Family!

In the midst of our hectic summer, I've not had a chance to write about the amazing visit from my family two weeks ago! It was so different to have the opportunity to host my parents and show them around a place where they had not been before (there are not many!)

Liz arrived a night earlier than the parents, so I got to take her to a few of my favorite hang-outs (Melrose, Molly Malone's and Farm) and a walk around our lively neighborhood. In spite of weeks of rain, the weather could not have been more perfect by the time she arrived! Luckily, the sunshine and warmth stuck around all week; on one occasion it was actually warmer in Calgary than in Nashville! I never expected Liz and I to be sunbathing way up in the Rocky Mountains during our trip!

The quick rundown: After two nights in Calgary and a quickie tour of the city's sights (there are not too many!), we hit the road and spent the better part of a day driving through the mountains and into the tiny but beautiful town of Jasper. Some highlights of our drive along the Icefields Parkway were Liz and my dad drinking pure glacier water from a stream on the side of the road (it gave them an energy surge!); possibly the most beautiful picnic spot in the world (at a mountain overlook); and Athabasca Glacier - burrr!

Once in Jasper, we grilled out at our adorable cabin and checked out Athabasca Falls, Mount Edith Cavell and the massive Angel Glacier - which included a live avalanche in front of our eyes, Maligne Lake, which we saw from the vantage point of canoes, Maligne Canyon, with mossy, old-growth forests and deep-carved canyons, a horseback ride and wildlife sightings galore.

After a whirlwind two days, we drove back toward the town of Banff, whose upscale charm and liveliness is a total contrast to the laid-back, peaceful feel of Jasper. Both spots are wonderful in different ways. On the way, we stopped at Lake Louise and my parents said they finally understood what all the fuss was about!

From our Banff homebase, we took the Lake Louise gondola for an amazing view, hiked around Morraine Lake (an even more spectacular turqoise color than Lake Louise!), relaxed in the Banff natural Hot Springs, and enjoyed the culinary offerings and charm of the town of Banff before heading back to Calgary. It was sad to see the family go, but we had a great week!