O Canada! Part I . . . .

Here we are - hanging out in the airport, waiting to fly to the great white north.  That's right - this summer we spent a lovely nine days in the Canadian west - we flew to Spokane, Washington, enjoyed some great time with the matchlessly hospitable Wilson family, rented an RV, and headed into the wilderness that is better known as Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

While driving, we stopped in Sparwood, BC - a must!! - to see the huge truck.  Notice the signs to stay off the truck . . .

Once in Lethbridge, Alberta, first order of business was to visit all of Daren's boyhood landmarks . . .

 

Galbraith Elementary School

 

 

                                                 117 Rideau Court, an early boyhood home

                                                             Wilson Middle School

                                                       Westminster Elementary School

                                         And LCI, home of the Rams - and 1979 Provincial
                                                     basketball champs!!

Daren and the boys had a great time playing golf with Aunt Robyn - and we were glad for her patience playing with a bunch of rookies!!

 

One evening, we enjoyed a lovely family cookout down at the river bottoms - good food, good visiting, good times.

 

 

Speaking of good food, there's a delightful delicacy up north of the border called poutine.  It's 3 simple ingredients - first french fries, then grated cheese, and then . . . wait for it . . .  hot gravy!!  It is delicious - and probably totally awful for you - but who cares!  When you're in Canada, you must give it a go!!

 

One afternoon was a real highlight.  We went with Grandpa and Grandma to Cardston to go to the temple.  We met Carmen's family there.  Everybody had a lovely time.

 

 

Love those Graysons.

 

While in Cardston, we enjoyed some more of Daren's reminiscing.  We visited his boyhood home there . . . .

 

 

 . . . .as well as the storefront that for many, many years was his grandfather's shoe repair shop.  Grandpa  (Daren's dad) grew up in the apartment above the shoe shop - now an H&R Block.

 

 

 

Phew . . . all that fun was just while we were in Alberta.  It's about time to head to British Columbia.  Stay tuned . . ..

 

Arise. Stand. Shine.

Chap and Max had the great opportunity to participate in a 7 stake regional youth conference where they practiced and performed a wonderful dance festival.  The rehearsals have been going on for months - and it was such a treat to watch the fruits of all that labor.

Our stake did the Texas 2 step - that's Max on the left swinging his partner.  We couldn't find Chap on the field anywhere - but we hear he did a great job!

Max performed in this hip hop number made up of all 14 and 15 year old boys.  No body seemed to think it would come together - and it ended up turning out great!

A highlight of the evening was the waltz, performed to Moon River.  It was so visually pleasing in every way.

Thanks to all the organizers, coreographers, foodies, chaperones, leaders, stage crew, builders, etc.  Our boys had a great experience!!

High Adventure . . . .

Daren, Chap, and Max, along with a stellar group of men and young men, had a great time on a High Adventure last month.  They backpacked 30+ miles along the Appalachian Trail - and had a lot of good adventures along the way.

Once the hiking was complete, they had a delightful day on Lake Anna (thanks Chris and Cory!!) enjoying the water, the toys, and the great food - after 5 days of freeze dried entrees, they were loving real food - bring on the meat!!!

And while these pictures don't necessarily reflect it, the boys also enjoyed significant spiritual growth.  Daily scripture study in the morning and devotionals in the evening brought great benefits.  A wonderful time was had by all!!