Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Leaving... for Banff

Leaving can be hard,
especially when leaving four very active boys.

We prepared by flying Grandma up for a week with an amazing fare from Allegiant Airlines,
 assigning additional responsibilities to the older boys, 
and typing up a three day schedule of activities.
We also had Grandma practice driving our Suburban around town, along the school routes. 
A friend got us a great rate at the Fairmont at Banff Springs.
We felt prepared.

Then, the morning of our departure arrived
and Grandma felt sick to her stomach. 
She was on the couch, Little Bear mimicking her. 

Do we leave?
What do we do?

We decide to leave, drop the three oldest at school and head north to Canada.
The border is an hour away.
Then we got the text-
Baby just threw up and has diarrhea.

Seriously, of all the days! 
Now, I am stressed. Should we turn around?
Maybe with the first baby- we would have.
But, this is our fourth.
We drive on


and get our first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies.


This water wheel was just sitting on a hill we passed on the way.
Next time I want to see it up close.

The weather changed several times and the texts from my mom grew more promising.
I relaxed as we drove under a rainbow.


The landscape was interesting because there would be snow-capped peaks that looks like the Swiss Alps and then something like this that reminded us of desert mountains.


On the way up, we spotted a moose. A real moose.
I wasn't quick enough with my camera. Boo hoo!

I loved how the signs changed across the border, everything posted in English and French.


We drove  through a National Forrest and then in what seemed like the middle of the mountains, arrived in Banff. 
It sits alone, surrounded by nature.
It is the cleanest town I have ever seen and that is saying a lot because Whitefish is pretty clean.


We were surprised by how quaint and cosmopolitan it was at the same time.
Pubs and restaurants abound.


I loved walking the streets, looking at the


elk just wandering the streets


eating delish hamburgers and sweet potato fries at The Eddie Burger


browsing the shops which included a Gap, Patagonia, Quicksilver, Billabong


and a North Face store.


If you ever have the chance, you must stop in Banff.

By the way, Grandma survived. 
None of the other kids got it.
Until today.
I won't bore you with the messy details. 

8 comments:

Foursons said...

Wow, that is quite the animal wandering the city streets!

The mountain view from the middle of the streets is amazing too. It looks like it is jumping out at you.

Sorry to hear everyone is sick now.

Nikosmommy said...

I live less than an hour away from Banff and of course it's a fave get away spot for us!!! We go skiing to Sunshine and Lake Louise all the time too...Banff really is a gem situated in the Rockies,,,a great place to visit!
Glad to hear grandma survived and you were able to enjoy your time away. The weather has DRASTICALLY changed up here and its soooo cold and snowy. You're so lucky you went when u did!!!

*Reading Between the Lines* said...

Nice pictures & story...
except for the kids & Gramma being sick...and now the others...yikes.
Glad that you went on & enjoyed yourselves.
Take care,
Nancy, Mommy 2

Anonymous said...

You captured such great pictures! I enjoyed them all. It looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

Farmgirl Paints said...

I can't even believe that is Canada! That's amazing. I'm so putting this on the someday list. I would think a moose would be something you see in Montana?? I guess not.

Douglas Fir Resort said...

This was a great blog and I love your photos of Banff!

Brigetta's Mom said...

I love all your photographs. It was so fun being with the boys. We had a great time together. Little Bear was so good you wouldn't have known he didn't feel well! For me it was only a 6 hour flu starting at 4:00AM. I was so glad when your friend Linda told me it was going around & was a short time flu. The rest of the visit was so fun with all of you! Miaa you all...

JANET! said...

I'm putting Banff on my to do list too!!!!!! HOW AMAZING!!!! Your photos look like postcards. Seriously, so beautiful!