Our Annual Edmonton Trip

Okie-dokie, so I'm a little behind with posting. What's new? I still haven't told you about my time at Manitou Lake or posted any parade pics. It'll happen. But this is what happened most recently.

We went to Edmonton for a holiday with Jim and Heather and their boys. As usual, we camped in the middle of the city just off of Whitemud where we were surrounded by trees and very little city-like noise. This year the mosquito population was waaaaaay down compared to last year which made for a much more pleasant time. However, once we had both arrived and begun to set up tents and make supper, rain clouds appeared and we got hosed. But our spirits were not dampened. No, we waited it out in the tents, then re-tarped our little campsite and went to play at the playground - where of course it began to rain again. Whatever. It's camping. What's a little water among friends? The kids got muddied immediately by racing their dump trucks around the two adjoining sites and in through the puddles and muck. We were thoroughly impressed. I think Judah was the dirtiest. Too bad I didn't take any pictures because our camera is dead and the one we brought had dead batteries...

The next morning was nicer and the kids all slept in (nowadays this means anything past 8 AM). We lazily got ready for the day and made breakfast. We prepared pancakes, bacon, and eggs for everyone, but the kids were most interested in the Fruit Loops and Corn Pops. That's all Aslynn really remembered from last year, and that it was Auntie Heather who brought them. Of course, Auntie Heather did not disappoint. And after the Fruit Loops they all tried to eat at least one pancake.

We then went to a wave pool in Sherwood Park. Micah swore he knew exactly how to get there. Typical male. After a quick map reading we were on our way. It was great! Judah only tried drowning himself a few times. I'm certain he and Aslynn swallowed a lot of water, but they sure had fun. Micah enjoyed swimming with Riley and Kyle and everyone else. It was a whole lot cheaper than doing the World Water Park at West Ed.

Speaking of which, we went there next after refueling ourselves and our vehicles at around 3 PM. Meals don't need to be on time during holidays, didn't you know that? They are just good suggestions every once in a while. Anyway, we wandered around West Edmonton Mall, saw the sights, were ripped off at Galaxy Land, and had an overall rowdy and fun time! And who could pass up eating whatever you wanted to eat at the big food court? It was great. And then we went back to our drying campsite, put the kids to bed, and played some cards and talked. So relaxing. I need more holidays...

The next day we again relaxed while packing up the million and one things we brought and watched Jim and Heather and the boys head off to Sylvan Lake. Then we went shopping some more, ate more food court food, and headed off to Red Deer for a quick visit. Marvelous times. And we were just minutes and miles from a funnel cloud over Pine Lake on our return trip (those clouds did look nasty!).

To top it all off, I had a day off after my holiday to have a holiday from the holiday! Usually we milk the time for all it's worth and get back exhausted, but I feel refreshed and ready to go on another holiday. Friday, maybe?

- Mark