We began day 2 at Waterton with another nice pic nic near Cameron Falls. The boys wanted to get the KFC wannabe chicken, but alas the restaurant no longer exists- how sad! We made yummy sandwiches instead and they were probably better for us anyway.
It was great that we got this little suite together. The big kids really enjoyed their slumber parties. Aren't they cute all ready for bed?
They fell asleep pretty quickly. I guess a day hiking and swimming will do that to you!
During the day, my kids can be devilish sometimes. But at night, when they're sleeping they are simply angels!
Izzie & Gavin got to sleep in their parents' rooms. Such sweet little babies!
We got a 2 bedroom suite here in Waterton for both of our families to share. Suzi suggested we do a babysitting swap so each couple could have a date night. What a great idea! Suzi & Steve were also kind enough to let us have the first night out. Len & I went to the Kilmorey Lodge and had some delicious Alberta beef. Yum! You just can't beat a good steak!
Len & I rarely get nights out just the 2 of us. We love our 3 babies, but it was nice to get some quality couple time.
We felt like newlyweds again! Yep, we're still so in love. I hope we're not too sickening- ha!
In the background is the Prince of Wales Hotel. One day when we come back to Waterton we WILL stay there!
When Len took me to Waterton back in 1994, the only hike we did was up Redrock Canyon to "his" waterfall. It was a steamy hot day out, so it was perfect to swim in the stream and ride the natural waterslides. When we reached his waterfall we had a nice pic nic. I remember there were lots of nasty horseflies that kept biting us though. We didn't make it all the way up to the waterfall today (there has been some change in geography, so we went as far as it was safe to do with small children), but we did have another fun hike up the gorgeous canyon- horsefly free!
I told you we were in paradise, right?
Sydney was so brave and was the first to go down both slides. Kaleb, Max, Steve, Len, Suzi, & I all took the plunge too. The water was SOOOO flipping cold- good times!
I thought it was cute when Max & Steve rode down together. After we were all done, Max stretched out in the sun to get warm. Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
When we first arrived at Waterton we had a nice pic nic lunch, followed by our first little hike up to Blakiston Falls. Noe & Sydney were pretending they were lions, & tigers, & bears. Oh my! Actually, I think they said they were Cheetah Girls! I love the pic of my cute honey with our sleeping baby.
Izzie adds a sweet touch to this shot of 3 rugged men. Of course, I had to add the shot of Suzi & I!
Our destination- the lovely Blakiston Falls.
I love this shot of the 2 kangaroo daddies having a laugh!
We spent 2 glorious days in heaven on earth. For those of you who haven't been there yet, it's located at Waterton Lakes National Park! We saw some fun little critters while we were there too. We got the above shots at Redrock Canyon. I wish the pic of the dragonfly turned out better, because he was bright turquoise! I can't believe I was able to get this close-up of this chubby little chipmunk. Chip and Dale were scampering all over the place.
These deer came right into the little lodge we were staying at. The owner said they like to come and eat her flowers. How naughty! Isn't Bambi so cute though?
Len & Steve saw this beauty on their hike to Bertha's Lake. I'm not so sure I would want to be that close to this big guy.
While we were at Cameron Lake there was a man who had his telescope set up. He found a golden bear climbing on the mountain and was inviting people to have a looksee. I was so glad we didn't see the bear up close and personal though!
Another little memory. I have been to Waterton once before in the summer of 1994. After we got home from our day's excursion we heard on the news that a cougar had eaten a family's pet dog while we were there. I'm so glad I didn't see that guy up close and personal either!
We made a quick stop at the Temple this morning before we headed down to Waterton. Since we were here with Steve's family I have to share this story:
When Len & I were engaged and decided to get married in the Las Vegas Temple, Steve gave me a hard time for not choosing the Cardston Temple. He made a good argument. After all, his grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, parents, and 2 older brothers were all married here. It would have been nice to carry on the family tradition, but I told him since Len gets to choose where we'll live, I get to choose where we'll get married. (Now I'm in Taiwan- whoops!) Plus, I wanted our own location. His parents were married in Cardston, my mom & step-dad were married in St. George, my dad & step-mom were married in Boise, so I think it was perfect for us to get married in Las Vegas.
Flash forward a little bit to Steve & Suzi's wedding. It was a gorgeous event that took place at the Salt Lake Temple. I had to tease Steve a little bit though, "this sure doesn't look like Cardston!" Ha ha ha.
Len & Steve planned all of the fun activities for us to do in Alberta. They had wanted to see some of their extended family, but didn't know how to organize it being so far away. Lucky for us, their cousin Bruce came to the cemetery while we were there. He invited us back to his home to see some more of the Reil's!
Bruce & Gina are awesome parents, and they have 10 gorgeous children! I want to be the kind of mom Gina is!
James & Michelle came over to visit with their littlest baby. They have 7 kids of their own too!
The 2nd cousins had fun playing together. They even snuck off and went on a bike ride without telling anyone. They were safe though.
This backyard was made for fun! The kids had fun on the hammock too.
Gavin's middle name is Arland, after his Grandpa Reil. Bruce said Gavin reminded him of his Uncle Arlie.
Expert climber! This tree was really tall, I had to zoom in all the way to get this picture of Matthew. There was a big ladder at the base of the tree to give him a little help up.
Len & his Aunt Arlene.
After Bruce's, we went to visit Uncle George. He is now living in their Great-Uncle George's house. Len always commented about his crazy Uncle George (Spencer) that lived in this 100 year old house. Now Len sadly joked that a new crazy Uncle George (Reil) is living there. It was sad to see how this lonely old man lives. I'm glad we got to visit with him though.
We left Magrath and headed down to Cardston. We stopped to visit Aunt Margaret and her new husband. Gus & his wife and Emily's son Donovon were there too. I'm glad we were able to see so much family on such short notice.
Later on, Len & Steve went to the grocery store in Cardston and ran into their cousin Julie with her family. You just gotta love Southern Alberta!
There is a lot of Reil and Spencer family history at the Magrath Cemetery.
We came in honor of Arlie & Marlene. It's been almost 10 years since their passing, and we still miss them so.
It was very emotional for all of us, but especially for Steve & Len. Even though Len & I were already married when we lost his parents, I still can't imagine what it must be like for him and his brothers. Even though their time with their parents was cut short, they were blessed to have such wonderful people to be their parents.
Sydney said the sweetest thing to Steve, "I knew you were going to be sad when we came here." And then she gave him a big hug.
Every year when we go to visit my double set of parents, I get upset that we don't get to visit Len's parents too. I know we will see them again someday, but it still stinks that we don't get to share our lives now with them.
Half of their sweet little grandbabies. These kids never knew them, but they miss them too. Sweet children they are watching over you from heaven!
