Beautiful Alberta

We've enjoyed getting familiarized with the beauties of Northern Alberta this summer and early fall:

We've got a pickleball/tennis court within biking distance from our house!

We have been to the "Ledge" (State Legislature building) a few times this summer.  The twins have also gotten into a few different series that they've been glued to.

We've been discovering Elk Island--a National Park within 30 minutes drive of our house!!

We discovered some interesting hard fungi on this tree

Every time we visit Elk Island George makes a little rock collection.  He digs in the sand until he finds them, then washes them off to see what colors they change to.  He brings a few home every time.  Usually really small ones, but this last visit he snuck some big ones into his pockets.  I didn't discover them until they had been through the wash!

This is "George" the mud pie.  I thought it looked similar to the buffalo droppings we saw all along the trail, but I refrained from saying so.

These paths are beautiful and very grassy!  I am surprised, given the amount of traffic they get from the wildlife.

James took me on a date and we went on the most beautiful bike ride.  Moss Lake--new fave!

Buffalo are everywhere--its a little scary sometimes on the trail, wondering if you'll meet up with one.  

Harvest Time!

The crab apples were quite sour but they made really nice, thick juice.

The pears were also sour--we juiced them all.  Next year I think we'll wait another couple of weeks before we pick them.

Backyard

Front yard

George was playing Captain Moroni today--he even sent spies to the dinosaur camp to see what they were up to.

Messy eaters--this was Georgie's place.  Gotta love how kids eat, eh?

We had a super fun visit from the Bridges!

That's a lot of kids to take to Costco!

Kindergarten boy

First day of school--don't they look nervous?

Too cool for school

"K"

Cross Country!  First meet ever.  They did so great even though they were competing against giants in the senior division!

It was fun to see Amberley run

We missed Jayda's race, but it sure was nice to hang out with her

We went to hear the Edmonton Symphony in their Symphony in the Park concert.  It was excerpts from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 and it was super well-done.  Fun to go to an outdoor concert too!

We love living closer to Grandma and cousins.  Its the best part about living up north!

Spooky magician