stayed completely still;) until I noticed this sign posted on a part of the contraption.  The numbers 1905 & 1922 stood out to me and made my heart race.  Suddenly the realization that I might be sitting high up on a 100 year old ride had me feeling a little panicky and I longed to be with my boys down on solid ground.  

They were hardly mindful of the danger I was in though as they were all too busy snacking on a large order of fries.  Of course the ride ended just fine and all was well, but later in the day when Jessica asked if we could ride it again, I did my very best to dodge that bullet!

The rest of our time was spent meandering through the streets, buying candy at the old Claresholm General store, attending school in the old school house and touring through old homes, many of which belonged to some of Alberta's prestigious settlers.   I could have looked through those homes all day long!   The kids enjoyed stumbling upon a evolving re-enactment involving "Earnest" an entertaining criminal who somehow managed to evade the RCMP every time. 

I'm pretty sure John and I would have loved growing up in this era:)

We spent most of the day here, only leaving for a picnic lunch.   Even when it was time for my appointment we decided that I would leave for it and then come back to them here.   The kids did NOT want to leave!!!

The park closed for the day just as a massive storm loomed over us menacingly.  

We hurried to a nearby shopping mall to have dinner in the food court and watch the storm roll by.
Even though it was barely after 5, the city seemed so dark and many mall patrons stood at the windows anxiously watching the sky.  (They'd apparently had a tornado in Calgary the week before)

One last stop at the Lego Store for some window shopping and wishing and we were on our way!!

As we drove home John and I basked in the perfectness of the day.   It was just so fun to be away from everything that had been distracting us and weighing us down and just play.   For the kids, it was a day full of things they rarely get to do.   Carnival rides, boat rides, train rides, restaurants and more.  

Definitely a day to remember!!!

Party Hardy Part 4 - The Extended Version

Towards the end of July, after cousin camp and shortly before Rachel was to leave, we went to Stirling AB for two days to celebrate the lives of John's Grandpa and Grandma, who both bast away a couple of years ago.  John's Grandpa would have been 100 years old this year!

We gathered at the church in town where, for two days, we enjoyed yummy food, fun games and lots of mingling!   This picture shows some of John's cousins as they tried to line up in order of age.   (John was, for the most part, the only one from his particular family that was able to attend this event, so there are at least 7 cousins missing;)    It was cool to watch John catch up with so many of his relatives and listen to them share stories and reminisce.   Johns Aunt Elaine arranged a beautiful slide show that consisted of many of Grandpa and Grandmas photos.

Because John's Dad had to leave after a couple of hours (to embark on a trip to Alaska!) he put John in charge of the rope making station.   Max had been sure to walk John through it the night before just to make sure he'd be able to make one the next day.   I think John was impressed and pleasantly surprised with how well his demo went.   He managed to successfully make a rope, convince us all that he was an expert at it, and then make another one for good measure!!! ;)

They needed lots of hands and help to make such a long rope.   

Perfect for a game of Tug-a-war!!

The next day we all needed to be at the church before 10 to get ready for the parade.   Everyone was to be in it!!   

Our "float" consisted of a group of people walking in front with a banner that read:  

"The Lyman and Mildred Hardy family says...."

Behind those kids a truck pulled a trailer with all of Lyman and Mildreds kids on it.  That banner continued the message with, "Stirling - Thanks for our Heritage"

And then behind that was this semi pulling all of Lyman and Mildreds Grandchildren, Great Grand children and Great Great Grandchildren, with a banner that finished, "We have shared it with the World!"  All those who had travelled for missions or any other reason were encouraged to bring a flag representing where they have gone.   

It was a pretty powerful though and this was an impressive enough site to earn the 1st Place entry!!  

As a result, we got to be the first float in the parade:)   haha

John made me (and everyone) laugh because his flag was by far the largest one on the float.   What would else you expect though considering he served his mission in Texas! ;)

After the parade we had a final dinner together and let the kids do some zip lining before leaving for home.   It was a fun couple of days and I'm glad we were able to go.

The partying didn't end there though!

Because there was so much family in town for that reunion, many of Kendal's siblings remained for another week longer.    Jewel and her Mother in Law Deanna were so gracious and invited my family to join them one day at the Magrath campground.  

 My kids enjoyed the water slide built in the hill and I loved watching Jewel and her in laws.   

They are a laid back group of people who are full of fun ideas and just genuinely seem to love being together.   Unlike I had done, no one seemed to be fretting about meals or other hosting logistics.  

I took that as a sign that I could probably relax a little when company comes and enjoy the moment a little bit more.

Clarke and Deanne pulled out some balloons and had each of the kids write a thoughtful message or a wish for someone down on a peace of paper.   The messages went into a balloon which was filled with helium.   My kids and I didn't stay long enough to see this done, but later that day they all gathered together to release their balloons.   I love this image of dozens of happy wishes going out to others!   

I think this is the key to happiness.   Family and sharing goodness with those around us. 

No wonder it was such a joy filled weekend!!!

Party Hardy Week 3 - Cousin Camp

How could I be so far behind on my journal when there is SO much that has happened this summer!!    I have been so tired and too busy, that's how.    We had company for essentially all of July and as soon as they left, even though the fun continued, I experienced a burn out of epic proportion.   It started with a cold/ear infection and quickly became a near pneumonia type illness that has taken weeks to recover from.   So, I've simply been archiving all of the other summer experiences we've had for a later date when energy returned and I could record it all.   Sadly, my energy returned right as I became the worlds biggest procrastinator!!!   

So- here I am now, digging back to over a MONTH ago when my sister hosted the 2nd annual Cousin Camp for all of my siblings kids.    Just like last year, this three day camp was hugely anticipated and without a doubt, one of the summer highlights for my four kids!   

It started on July 13th and went to the 15th.  

I always love to see what effort and organization goes into this event.   (How could it not when Jewel had 15 kids between the ages of 2 and 15?!)    Each of the older cousins were put in charge of 2 or 3 younger kids for the duration of the camp.   These groups took turns cooking and doing other chores (in theory) and I hope they actually were helpful!

It was so fun to watch get texts and messages from Jewel about some of the fun they were having.  

They had an evening talent show called "Cousins got Talent"  which always seems to be full of hilarity and sweetness.   They went down to the creek one day, rented the pool another, and did lots and lots of crafts!  Jewel had even arranged a "secret cousin" activity in which they occasionally deposited a treat, note or gift for their assigned cousin over the course of the camp.   It sounds like it was a lot of fun for the kids!

When Jewel sent me this picture of Jessica snuggled up to Nala I knew Jess was a happy camper!  Doesn't she look so content and happy?   (Not sure what Nala is thinking, but Jess was clearly in heaven;)

   

This cousin camp is so much more than fun and games and crafts though.
My kids came home with fun little socks to where, with a note attached to them, reminding my kids to "follow in their footsteps."  I could tell she must have spent some time talking about Grandpa and Grandma and I can imagine evening conversations that her and Kendall may have had with our kids about gospel related truths.   One day they spent some time at the temple.   While the older kids did baptisms for the dead, the younger ones waited outside.   I have no doubt that Jewel used this as an opportunity to try and teach them all about the temple and what this place means for family.   

I felt immensely grateful for her that week and for what she was really doing.   She was forging deep relationships with these kids, drawing them together, reminding them of their Grandpa and Grandma Rausch and teaching them all that their Grandparents would have taught if they were still around.    Perhaps most importantly though, she was creating memories for these kids that I have no doubt will bond them together for years and years to come!!  

She must have been exhausted at the end of those three days but it was truly AMAZING and I am so grateful to her for it!!!!   

Unlike last year (when John and I snuck away for a couple of days of camping while the kids were at Jewels) we still had company with us.   For the most part I spent the time without my kids catching up on all that I'd neglected over the past weeks and playing with my nieces and nephews who were with us.   John and I did find one day though to steal away to Waterton for a day hike.   

Bertha Lake was a fun hike for sure!   

The hike to Bertha Falls is one of my favorites and this year we did that twice.   John found a cool way to get right up in the falls which offered up an amazing view of the water cascading down beside us.   I loved this trail this year because of the Lady Slippers that we discovered!   I just love those beautiful, dainty things and it was a highlight for me for sure.

Past Bertha Falls though is a pretty spectacular hike that takes you through a meadow (that happened to be full of wildflowers at that time) and then up a fairly steady incline with lots of switchbacks.   The reward at the top is the fabulous Bertha Lake!   Our initial plan (because the hike tired me out;) was to just find a spot to sit and eat/fish.   However, John was oh so determined to scout out the best fishing spot he could, so naturally that meant walking around the entire lake!   Meh - what's another 2.4 kilometres when you are already exhausted?  haha.  

Actually, I think I could hike all day, so long as I am allowed to stop occasionally to take a photo or two.  Or ten;)  

The most exciting moment of the day, for me at least, was when I found this Spotted Saxifrage sticking out of the rock up by Bertha Lake.   I'd noticed this flower in my flower twitcher last year and loved the colorful pattern.  Jessica and I have been searching for this flower ever since and I was elated to finally find it.   It was surprisingly much smaller and daintier than I was expecting but definitely beautiful.   Saxifrage actually means "stone-breaker" which I think is a pretty cool title for something so small and unassuming.    

As John and I began our decent, a dark thunderstorm rolled in overhead, which helped quicken our step and speed up the hike back to the truck.   We got poured on for a good half hour and decided to wait out the last of the storm while we ate Mexican food at the Taco Bar.   By the time we finished our dinner, the dark clouds had moved on, leaving a clear (albeit breezy) evening sky.  
Naturally, we took this as a sign that there was time to do a bit of fishing!  

John had brought the boat in the back of the truck this time as I wasn't sure I'd be able to gracefully help lift that thing onto the roof of the van.   (In fact, I was sure I would not be able to;)   I got a kick out of this though as we drove past dozens of large trucks pulling their boats on actual trailers.  

 The words "You might be a Redneck if....." kept coming to my mind;)   

It was a beautiful evening for sure.  No fish were caught, but I always enjoy being out in nature with John.   At one point we saw a bear exploring the shoreline of Emerald Bay.  I was a little bit nervous, but John didn't hesitate to row the boat as close as we could so that I could get a better shot of it.   (Which I couldn't, but not for lack of proximity;)

It was a lovely day and one that left me feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled.   

Nature can do that, like nothing else!

Party Hardy Week 2 - Camp!

This family camp was a good idea, that is all there is to it!  

I think planning for it began early in the new year and it all started when John's brother Ben asked if any of us wanted to join them for a couple of days in Waterton.

We were like, "Waterton you say?   Um...ok!"

So one Thursday afternoon we spent an entire morning loading up our van, coolers and backpacks with everything we'd need and then a few extra things for good measure;)   By Thursday afternoon John and four of his 7 siblings (and their families) were off on the first ever family camping trip!   

Each of us had our own site (most were adjoining) but John's and my site quickly became the base.  Some of us had decided to cook/eat together and we conveniently

 took over this camp kitchen.    Grandpa joined us each evening for supper which was nice and super helpful as he would bring out a warm meal to us.   (Hardly camping when you don't have to cook the supper, I know.  There were times it felt more like "Glam"ping!!;)

The first evening was spent:

* setting up camp

* eating a milkman dinner (yum!)

* taking the boat out on upper waterton lake 

* going fishing

* swinging in Calebs hammock (which him and Mala actually slept in each night, the brave souls!)

* attending the falls theatre where some of the kids became participants in the show!

* Enjoying hot chocolate and fish (in lieu of s'mores I suppose?) before bed 

* enjoying a perfectly calm and still evening

While I was watching a theatre production with some of the kids, John was fishing with Sam and a few others nearby.   I joined them just as the sun was going down and watched them row towards shore with Sam excitedly calling out that he'd caught a fish.   I'll admit, it was a nice looking fish and John was determined to keep it and take it home.   I, however, was equally determined that we were NOT hanging on to that thing for the next two days!   Our coolers were filled to the brim with other food and even if they hadn't been, I did not want the extra hastle of trying to keep a fish carcass cool for the duration of our trip.   Can you imagine how stinky that thing would have been?  Carrying around a dead fish for two days was just not part of my plans at all;)   So  there we were at a complete standstill.   This ridiculous 2 lb fish was quite truly the straw that broke the proverbial camels back, and as I stood there on that Waterton shore I called out to him the one and only option:
"Cook that sucker up or SET.IT.FREE!!"

John begrudgingly tried to set it free, but the poor thing instantly went belly up so there he was (at 10:30 at night) by the light of a kerosene lamp gutting and cooking up Sam's prized lake trout.
And can I just say -it was delicious!!!
Like, truly scrumptious and by far the yummiest fish I'd eaten in well...forever maybe.   As an added bonus, John's family all huddled around him and thought it was the coolest thing ever.   The combination of Hot Chocolate and fish before bed didn't seem weird to them at all!  It was so strange to me, but in an instant John's and my "fish feud" had quickly been put to rest.   All's well that ends well, I guess!  haha

Our one full day in Waterton was spent in the most perfect way (for me at least;) :  

* 6:30 am - early morning bike ride from the campground to the park entrance!  (I've always wanted to try that new trail they added and I was glad Sarah, Caleb and Mala were willing to let me tag along!  And tag along, I did.  Way...back...much further along! haha.   I hadn't even reached the park entrance yet when Caleb and Mala breezed past me already headed back to camp.  Seriously, to be a teenager again!   Or fit even.  (I'd settle for that;)

* After a mediocre breakfast, a few of us hiked bears hump.   It's our second time this year doing it, and I'm more and more proud of Nate for managing that hike all on his own.  I love sitting on top and looking over at the town site!

* After lunch, we adventured/played up at Red Rock for a bit

* Stopped off at Emerald Bay

* Got caught in a surprise rainstorm

* Enjoyed Zums chicken and fries for dinner (thanks Grandpa!)

* Took the boat up to Cameron lake for, you guessed it, MORE fishing!!!  (After previous nights successful fish fry, everyone had high hopes of a repeat cook off this second night.   It was hilarious to me that three separate family members contributed during the day with newly purchased salt/pepper, fresh lemons, and dill!   John was definitely feeling the pressure;)

* Watched Caleb's entertaining paddle board trip to the far end of Cameron.  (I love his adventurous spirit and I think his mom Sarah does too;)    

* Got caught in yet ANOTHER torrential downpour.  We had to load up all the fishing/boating gear in a hurry.  (and when I say "we" I mean John.  I was sitting in the van trying to be helpful from there;)    The mountains sure can be unpredictable!

That storm that caught us unaware up at Cameron lake rolled over Waterton and brought with it a fierce wind that stayed with us for most of the night.   We still enjoyed one last fish fry in the camp kitchen before bed and Mala even slept out in the hammock despite the wind - but it definitely put a bit of a damper on things and sent many of us to our tents.

I woke up the next morning though to the most calm and peaceful scene!

I love waking up in Waterton, before anyone else, and going for a walk.   It is such a special time.

By the time I got back to our site, others were waking up and we began the task of taking down camp.   

It always amazes me how much work Camping is; how my van gets filled to the roof with things we need in order to live a little more rustic?  It's so ironic.   But one walk along a bubbling brook as the sun rises - and it all feels absolutely worth it!!

Party Hardy Week 1 - Highlights

Back at the end of June, a few of John's siblings (and their fams) arrived in town for a two-four week stay!   To say it was a "busy couple of weeks" would be an understatement.   

A "constant party" is more like it!

I have to admit as June 30th approached I grew increasingly nervous about the logistics of the next couple of weeks.   I was scheduled for a surgery shortly before their arrival and we were in the throws of house hunting, both of which were making me feeling kind of wiggy.   (I'm really not sure what that means but I think it is what I was feeling;)  We were doing our best to carve out our schedules, but in the process were likely disappointing others.  I think we said "no" more last month then we have all year!  (Which is okay, I know, but not easy)   It was a little overwhelming, but looking back, I think it is my nature to feel overwhelmed about the unknown.  The REALITY however (how things really end up being) is always so much better than any logistic I worry up.   So, the next few posts will consist of my own synopsis of this wonderful, entertaining, exhausting (we're talking late nights people!) and fulfilling past few weeks.

These are some of the Highlights:

Rachel and her two kids arrived first and my kids were THRILLED to get to see Savanna and Maddax again.  It had been six months at least since they'd seen them last.  Poor Rach hadn't even been here a day before John and Sam lured them out (pardon the pun) for a bit of fishing!   John and Sam would fish every.single.day if schedules permitted and I think it would be fair to warn all future company of this fact;)     This was certainly one of our most um...entertaining fishing trips for sure.  

I never want to forget how hard we laughed as we watched two year old Savanna fish.   It involved slapping the rod repetitively on the water while calling to the fish.   We learned quickly not to try to help her either, she was determined that her way was the best way!    Maddax caught on quickly and enjoyed fishing.   He enjoyed it so much that I think he would have fished all night!    At one point some dark clouds rolled over us and released a torrential rainfall that caused us all to drop our things and run for the van.   Dear Maddax though -stood on that shoreline yelling, 

"No no no.  Don't go!  Ma not done fishing yet!!!!"

We decided to wait out the storm and I am glad we did!   It was a lovely evening after that.   We didn't catch any fish, but I now have a lovely picture of Grandpa with some of his Grandkids - under a rainbow.  So I went home happy.

For Canada Day this year we decided to do something a little bit different.    Sarah, Rach, Jordan and their families joined us in Waterton for the bicycle parade.   In the past we've always gone out to Raymond for the morning, but Waterton just seemed like the place to be.   I'm pretty sure we've started a new tradition!   The parade was about three minutes long (and I'm being generous) but it was the most scenic parade I've ever seen.   Afterwards we had a picnic down by the lake and hiked up to Bertha Falls.   We made it back into town just in time to enjoy a party down at the park.   For those in the family who were able to stay up late - the fireworks were especially grand this year!!!

Another highlight was celebrating Libbys birthday on the 4th.  None of the pics in the following collage actually depict Libby BUT Jess is shown here trying out Libbys new birthday gift - a mermaid tale!!   Seriously, what will they think of next?;)    Prior to Libby's pool party we spent the first part of the day out at St. Mary's.   Many of John's siblings were fiercely determined to find a dinosaur fossil and others were determined to take this fun fishing boat out on it's maiden voyage.  (ahem...John in particular!;)   It's bound to increase the number of nights we spend fishing exponentially.

Of course, I had to squeeze in a couple of family photo sessions, which always seems like a gong show in the moment.  But alas - a couple of picture perfect Families.  So sweet!

(PS:  If any family reading this wonder if Brent was photoshopped in, I promise he actually did come to visit!   He just wanted to wait until everyone left so we could enjoy him all to ourselves.  haha;)

It's never a complete family visit until we've made a trip out to Walleys Beach.  The sun was blazing hot on this particular day, the mosquitoes were relatively few, and we didn't have a care in the world.   

AKA:  perfection

Of course our first ever family Camping trip was a HUGE highlight but I figured that deserved a post of it's very own!!!

Stay tuned.....