Most of the Monsons in Waterton

After spending time with the Haakes in Ohio we flew to Calgary to head to the Monson Reunion in Waterton. Unfortunately Josh and Jeoung Eun couldn't make it, and we really missed them. But we were so glad to get together with the Monsons that were able to come. At the airport in Cleveland as we were flying to Canada we ran into another Jane. Jane the T-rex.

We arrived in Calgary the night before reunion so the next morning our kids had a blast playing and catching up with their cousins while we adults caught up and tried to get everything packed for the reunion. By the time we got in the car for the drive over the kids were all ready to crash. Then when we got to the reunion house the kids were in heaven again with a playground, trails, and a huge area to play. It was so good to catch up with everyone that night.

Our first day in Waterton we went for a hike in Red Rock Canyon. On the drive over we all split up and got to hang out with more family. Some of us were also able to spot a mother bear and her 3 cubs. The hike was a slot canyon reminicent of the Narrows in Zion National Park, but with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Also the water was absolutely freezing. Us being aclimitized to Brazil were not quite ready for that cold water jolt. But we got brave and I'm glad we did. There were even natural waterslides along the trail. It was pretty awesome. After a picnic lunch we went back to the house for a relaxing afternoon.

We went to Weiners of Waterton that night for dinner (which I totally recommend the local smokie) and then found an ice cream place to have dessert (and they had so many flavors). Then we skipped rocks at Upper Waterton Lake. The kids slept so hard that night.

On Wednesday we all went up to Cameron Lake and rented canoes and a paddle board and we spent the morning splashing. And even with the cold water the kids still enjoyed swimming for quite some time. Then we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the lodge. And the kids loved the extra time to play. We even got some kickball games in.

On Thursday we all drove over to Glacier National Park. We visited Wild Goose Neck Islad and found the perfect rock skipping beach. Unfortunately the wind was so strong that the waves made it hard to skip. We did a short walk to Sunrift Gorge, which had a little waterfall in a tight slot canyon. Then we drove up and saw a few glaciers at Jackson Glacier Overlook. Then we headed to St Mary's Lake boat ramp for a boat ride across St Mary's Lake. It was so windy we were getting hit with sand and water before we were even on the boat. Beyond the weather they were having engine issues and had to jump their boat with jumper cables. Yet they still went forward with the tour. We're glad they did, beacause the boat ride was a highlight. Jane and Kai absolutely loved it despite the huge waves rocking us.

After lunch and the boat ride we headed up to Logan's Pass and stopped at several overlooks. After Logan Pass the scenery get's dramatically greener and more stunning. Louis and I drove with Clark and Janell and we were able to see a few Mountain goats (one was so close we had to back away, because it started walking right towards us). Louis loved it. Jake and the others drove with Grandpa and they were able to play in a little snow. For dinnere we met at Avalanch Creek and had a picnic. The kids all had a blast playing at the river. We all drove home together with Grandpa and we even saw a fox. And that night after we got the kids to bed we were able to see the northern lights.

Friday a small group of us went for a hike and I am so glad that Pace and Marc decided to join us. What good hikers. We hiked up Bear's Hump. It has amazing views and much to people friendly chipmunks. Crystal had one on her foot unexpectedly, Jake startled her with this info and that little guy got kicked off in surprise. In the evening all of Jake's siblings and parents went to the temple together.

Saturday, Jake and I were in charge of breakfast which didn't go as smoothly as planned. Eggs, bacon, and toast have to many things going on at the same time for a large group. Then we packed everything up and did a last activity. We took all the kids to the temple to visit the grounds and then we drove to Calgary.

Saturday night I went to go see my friend Jeanette. I can't visit Alberta without seeing her. We ate delicious vietnamese food, walked in a beautiful park, and chatted for hours. We could have just kept chatting, but Jeanette had a long drive home.

Sunday we went to church all together and then we were priviledged to attend Isaac's baptism. It was lovely and such a great thing for our kids to experience with their cousins. On Monday several departed for home and some of us stayed for a backpacking trip, which I will cover in my next blog. A big thanks to Clark and Janelle for planning and executing this reunion. It was amazing and our kids loved it.