Alexandria weekend

Over MEA, we took a fun trip up to Alexandria to stay in an Airbnb rental with our friends, the Pakiz family.  We had a great time hanging out, playing games, shopping in Alexandria, and enjoying the beautiful weather.  We were spoiled the year before with the old bed and breakfast property with all of the trails for golf-karting and the huge home, but this was a clean, cozy place and it was fun to explore a new area. 

Grandma's 94th birthday

We made a quick trip down to Iowa to celebrate my grandma's 94th birthday in October.  She LOVES campfires, so that was the theme.  It was so fun to spend time with family!

We even got to see baby Emilia who was visiting at Lori's!

 

Confirmation Sunday

Abby was confirmed this fall, alongside a large group of classmates from our church.  We enjoyed celebrating this special day with family!

Lori's retirement

We have known and loved Lori since Abby was almost two and started going to her daycare.  We had to suddenly look for a new daycare, and had visited two others that we didn't love before our appointment with Lori.  When Lori scooped Abby up into her lap and bonded right away, we knew we had found the perfect fit.  The girls went to Lori's up until Abby started 4th grade and Norah started kindergarten.  The girls made so many great memories there!  We celebrated Lori's retirement with the rest of the daycare family this fall.  Lori has touched many lives!

First day of school

Summer went so quickly, especially this year with switching school districts.  Norah started her last year of elementary school (5th grade) on the Lumberjack team with Mrs. Prchal:

There is a large group of teachers' kids who hang out before school--these are the 5th graders:

So fun to be in the same building this year!

Norah's first day of 5th grade:

Abby's first day of 9th grade and first day of high school (two days earlier):

Banff trip--days 10-11

On Monday morning, we got up early (around 6:45) and finished packing/cleaning up.  We got on the road about an hour later.  We got gas and had lunch at Costco in Medicine Lake (cheaper gas and a cheap lunch).  The girls found treats/snacks that we can't find at home.  We had supper at Tim Horton's in Weyburn, and crossed the border back in the U.S.  We spent the night at a Microtel in Minot, N.D.  Note to self--check the booking when the price is only $55!  We only had one queen bed...oops!  Norah was moved to the window seat cushion when she fell asleep, so the rest of us all squished in.

On Tuesday morning, we left Minot at a little before 8 and were happy to be back home later that day!