Spring brought many adventures for us this year including several trips to parks and natural areas in our city with friends. We went to Pearce Estate Park with some of our favorite friends and had a lovely day just wandering and adventuring at the kids' pace. We managed to keep the mud on our boots until the very end of the afternoon when Poppy decided it would be fun to run through the thigh high puddle as fast as she could. She had mud splatters all up her back and a smile to match.
April also brought a trip to visit Zoe in Edmonton at the Race Track. She was in the midst of studies for her Race Horse Groom certificate (which she has since graduated from and is now working for money at the track!). Zoe made arrangements to take us through the barns and show us the ropes at the track. Even though it wasn't a race day there was a lot of excitement and we were on our guard as the horses were coming and going and we had to make sure we weren't in the way.
This is one of the horses Zoe was caring for in the Spring. She knows each of their personalities, likes, dislikes, temperaments, and so on. We all brought apple cores and treats to feed them.
On the recommendation of a friend we went to a fabulous place called the John Janzen Nature Centre. There was a huge outdoor area with lots of hands on exhibits to learn about conservation and preservation as well as a beautiful indoor centre that was interactive and very well designed.
Poppy and I petting a Garter Snake. The Guide fed the snakes some gigantic earth worms in hopes that the children could see them feeding but the snakes weren't hungry enough or were too busy trying to get out of their enclosures to eat. Still a neat experience.
We took our dog and went for a long walk along the River Loop Trail. I have only been to Edmonton two other times, both for conferences and without much time for exploring. I was so taken by what a beautiful city it is.
Back to adventuring in our own beautiful city, we met cousins and an Auntie at the brand new (and somewhat controversial) Peace Bridge on Memorial Drive. The bridge was designed by a Spanish architect and the total cost was millions more than the original quote. It was also completed many months later than the original due date. It is an impressive bridge, very modern and interesting to visit. But I am one of the old school Calgarians who thinks it doesn't fit with the beautiful old houses and trees in this part of the city. Memorial Drive has always been my favorite road to travel down and you can't help but see this bright red, incredibly modern almost space-age looking bridge.
We took an afternoon to explore the heart of the city and went to City Hall. Rowan adores our Mayor, Mayor Neheed Nenshi (as do I!) so we hoped to bump into him. We took the elevator up and down the building several times during a busy lunch hour and explored the inside of the building as well. There are so many fun and interesting things to explore in and around everyday places in our city and this one was lots of fun!
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