Costa Rica

We were so lucky to go on a wonderful trip to Costa Rica this year.

We started our trip in the Uvita area; travelled north to the Monteverde-Santa Elena region; and then ended up at Samara for a week at the beach with our good friends Cam and Renee and family.

Highlights were sunsets; playing in the waves; wildlife watching; night hiking, coffee farm tour and ziplining. The kids each kept a journal of their trip and found that there was lots to learn travelling in another country and experiencing amazing rain- and cloud-forests, not to mention lots of great beach time.

We took hundreds of photos, of course; this small sample gives an idea of  this amazing trip.

November happenings

We are very focused on getting ready for our big trip to Costa Rica; but a couple of events started in November. Caleb started hockey with the First Shift program and is having fun with his new gear and trying a new sport.

Maya attended a choir concert with Grandma and Mom and we took a nice photo at the church.

Grandma's visit

Over this weekend we had a lovely visit from Grandma, where she delivered halloween costumes, attended the piano recital and make halloween cookies among many other things! We even got out for a little hike with old Numa.

Halloween Recital and Party

Maya's music class held a very fun Halloween recital, with creepy music and costumes! Maya played "Witches Waltz" on the piano

Maya in her Gryffindor Harry Potter uniform, courtesy of Grandma's sewing. Notice that Grandma even sewed a robe for Brianne the doll.

Caleb got to go to a Halloween party this weekend too so put on his scariest vampire face.

Thanksgiving

We had beautiful weather for thanksgiving weekend and a visit from Grammy & Grampy to eat turkey, turkey, turkey!

Lake O'Hara with Oma

We had a wonderful visit with Oma this weekend. We were very luck to go to Lake O Hara and get two days of beautiful hiking. Our first day we hiked to the Opabin Plateau; and second day to Lake McArthur. The weather was chilly and variable but we lucked out in that the sunny periods seemed to line up with our hiking time. We spent some cozy nights in the cabin by the woodstove, making smores and enjoying some hot chocolate and games.

First Day of School

Caleb, Grade 1

Maya, Grade 3

Waterfowl Lakes part 2

Our second day at Waterfowl lakes started with a snowy/muddy hike along the Cephron Lake trail. 

Maya and Caleb enjoying a view above Mistaya canyon.

 In the afternoon the sun came out and the kids got into some great outdoor play along the river. They set up their pup tent and then went for what they called a "river walk" - wading along the river in their rubber boots. They played for hours - some of our favorite times are spent this way.

Waterfowl Lakes part 1

We headed out for an early September camping trip to Waterfowl Lakes in Banff NP. The weather was typically mountain variable - we started in sunshine, enjoying the Mistaya River right behind our campsite - and then ended the evening in snow! Weather didn't stop the fun.