Waterton

Our fourth day in Canada found us in Waterton Lakes National Park. It is a typical destination for the Jones family while visiting Canada and remains on my list of top 5 favorite places on this earth. 

It was a gorgeous day. There's usually a lot of wind roaring through this place, but it was calm, clear, and sunny for us. Our first stop was at the Prince of Wales Hotel. The hotel was built in 1927 on a hill overlooking the Waterton townsite. (We rarely pose for pictures at this spot for fear the wind will throw us over the edge of the hill. In this picture I am trying to convince Curtis that he does not need to run full speed down the hill and into the lake.)

We ventured to a new picnic spot by the lake and, after eating our lunch, spent a long time throwing rocks. This beach was covered with the most perfect sampling of skipping rocks we've ever seen. (Ian's arm was sore for days.) Once again, the kids spent the better part of our time there with their legs firmly planted in the frigid water.

There were mounds of driftwood just ripe for the picking. The girls were on a quest to find "the perfect walking stick" for everyone.

Here's Ian with his "perfect" walking stick.

A little hike around the lake brought us to a place the kids dubbed "Seagull Island".

Soon we made our way into town for our newest family tradition (started last summer). We rented this 5-person surrey bike and tore through town. I sat peacefully in the middle seat, not pedaling, because Lindy was bound and determined to help Ian wheel us around. (Why would I argue with her?)

Our last stop was the ice cream shop. It is home to some of the best waffle cones I've ever had. (And, if you're lucky enough to be walking down the street at 5am, you might find a bear licking the sidewalks out front of the store...but that's a whole other story.)

Delicious.