ROAD TRIP!
As long as we have been together, Judy told Rick that she longed to go to Banff, Canada. When trying to decide where we should take our 2015 vacation, she said, “How about Banff?” Great idea!
The details came together. We found a campsite in Lake Louise, right in the heart of Banff National Park. Since it had been a while since he saw his family, Rick proposed looping back through Abbotsford, BC, and Lake Oswego, OR, to visit his dad and mom (respectively).
Over the two weeks, we actually drove for eight full days. We had to choose carefully how to spend our time, balancing travel, exploration, and rest.
Thirty Years in the Making: In 2015, Rick and Judy finally went to Banff National Park in Canada. Judy had always wanted to go so we did it, as our first, quasi-empty-nest vacation. The park did not disappoint, even after decades of anticipation.
We THOROUGHLY enjoyed our Banff vacation. Driving was made easy by trading off two-hour chunks. It was not at all difficult to do 10-hour days. Camping in one spot afforded us ample opportunity for day trips to the surrounding sights.
The magnificence of the mountains has always meant much to us, and constantly drew our thoughts upward in praise to their Creator. The pace of our adventure also gave us plenty of time to interact and deepen our relationship.
Judy, who had built Banff up in her expectations for decades, was not at all disappointed. Her one troubling thought was, “Now what am I going to look forward to?” Can you say, “Return visit”? We’re sure there is more to be seen and experienced—perhaps with the girls?
We celebrated Christmas 2015 with Anna and Alex, Elise and Matt.
We were triply blessed to be able to visit friends and family along the way. It revitalized relationships across the distance, and particularly reminded Rick to remain in more-regular touch with family. Our conclusion is that if you EVER have an opportunity to visit Banff, DO NOT pass it up. Ask us if you have any doubts!
Being outdoors has always been a blessing for us. After 31+ years of marriage, we enjoy it still and are growing closer than ever before. We pray you had a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Other Highlights
2015 in a Flash: (top to bottom) Corpus Christi vacation [3/10]; dinner with Rick’s dad [8/10]; with Rick’s mom [8/14]; Thanksgiving in Colorado with Matt’s mom [11/27]; our girls at Como Park Conservatory, a Christmas tradition [12/24].
Rick had several health issues this fall. After a visit to the ER over possible liver failure (turned out to be gallbladder) middle-aged thoughts of mortality appeared. And he has learned he doesn’t tolerate general anesthesia well—Judy and Anna felt the brunt of this!
Judy continues teaching nursing at Normandale Community College. Their accreditation review—for which they had prepared for years—was postponed at the last minute, almost resulting in a staff mutiny. To Judy’s delight, one-third of our backyard was converted to garden this year, making room for winter squash and popcorn plants.
Elise is a choir teacher at a parochial high school in Fort Worth, TX, teaching boys and girls, and directing the show choir. She also gives private lessons and performs regularly with her band.
Anna is working part time in a chiropractic clinic, and continued to be very involved with the U of M marching band. She traveled with them to a bowl game. She also volunteered as staff for Alex’ last year in drum corps, traveling to several competitions. She will take a trip to Europe in 2016 before starting graduate school in the fall.
This year, we “cut the cord” and removed our land line. You can now reach us exclusively on our mobile devices.