A day at Spruce Meadows

Friday, June 7th, we took off as a family to spend the day in Calgary with my family at Spruce Meadows. My Aunt and Uncle, Ted and Teena Vriend, from Ontario, were out visiting my parents, and we wanted to see them too, so Calgary was a mid-point that worked for all of us. 

As gardening has been my main focus lately, I took a few quick pictures on my phone as we were leaving, so I could show them to my family. (which I forgot to do.)

So thankful for perennials that come up year after year on their own. Thankful too, for free space to play around with different annuals each spring. :o)

 The irises (on the rh edge) did much better this year than last, boasting many healthy, beautiful blossoms. This was just as the first ones were opening up, as you can see from the unopened heads on the plants. 

New to that front bed this year are the tea roses by the solar lights. After observing things for a year,  I decided I liked the look of the front side bed, so I made this one match it. :o) New also for me this year was the light yellow petunias. I have not planted that colour before, but I have discovered I like it! 

We loaded up in the van and headed for Calgary around 8:30 that Friday morning, arriving in time for lunch on the grounds before the afternoon of show jumping got underway. The traditional thunderstorm blew through the grounds just as the competition was about to start, but the warmth of the air made the rain quite pleasant. :o)

Slightly dopey boy-child.

The girls were so excited to see Granny and everybody again!

Ave couldn't wait to hang out with Philip, and he put the little guy to sleep in his strong arms for me. :o)

My Dad decided to take a day off the farm work and come along with Mom and the others. And I was so glad he did! Each of my little ones got some special, quality, one-on-one time with their Papa that day.

There's the lovebirds we came to see - Ted and Teena! Hopey and Joy warmed up to them right away and gave them many, many hugs throughout the day.

Yup. There was an equestrian competition on, and we sort of watched it, but we were more there to visit with each other than to watch the horses. :o)

Hope saw Granny using the binoculars and was immediately fascinated and wanted to try too.

Sleepy eyes. :o)

Papa got a turn with his little grandson later in the day. 

I think it was at this point in the day that Josh was playing with Joy at the playground, and Hope was hanging out with Mom, that I sat down on the bench without any little ones in my arms or on my lap. It was a very weird feeling, and while I was grateful for the break, I was glad it didn't last too long.

He's big, but he's little, that boy of mine. :o)

Share the snacks, everyone! :o)

I must smile at this picture, for Hope was totally amused and curious at Papa's hairy arms and hands, just like I remember being as a little girl. :o)

Philip had just had cat naps all day, and my Mom could tell he was getting really tired, so just as the competition was winding up for the afternoon, she took the fussy lad out of my arms, swaddled him up in his blanket, and lulled him to sleep. :o) He was much happier when he woke up.

Supper was the leftovers from the grand picnic we'd shared at lunch, enjoyed on the grass as a few merry little sun-showers passed over us.

Growing up, our little Hope Alberta Langemann.

Joy and Uncle Ted. A fitting match. :o)

And then, the happy gathering had to say goodbye, and around 8:30pm we all went our separate ways.

It was so very special to see my Aunt and Uncle again. After 20+ years of marriage, their love is still fresh and free and fun, and they are amazing people to be around. Their youngest son just graduated high school this year, as did my kid-brother Avery, and so begins a new season for my Mom and her sister at the same time. :o)