Banff

We finally made it to Banff.  I have been trying to go for a few years now and it never seemed to work out.  And it turned out to be the most perfect weather that we could have asked for.  Not to hot, but not rainy or windy.  When I asked the kids what they most wanted to do in Banff, Blake said he wanted to do a hike.  I mean really if you are going to go to Banff you really should hike.

I looked up a few easy hikes.  After such a long drive there and doing the things that the rest of us wanted to do we weren't going to have tons of time.  Johnston Canyon looked perfect.  It was 5.2 km with not a lot of elevation.  My idea of hiking is a beautiful stroll through the mountains.  There were two falls, we hiked to the upper falls.  When Dave looked up how to get there we discovered that apparently it is the most popular hike in Canada.  We ate our lunch in the car when we arrived and then hit the trail.

It was indeed beautiful.  It was paved most of the way and had walkways, which was kind of weird for a hike, but still very neat. We were literally hangin out over the canyon.

After the hike we drove into the town site to walk around and try Beaver Tails.  Something I had heard about forever.  Dave tried apple pie, Leah brownie bit, and Blake nutella banana.  Then we all tried them all.

Well worth the hype.  

We walked around some more and drove around the Banff Springs Hotel.  Then headed home.

In Canmore we stopped to try Red Rock Pizza.  

It was seriously so good. Dave said it was the best pizza he has ever had.  

It was a late night getting home.  Leah had done homework on the drive, so we all got to read part of Hamlet :)  An excellent play.  Love Shakespeare.  I am so glad my kids enjoy it and understand it. It was a wonderful day.  I am so glad we finally made the trip. Hope to go again in a few years. 

The kids are getting into the swing of school.  Blake is not loving getting up for seminary. ( Leah never did so nothing new there.)  He is working hard in school and doing well.  Volleyball has started for him.  They won their first game.  He has some fun song in band that he is enjoying.  Leah is busy doing lots of homework every night as usual.  Going to every football and volleyball game of her friends' that she can.  Her teachers are great and are always willing to give her extra help if needed.  She applies to college soon.  We are going on college tours in just 3 weeks.  Crazy! Cora is still in Lichfield.  She has a new companion.  Her name is Sister Hunt and she is from Samoa.  Cora said they were in the MTC together and had a blast, so she is anticipating this will be a good companion as well.  She has been so blessed with her companions.  They have a great number of returning members that they are working with.  Dave's work is going well.  There is so much down turn in the economy that we are thankful every day that he has a job. Life is good, we  are blessed.