First back country camping trip

 We passed a moose and a number of mountain goats next to the road.

 Heading out with high spirits and 4 and 6 year olds loaded with packs, we were not deterred by the mosquitos or the first few drops of rain.

 The campsite was beautiful but the mosquitos nearly carried us away. The rain set in and did not let up.

 At least the s'mores kept the kids in good spirits. Kaya counted 65 skeeters waiting to suck our blood between the fly of the tent and the mesh. We fit 4 of us in a 2 man tent and tried not to let any flesh get too near the mesh.

By the time we made the 4 km trek back we were all soaked to the skin. The kids were real troopers.

Stampede breakfast

 I love this photo of our two happy kids in the grass, tummies full of pancakes and sausages.

 We enjoyed getting to talk with a fireman and check out the cab of the firetruck.

 Adlai rides his first pony ever!

Kaya is getting more confident each year.

July!

 My Handsome Husband

 We celebrated Canada day with Grandma and Bapu in Cochrane. Patrick was really proud of the kids in the mini golf game. The birthday cake and bouncy castles were also a hit.

 The butterfly garden at the zoo was in full swing when we arrived.

 The Stampede Parade celebrated 100 years.

Afterwards we stopped by Patrick's office and the kids marveled at the heights.

Ellis bird sanctuary

 I think I will have to put one of these on my wall.

 Bird houses from around the world.

We had an awesome time at the Ellis bird sanctuary. We watched the purple martins feed their babies from a nest camera, petted the goats and sheep, explored the pathways and took in the vibrant hues.

 Kaya and Adlai also had a great time catching pond critters in the nets and identifying them.

A visit with Grandma

Watching the butterflies and the kids playing in the yard.

In Beaumont Park

 Adlai, age 4, took this photo of me and Kaya.

 I still like taking photos of graffiti.

 Especially graffiti with neat light and good lines.

 My little man leading the way to the lookout.

 Warrior II on the lookout.

 Half moon.

Adlai helps to paint his room skywatch blue.

Solstice yoga

 Looking East across Calgary at dawn on the summer Solstice.

Beads of dew gleam in the sunrise.

It was beautiful to practice yoga in the prairie grass.