Banff (Great Northern Adventure)

I saw a picture of Lake Louise a few years ago and was positive the color saturation had been heavily edited. I've wanted to find a way up to see with our own eyes a smattering of Canada's beauties. The easiest and cheapest way to get our crew around is by loading everyone in the car and driving off. So Banff was always our apex (although there was that crazy couple weeks during planning when I was sure we could get up to Alaska . . . and it could be done but I'm so glad we didn't this time. We hit the halfway mark and I was over the road trip life!) and I was thrilled to see that in fact the color of the water in Banff is as true as true. But true blue? True green? Something in between? We made a game of what color we would call a crayon this color.

Getting excited to see mountain peaks as we drove north and east toward those Rockies. I feel pretty lucky to have grown up seeing real mountains every day and after being away from them for any length of time I feel my soul start to stir when I see the land get jagged and rugged and rise up into the big sky.

We kept oooing and ahhhing at the place. The snow! The peaks! The water! As the clouds flitted pass the sun the light kept changing, rendering everything different from moment to moment. Worth the 30+ hour drive? I think so. It was glorious.

I felt relaxed for hours after our dip in the thermal pool. The amenities were very well designed and spa-like (especially compared to our previous experience of rustic hot springs situations). The water was quite hot and initially the children had a hard time with it. However, after some coaxing they adjusted. Also, there was a shallow section for cooler water/smaller bodies.

Wild roses are Alberta's flower. I love how my senses become extra alert when traveling. I'm more aware of the big picture and all the new stimuli. Sometimes small details and close ups escape me. That's one of my favorite parts of traveling with young children. They notice the little things, always.

We are not much for strenuous hikes or hardcore difficult things outside. But walks? Walks we can do. This walk had a trampoline log, a woodpecker, mud to tiptoe around, mysterious maze leaves, and lots of clean air. Bathrooms it didn't have. Bugs eating us while we tried to eat lunch . . . those too. So magical some and reality some.

Banff town was cute with lots of shops and restaurants. And a much photographed incredible view down the main street. We found some treats and a small Christmas ornament to remember our time north of the border. ;)

They look a bit scraggly (shedding out their winter coats?) but we were pretty excited to see this herd skipping across the way.

We really had a fantastic time together in Banff. I'm grateful we were able to make our way there safely and in good spirits. What a perfectly beautiful part of the world!

Forks and Seattle (Great Northern Adventure)

We hiked through jungle with the sound of the waves luring us forward. Finally through the thick underbrush we spotted the entrance to the beach at La Push. The way was blocked by piles and piles of huge driftwood. We clambered over it and were rewarded with the exciting prospect of low tide. Those big rocks out there, inaccessible at high tide, were now islands we could pretend were ours. Tide pools showed us creatures. We got to step back and really grasp the stark contrast between the coast line of dark trees and the bleached beach.

Eliza's 6th birthday happened on the road, in Forks. She was pleased as punch to be spilling over on to two hands. We picked up fudge along the way at her request and found a spot to light some candles (that barely stayed lit long enough to blow out--too windy outside!)

Rock baby and log jumping. Pretty great birthday activities.

Yes, we did. It was hilarious to try and explain to the kids why we were even in Forks. Because mom wanted to see the vampire place? What? Forks has a good sense of humor about it all.

In Seattle we got to see lots of people. We saw a friend from Boston and many of Collin's family. There was a Meyers family get together at a park.

We stayed with a Lambourne aunt and uncle and thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality. They had the best games and were willing to play and play and play with the kids. The kids warmed up to them very quickly indeed and were totally comfortable raiding the game cupboard and asking Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim to play games at all hours. The bathroom was being remodeled and Aunt Mary came up with a truly Lambourne solution to dirty kids. A warm water hose and some shampoo, tada! 'Lambo style nature shower.' We saw all sorts of creatures in their yard. They got us steeply discounted tickets to the museum of flight. All so magical.

I stubbed my toe pretty badly and couldn't walk for a few days. (I was sure it was broken but bizarrely after the few days of serious pain I barely had a little bruise to show.) Unfortunately that meant the food things in the city that I wanted to do had to wait for another visit. Besides actually being in pain I was disappointed but Aunt Mary to the rescue! She brought out her stash of fancy chocolate and had us all taste and guess which percentage cacao and other flavors or add ins there were in each different bar. The kids got way into it and we had a fantastic afternoon, even though I was on the couch with ice on my foot.

We enjoyed our relaxed stay in the Seattle area and would go again next chance to explore more!

Portland (Great Northern Adventure)

I loved the teeny taste of Portland we had. I'd absolutely go back for more! The rose garden brought me so many memories of London but the Blue Star Donuts made it uniquely Portland. I'll forever remember the nibbles of "one of each please" box of donuts while sitting amongst the flowers.

Multomah Falls was stunning. Sooo tall! I couldn't get it all in one shot. I love the feel of the power of water. It was especially neat to climb the hill to the bridge part way up and watch the water fall underneath.

The lushness of the PNW is my jam. Look at those greens! Just gorgeous.

We're all fans of factory tours around here. Tillamook did not disappoint! The cheese samples were fantastic and the views from the windows into the factory were great. There were activities to pretend milk cows and bottle feed babies. The restaurant food was delicious (mac and cheese and grilled cheese yes please!) and the ice cream superb.

Cannon Beach was beautiful.

Henry exploring ever more of the world. Big kids made Crater Lake in the sand.