Settling in the Foothills

Home in High River!

Two years can change a lot of things - where we live, work and worship! After a year of unsolicited requests that Albert  take a position in High River, Albert accepted and began in April of this year.  As you may know its been an interesting summer of transition to a town recovering from the June 20 experience of flooding.  Our plans were to arrive on the same day as the flood - but that quickly changed! Here is a shot taken by Albert from helicopter the day after! We are thankful the home we purchased was not flooded!

Catching frogs in the "wetland" vacant lot beside our house (nature study a benefit of the torrential rains!) while  mom unpacks boxes.

The boys have met friends in the neighbourhood to skateboard and scooter with, to jump on trampolines, and to enjoy the warm sunshine. In July, mom was able to visit family and attend a nephew's wedding; summer bible camp was also enjoyed by the boys and a highlight during all the transition.  Before long it was Labour day weekend and we hadn't had a hike in the mountains!! So we enjoyed a day of hiking and relaxation.

The boys are busy with homeschooling, music and sports activities this fall: 

We built 2 muskoka chairs together and know how to change bike tires;  hockey and choir keep Gideon busy while Peter is busy with drum lessons and has joined the local air cadets squadron. 

Our transition to a new church has been very blessed - in God's providence the Associate pastor from our previous church accepted a position at our new place of worship and began a month after we arrived.  Albert jokingly says to him that he's following us as his family arrived one month after us in our previous place of residence!  

And just in case you're wondering, yes we have a vacation property still for sale in a beautiful valley in SE BC!! Any retirement plans for a temperate climate? 

More pics from last year....

The year 2011 was busy with many nature hikes and other forms of physical activity. We have been busy with work, school and church related activities. As a result these are some pics that never made the blog entries last year!
We enjoyed hiking at our favourite Waterton National park.











We even returned to the valley for a few days rest and relaxation with dear friends, and some well.....valley activity!









In early October we "camped" in our Airstream at Waterton to enjoy the fall colours...yes we do get some here...and enjoyed a hike on Geraldine's birthday, in short sleeved shirts!










We continually enjoy exploring our Creator's world and try to capture the beauty in photos or drawings.












Gideon is loving his ice hockey each week and Peter enjoys indoor soccer. We manage to find additional sports and activities as well....





















The only snow we have found has been at much higher elevations! The boys have surpassed our skiing ability and we no longer can keep pace!









At the end of geocaching at the local nature preserve on Dec. 28 = 10 degrees!

Hiking in Ontario in July

Hiking with cousins along Lake Erie.






















Blessings of nature observation along the way. These holes are Bank Swallow nests along the lake. For more information see the world wide web dot longpointbiosphere dot com. Apparently the Lake Erie bank swallow population is likely the largest concentration of breeding of these birds in the world.

Hiking in June

On June 17 we headed for Waterton with Auntie Joyce to hike some trails together. We drove to an elevation of 5,400 ft and were thankful for our winter emergency bag which was still in the car. With mitts and hat, it was still cold without a coat! The lake was still frozen!






We attempted to hike, but soon were prevented by the snow hiding the trail.









At lower elevations, spring had sprung, hibernation was finished and this fella was enjoying dandelions along the roadside. Numerous wildflowers were blooming.









After Auntie Joyce purchased a coat to keep warm, we chose to hike Lower Bertha Falls trail, 5.2Km with an elevation gain of 175m (574ft). As the hiking progressed, the temperatures rose and the clothing was peeled layer by layer.

May Hiking

We headed for Waterton National park, purchased a seasons pass and enjoyed monthly visits to explore the various hiking trails. Since it was the beginning of the season and our need to ease into hiking....we began at the Townsite falls.









We attempted to take an easy trail to Lower Bertha falls but were prevented by snow from an avalanche. We hiked along the townsite falls instead and eventually were prevented from going further due to snow.









Despite the remaining snow, spring wildflowers had begun to bloom. God's faithfulness is seen in the changes from season to season.

Springtime in the Mountains

Springtime at waterton national park. The falls at the townsite was rushing but the trail along it was snow covered.










Despite the coolness, where the sun shone, there were wildflowers in bloom!

More summer fun

Our return journey included cycling one evening to see the sunset on the northern tip of Lake Michigan....









...and some history lessons on an island in Lake Superior where Etienne Brule and others were early explorers of our nation









...as well as the buffalo hills in the northern mid-west....










The snowbirds always provide delight for the boys at the local airshow.










Pottery class came early....in July....along the banks of the local river where there is clay! What fun....what a mess! although it's soluble.










Fun with friends during an afternoon of swimming and repeatedly going down the water slide at an outdoor aquatic park. Great way to end the summer fun!