A Wonderful day in Wintery Waterton

Last week, while the kids were off school we spent some kid free days on a "Staycation" thanks to our awesome moms who took a few kids each (cuz unfortunately I know how dang difficult all five of them are together ;)

We had such a great time, got a few home projects done (not nearly as many as I over-zealously planned for), went to lunch with friends, went to yoga, did a break out room (of course) and just enjoyed being just us. 

My very favorite day we spent in Waterton, snowshoeing up to Cameron lake. I was pretty much giddy the whole time, soaking in all the vitamin D filled sunshine gleaming off the picturesque snow.

I've been so bad about getting my "big camera" out, but I was very glad I did-- though my rusty photography skills definitely won't do justice to the winter mountain's beauty. 

Ben's brother Dan and his lovely wife Kendra came along for the adventure.
They were total troopers, as it was all our first times snowshoeing.  Dan even let us take pictures....okay he didn't really have a choice.

I was just trying to adjust my settings but I love this ready-whenever-my -wife-points-her-camera-my-way-smile that my hubby has totally mastered.

Not gonna lie, I sure love that I can hand my camera over to Kendra and 
get some good shots of us too. She's the best.


And I sure love to return the favour!

Such a cute couple, right?!?!?

"Please Daniel? Chelsea's only gonna take a hundred more!"

He was a good sport. 

Meanwhile, Benny had a great time playing with his drone.

And I had fun playing with my camera and the amazing light as the sun sunk behind the mountain.

Just testing my exposure

So I could take a selfie with my gorgeous sister in law 

Having been around Ben's family for half my life now, it's so interesting to have new in laws join the family. It's been so fun getting to know them and having fresh perspectives and ways of thinking being added in to our family's existed dynamics.

I have totally hit the jack-pot with all my sisters in law, and Kendra sure is included on that list I feel so grateful for.

She is SOOOOOO good with Daniel, I love watching how their relationship works, and a lot of that can be contributed to Kendra's incredible balance  she maintains between her patient-accepting side with her ain't gonna-take-no-crap spunk,  both of which I adore. I can tell she is fiercely loyal. And perhaps because of this extreme commitment to those she cares for, she doesn't just let anyone in. There's no half ways to love in this girls world.

On the way back in to Lethbridge, Daniel decided he had definitely earned himself some Ming's. We ran into Kendra's Dad during our stop and it was so sweet to watch the love--so obvious because there was no holding back. Car doors were swung open and out loud "I love you's"  followed big enveloping hugs.

We have so much to learn from this girl's fearless way of loving.

And I can't wait.

Can't wait-- for all I'm gonna learn from this "new sister" of mine, and for the many, many  more adventures yet to come! 

PS snowshoeing is really fun...so glad I jumped on the bandwagon!

Little Lincoln

There are few thing in my life that have surprised me as much as how much I love my nieces and nephews.

And the newest edition to my nieces and nephew is a super cutie!

I ran over to the hospital, camera in hand, so he can start getting use to his Auntie's papparazzi:) 

Not only is he cute, but he also hit the parent jack pot...

cuz these two are gonna be phenomenal parents!

He has THEE longest feet!!!

and the most beautiful mom
(how is little Kristy, big enough to be having babies!?!)

First time parents are so cute

I was trying to stop, but then he grabbed his daddy's finger, and I just kept clicking!!

Went over a few days later, to document the the sporty expectations ;)

Welcome, little Lincoln! We're so glad you're here.

Our Week in Photos: Peas, Pools and Park City

I'm loosing a bit of steam on my photo challenge (too myself), not getting my camera out as much, but then not being as content with my iPhone pics either.
Little moments like this, Hadley helping herself to Enoch's tray of peas. I took one with my phone and thought...nope that's not what I'm seeing. Got the big camera out and there it was.

smiling for mom/aka the person behind that camera thingy

oh, okay, apparently we're eating this

really mom? she doesn't think I can do this myself?

But look what a proud big sister she is!

Skipped school Monday Tuesday to take the kids up to Calgary for Ben's mom's university graduation. I think about stopping at the Smiley Face Barn, so this time 

I DID 

Why I told them to turn around:)

My mother in law is one amazing lady. 

Going back to school was not an easy task! With kids still at home, working, and just doing all the millions of things that her good heart and desires to serve others pulled her to do-- the bravery and perseverance she showed is inspiring. 

After decades of encouraging and supporting her kids educational goals, I'm so thrilled that she was able to pursue her own, and set such an incredible example. 

We love you Mandy and are so very proud of you. 

Hotel pools are one of my kids happy places. Like look at that joy!

Hadley never stops talking. Neither do I. That's Benny's, trying hard to listen but I can't believe you're still talking face... I know it well.

These two, since getting there snorkle gear, rarely surface! I can still hear them fighting though, through their air tubes!

We've been having constant friends lately in and outta the house, and I love it. But it's nice to see my kids being friend too:)

Enoch's still not too sure of the water

We spent the rest of the week down in Park Cit, Utah for Ben's mid-summer Regional Retreat. Enoch came along and was a good little travel buddy, flirtin' in up with anyone who gave him any attention.

Mostly meeting for Ben, some shopping for me, a fun dinner night with the annual Bunco tournament.

It's always nice to get away and his company really does spoil us.

The last night we had a bit of downtime and went and enjoyed the hotels gourmet smores and swam in the pool before heading back to reality. Grateful for everyone who helped with the kids (they did waaay funner things with them than we woulda:)

Best part of the whole trip, was finally reading my book I've been waiting to get to!

What Ben was laughing at...

okay so I didn't take these ones...

   Happy to go with us, 

Happy to be home again too.