ScoutJ and the AHEIA/Pheasents Forever Calgary Youth Shoot Day aka "EPIC DAY!!!!"

 ScoutJ had the excellent opportunity to join in on Youth Shoot Day put on by Alberta Hunters Education and Instructors Association and Pheasants Forever. This was a great way for these two groups to train youth on firearm safety and conservation. While ScoutJ was able to try out a variety of firearms, he also received great training from the instructors and learned how to most safely behave on a range. By the end of the day with all of the one-on-one training he received, he was able to destroy all of the targets they launched for him.

A perfect fall day

Thanks for all of the education and fun memories AHEIA ( http://www.aheia.com ) and PF (http://www.pheasantsforevercalgary.com/ )!

PULL

 

LV Fashion Show Night at Holt's

The luggage made into the Eiffel Tower

I had the opportunity to take in the Louis Vuitton Fall 2013 fashion show that was hosted by Holt Renfrew. It was a fabulous chance to hang with AuntieC, the FabC and effervescent HangbagJay, all while drinking champagne and viewing exceptionally well crafted clothes and handbags. Although I did not leave with any new LV items, I can honestly say that the best part of the evening was delightful group of people there.

 

 

Thanks for a great night everyone!

ScoutJ turns 12! Zoinks, where did the last dozen years go?

For ScoutJ’s 12^th birthday, we let him and GuideJ skip school so that we could head up to the lake for our last weekend of boating for 2013.

Since the camera he wanted was too new, the long paper is the pre-ordered paperwork!

We spent the early part of the morning opening presents. With ScoutJ receiving some new Airsoft firearms, we needed to test them out across the street before we left home. Needless to say, it was a great way to start out his day by taking down some targets! “I’m out, cover me” Thankfully the neighbour who drove by was quick to realize that despite our paintball masks for safety and large firearms, we were only using airsoft and neither DaddyJ nor I got a visit from the police! (Can you imagine that as a birthday story?!!!!)

 

Once we had fully tested out all the toys, we were off to Sylvan Lake with our Jelly Modern sandwiches and donuts for lunch on the boat. Between the water being a bit choppy and it being a school/work day, we enjoyed the very quite lake. Much laughing, tube antics and swimming fun was had by all. I would say it was a great way to spend the day. Skipping school to celebrate on the lake, now that’s what every 12 year old wants.

 

Yummy Yummy Jelly Modern Sandwiches!

That evening we stayed in Red Deer, where there was a little bit more water time on the hotel water slide, we had a late dinner at Montana’s and ended the day on a Menshi’s frozen yogurt high note. Happy 12^th birthday ScoutJ, we love ya!

The good news, since we stayed in Red Deer, the fun was not over. The next day we tested out our second tube which is a sit up style. This proved to be a very good thing as the weather was perfect for sailing which means a great deal of wind and choppy water for a tube. Had we been on the flat tube, I expect we all might have been as green as it is! It was a great last day of the season on the “BabyJ aka the Lab” and the best way to stretch out ScoutJ’s birthday into two days.

 

Montana 2013

 

As has become the tradition, it would not be summer vacation without a trip to West Glacier. This year, we managed five days of fun! We wisely used this extra time to add some new activities to our repertoire.

Walking around Whitefish and checking out the lake

 

I love the mosaics of the town and watching life on the lake.

 

Visiting the Hungry Horse Dam where the highlight for DaddyJ and me was using the word “dam” in as many different ways as possible. One could say it was a "dam" good visit! LOL

 

We enjoyed a picnic lunch looking out at the massive lake created by the dam. Note the eagles nest in the trees.

 

So about 15 years ago, I found out why the “Trail of the Cedars” walk was one of the worst regular events of my childhood summer activities. It turns out that cedar does not make the rest of you cough incessantly, make your eyes burn and water until you can hardly see one foot in front of you and smell like urine.... My whole life I thought cedar smelled like pee! Turns out I am wildly allergic and that with the aide of Reactin and an Advil Cold and Sinus that the "Trail of the Cedars" is really rather lovely. I finally understand what the big draw is. In fact it was so nice, that I figured that we should carry on and hike up to Avalanche Lake. It was lovely five mile hike where we gained nearly 600ft of elevation. The kids and DaddyJ made it like troopers without any complaints and were rewarded with spectacular views at the top. I must say, with the aid of allergy medication, I greatly enjoyed this hike. Great job TeamJ!

 

 

 

While on our trip, I became an “Instagram”addict (shocking I know for the Mommarazzi I am) and I got the following picture onto the KOA website’s “Kampstagram”:

Making the "KOA" a la "YMCA" and the Village People/Minions

The kids really enjoyed some down time in the pool.

 

Between the addition of new activities and the extra time to enjoy some just relaxing around the campground (including morning fires for reading and enjoying breakfast) it could be one of my favourite trips ever. Although, I think if I scroll back, I just might say this every year.  

 

 

Here’s looking forward to next year’s trip to Glacier National Park and the West Glacier KOA

Five great years at the West Glacier KOA

Enjoying Summer Vacation

Getting a quick visit in with AunAng, LincAng and SavAng and enjoying the beautiful weather!

Globalfest 2013

ScoutJ volunteered on “China” night of Globalfest through his Scouts troop. This is an internationally themed event which showcases foods, music, dances and basic information about a variety of countries annually here in Calgary. While we were enjoying the sights, BrownieJ took in the opportunity to get a henna design on her hand which was her absolute delight for many days.

ScoutJ gets braces

Well, the day was finally here, it was time for ScoutJ to get his braces. The whole thing seems to have happened with far less drama and pain than anyone anticipated. The highlight was these very memorable pictures I snapped. I must say, we have the best orthodontist ever, Dr. Cory Low. He and all of his staff are incredibly gentle, kind and entertaining.