Summer and Winter, But Where's the Spring??

We've had the good fortune to experience summer-like weather in California, and winter in Fernie over the past two weeks. But where's the spring? It's kind of peeking its nose around the corner here in Calgary, but it just feels a bit like winter still.

Perhaps we were spoiled with being able to walk out the door in shorts and a t-shirt in Cali, and we've forgotten that this "spring" weather in Calgary is perfectly normal - at least the weather stats tell me that we're right on track.

Let me tell you about California. We got to experience the amazing San Diego Zoo, to which we would return anytime. It was so beautiful: the animals, the plants and the layout were amazing.

That was followed by Legoland, which was nice, but not so fun for anyone outside of the 4-6 year range. Evan had a blast!

The grand finale was Disneyland where we all got to be kids again. It is really set up well to handle the crowds and the rides were accessible to all of us. You really do feel the happiness and joy of childhood there, despite the lines. I guess we knew it would be busy so there was no shock. Evan got to experience the Thunder Mountain roller coaster with his hands up the whole way. He actually cried when we got of because he couldn't go again.

Combined with the Pirates of the Carribean ride, he was in kid-paradise. And yes, we did do the classic Dumbo ride and lots of fun adventures for Oliver. The great thing is that he was allowed on most of the rides. Yes, they trust that parents will hold on to their kids. Imagine that!

In between those outings we were guests of Jane and Lynn at their awesome timeshare which included several pools, a spray park, fishing pond, golf, recreation centres... really we would have had a great time without leaving.

So, that was summer, and then we went almost directly to winter in Fernie. Evan got to try the top of the mountain though we spent most of the day on the Deer and Elk chairs. Let me just say that those tree runs I used to seek out are NOT made for adults on snowboards! Evan, Sarah and Mona, however had a blast.

Our plans that day were changed when we were turned away at the first chairlift with Oliver in the backpack. We'd never tried to take him before, but we knew we'd just be down on the easy runs so we wanted to bring him. No way - apparently it's banned in Canada. Oh well, Adam and I traded off playing with Oliver in the snow while the other person cruised the runs with the kids. Fun times.

OK - on to spring. We had promised Evan a new bike with no training wheels when we got back from California. We bought it the first day back and within a day he was cruising down our street. It's now been just over a week and he can handle the dirt trails at the dog park, the alley, hills... let's just say he's got it. And the true sign that spring has sprung: our first round of disc golf of the year with Joel and Janelle last night. Fun for the whole family.