Ottawa Visit: "business and pleasure"

I (Bethany) was lucky to spend 4 days last week in Ottawa for both "business" and "pleasure"...Dr. Winnie Dunn was presenting a workshop on her "Sensory Processing" assessment tool, hosted by the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre.

Coincidently, my cousin Gillian was also hosting a surprise 40th Anniversary party for my Aunt Joan and Uncle Fred over the weekend. The timing worked out perfectly that I was able to fly into Ottawa on Wed night, attend the course on Thurs and Friday (which was excellent by the way!!), and then head into Richmond for a brief but wonderful visit with the family: including Grandpa, Joan and Fred, Gillian and Warren, Mom and Dad, as well as Joel and Janet and Malcolm, and Amy and Jay and Nadine!

It was certainly a busy time, but so worthwhile! It was so great to see everyone--most of whom it's been way too long since our last visit. And of course, the babies provided non-stop entertainment for everyone! It is times like these that really reinforce the importance of family, and make me wish we lived closer and could see everyone more often. If only I could convince my work to pay for a few "business" trips!

Tara's visit: May Long Weekend

Tara was here for a great visit over the May long weekend. After a few beautiful summery days on Friday and Saturday, we re-created our "shoulder season" weekend with another great ski day at Sunshine Village, camping overnight at Tunnel Mountain, followed by a hike up Mount Rundle on Monday. Tara was a great sport on our ski day, despite it being almost 10 years since she was last on skiis. There was lots of entertainment at the hill, with an "AC/DC" cover band ("BC/DC"), and lots of "fans" in impressive costumes. The weather was great for camping, but we got caught in a bit of rain on our way up the mountain on Monday. The views were spectacular regardless. We were lucky to have Tara stay with us until Thursday, for a few work meetings (and American Idol!). Thanks for a great visit Tara--can't wait to see you again!

Skiing at Sunshine Village, Banff

Tunel Mountain--great views!

Hiking at Mount Rundle
Hiking near the Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all! This year, luckily Mom (Jackson) was here the week before for some early celebrating, so on the actual day, I joined a handful of my coworkers to run 10km in Calgary in support of the local Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Nurseries. Unfortunately, I forgot my race pack (including T-shirt, number, and time chip!) at work, and so while it was a perfect day, and I was proud of my run and my time (after a year of not training!), there was no official record of me doing the run! A little anti-climatic, to say the least...But it was still a great day, and my entry fee went to a great cause...and if I couldn't share the day with either of my "Moms", at least I could do something special to recognize the day.
http://www.mdrunandwalk.com/default.aspx?city=calgary

(my time is not on here, but Cathryn Rowley who I ran with was at about the 1:02 mark, which should be about right for me).




Now this has given me added incentive to participate in the "Underwear Affair", run for cancers below the waist in a few weeks. Now that I know I can actually complete the 10k despite my lack of running for the past while, I'm really looking forward to actually "training" for this one and maybe even getting some sponsors? :) http://cl08.uncoverthecure.org/site/TR/Events/Calgary2008?px=1399290&pg=personal&fr_id=1090

Mom and Dad Jacksons' visit to Calgary

We were lucky enough to have Mom and Dad (Jackson) come for a visit this past weekend, and Calgary even cooperated with some decent weather, as a great introduction to Spring! We had a fun-filled visit: "Jubilations Dinner Theatre" on Friday night; a little hike in Kananaskis Country and lunch in Bragg Creek on Saturday, breakfast at the Pannekoek Haus on Sunday, followed by a quick visit to the Farmer's Market, and a walk at the Resevoir--all of my favourite sites in Calgary and surrounding area! Mom and Dad treated us to a yummy dinner on Monday night, before they headed out early Tuesday on the "Rocky Mountaineer" train trip en route to Vancouver. It was a great visit--though always too short. Looking forward to seeing them again in the summer...
Dad skipping stones at the Glenmore Resevoir

Mother and Daughter--Happy (almost) Mother's Day!



A great shot of M&D at the Resevoir

Elbow Falls (K-Country)

Powderface Hike/Prairie Creek (K-Country)

All prettied up to go out for dinner...