Zambia’s Virtues and Vices (and why I want in)

July 29, 2011 By

In addition to hanging out with my family, one of the best parts of my trip to Canada has been reconnecting with a couple of dear friends. My neighbor Stacey B. met us at Lake Sikome for an afternoon of fun and Stacey S. was a fixture at my house for a couple of days.

Basically, if your name wasn’t Stacey, I didn’t hang out with you.

Many people are familiar with young men and women who serve as Mormon missionaries but most don’t know that retired couples are encouraged to go as well. Stacey S.’s dad and step-mom will be serving in Zambia, Africa starting this fall. “Senior missionaries” usually assist as local leadership, provide service and in the case of Stacey’s parents, coordinate the C.E.S. (Church Educational System). When Jamie and I are older, I would love to serve a mission together.

Just think of the many remote villages who could have sustenance for months if Jamie grew giant pumpkins there.

We all have our ways of contributing.

One night, I set-up a blogfor Stacey’s parents so family and friends can follow their adventures in Africa. I wasn’t too keen on Zambia until Stacey told me it is one of the best places to do a safari and is the home of world-famous Victoria Falls.

Photo

I fell in love with the area when Matt Lauer went there for the Today Show in 2004. I’ve since been keen on bungee jumping off the 152-meter Victoria Falls Bridge.

Stacey also told me about the crazies who soak in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the very top of Victoria Falls (check-out the insanity here).


I’ll stick with bungee jumping, thanks.

Stacey hopes to visit her parents and I’ve generously invited myself along (with a $2,000+ plane ticket, we can all dream, right?) Though there are many wonderful facets to Zambia, this country in southern African has one of the world’s most devastating HIV and AID epidemics.

Stacey: “Did you know a Zambian woman’s life expectancy at birth is just 39 years old?:”
Me: “How sad.”
Stacey: “So, basically if that was us we’d be dead by now.”

Or we could just hang out at Devil’s Pool to speed up the process.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, LDS, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 4: Sandpoint, ID to Calgary, Canada

July 27, 2011 By

I’ve had many people ask me just what does 31 hours in the car by myself with two kids look like? Take a gander:


It wasn’t pretty but certainly was functional. I packed oodles of snacks, DVDs, DS games. travel easels and books (see the full list of activities here), which I plopped in a large laundry basket in between the kids’ seats for easy access.

We caravanned with my parents from Sandpoint, Idaho to Calgary and stopped in Sparwood, British Columbia to check-out “The Titan,” the world’s largest truck.
I couldn’t have asked for my kids to be better behaved and our final seven hours in the car were seamless except for two factors:

1) The Hail Storm.

We’ve had pretty great weather the entire trip with the exception of a stretch of road leading into Nanton, Alberta when we passed through a horrendous rain/hail storm. At one point, the hail was pounding my windshield so quickly my windshield wipers couldn’t keep up and my 70-year-old father didn’t slow down. As I sweated profusely (and in places I didn’t know I could sweat), the only reassuring words were from Hadley: “I CAN’T HEAR OUR MOVIE!”

Remind me not to bring her along when in extreme diress.

2) The U.S.-Canadian Border.

I’ve traveled with my kids to Canada many times by myself but never by car. When flying, Customs requires I provide a notarized letter from Jamie stating I have his permission to take the kids out of the country.

Since I was driving this time, we called the border to ensure I didn’t need the letter. They assured me I was fine but I was still paranoid (I’ve spent many past lives being detained in the “Taliban room”) so I schooled the children prior.

“Now Bode and Hadley, when we get to the border, you need to tell them that Daddy is coming later.”

I didn’t tell them any more than they absolutely needed to know. I figured dropping the word “attempting kidnapping” could lead to trouble but as it turns out, trouble is what I got by withholding information. We waited about 45 minutes in line at the border and when it was finally our turn, I pulled up to the Customs officer who initially looked friendly.

Him: “Hello, Ma’am. Where are you traveling today?”
Me: “Calgary.”
Bode: (Frantically Interrupting) “OUR DADDY IS COMING ON THE AIRPLANE LATER!”

From there, our easy-going exchange turned suspicious. He peered into the car at Bode and Hadley.

“Ma’am, what is your license plate number?”
“Err…. I can’t remember.”
“Please step out of the car.”

After a painful interrogation, we eventually crossed the border but I learned an important lesson. When relaying important information to the kids, I need to disclose, “Only speak when spoken to.”

Come to think of it, I’ll make that our family motto.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 3:Boise to Sandpoint, ID

July 26, 2011 By

Since we’re still on the road, I simply don’t have the time to do our trip to Sandpoint, Idaho justice so I will write a more extensive article upon my return.

Outside magazine named Sandpoint as one of America’s Top Dream Towns. Here is glimpse of this paradise in the North Idaho Panhandle….

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Our lakeside retreat at Dover Bay Bungalows with Grandma and Grandpa.

Biking the 9 miles of trails at Dover Bay along the lake, across wetlands and through forests.

Discovering a secret hike at Verwolf Vista Park (crossroads: Shannon Lane and Lakeshore Avenue).
That led to these views of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the largest inland lakes in North America.
And arguably one of the most gorgeous as Dad and I witnessed during an early-morning bike ride.

No trip to Sandpoint is complete without an afternoon at 18-acre City Beach with huckleberry ice cream.






Topped off by my mom’s delicious birthday dinner on the cossetted patio at Trinity overlooking City Beach.

A glimpse at Sandpoint’s grandeur, yes. But justice has not yet been served.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family travel Tagged With:

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 2:Utah to Boise

July 24, 2011 By

I’m not one of those people who stops at every roadside historic marker but I’m always delighted to stumble upon local treasures. That is exactly what we found at the Sublet Fuel Stop off exit 245 on I-84 in Idaho. First, there were the alpacas outside of the gas station.

Then the baby rattlers inside the door.
Caged, thank goodness.

Then there was the sign “Beware of Bats” as we entered the bathroom. After what we’d already seen I braced myself for some flying mammals but chuckled when I saw this:

A baseball bat.

The proprietor had a warped sense of humor.

We were originally going to stay in Rexburg but my friend Jason bailed at the last-minute so we rerouted to Boise. My friend Kiersten (a former radio hottie from my days on the airwaves) met us at a playground for a couple of hours and then the kids and I stayed with my friend Katie, her husband Wayne and their four beautiful daughters. Haddie and Bode had a BLAST and I loved reconnecting with my dear friend.

“Soeur (Sister) Ingy” and I were LDS missionary companions in Bienne, a little village in the heart of Switzerland. We had only been on our missions for a few months when we were put together and forced to fend for ourselves with our faltering francais. Soeur Ingy was the ying to my yang. She spoke really softly and was super sweet. I was…not. But one day, I was bellowing out my favorite song about prayer “He Hears Me” for the thousandth time when Katie interjected:

“Yes, and so does everyone else, Soeur.”

This sweet Idaho girl was (and still is) a force to be reckoned with.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel Tagged With:

Park City Mash-up: Snowmamas Party & Xtreme Ziplining

July 21, 2011 By

The Setting
For two blessed days, I stayed in the master bedroom at this glorious four-story “cottage” at Silver Star at Park City.

Call me crazy but I didn’t think cottages had elevators.

Snowmamas Party
I was in Park City for Evo Conference, a top-notch social media conference for bloggers of all abilities. I have been a Park City Mountain Resort’ “Snowmama” ambassador the past couple of years and this was a chance for us to congregate and have one final party. There was karaoking where it was confirmed I can neither sing nor dance.


And that my sole Paparazzi is 9-month-pregnant Head Snowmama Krista.

On Friday night, the Snowmamas threw a party. If you’ve never never been to Park City Mountain Resort in the summer, you’re missing out. The compendium of activities include the Alpine Coaster AND Alpine Slide, Ziprider, bungee trampoline, miniature golf, climbing wall and Little Miner’s Park with a carousel and rides for small children.
(With the Snowmamas prior to going down the Ziprider. Not all at the same time. That would have been craaaaazy).

Xtreme Fun
Even though I had a blast attending Evo and hanging with the Snowmamas, one of my favorite activities was at the very end. I’m a big fan of anything fast and furious and was thrilled when fellow Snowmama Linda hooked me up with a ticket for the Xtreme Zipline (a $20 value) at Utah Olympic Park. Careening down the world’s steepest zipline at 50 mph has been on my bucket list for a while.

If you’ve never been to Utah Olympic Park (UOP) in Park City it’s worth a visit. The facilities include interactive Alf Engen Ski Museum, the inspiring 2002 Eccles Olympic Winter Games Museum, a fascinating bus tour of the aerials, ski jump and the combined track venues. In the summer months, they have the “Quicksilver” alpine slide, the ULTRA and Xtreme Zipline and the bobsled.

Though I can’t say I recommend the latter item after my infamous run last winter.

I stopped by UOP on my way back to Salt Lake City after the conference. I’ve traveled extensively by myself but it never once occurred to me that you need a buddy to ride the zipline.

Evidently, that is the case because in I was the only solo rider when I arrived at the top of the chairlift. Undaunted, I chatted with the other people as we endured the hour-long wait. I wasn’t nervous in the least and despite its velocity and pitch, the Xtreme Zipline has never resulted in any fatalities.

The ride was a blast and for a moment, I felt like I was a ski jumper as I careened along the K 120 ski jumping hill. Rest assured, there were no crash landings.

But here’s a confession: you always wonder what you’ll think about during your final moments on earth. For some, they think of their family. Others, they pondering the meaning of life.

For me, I sent Jamie the following email just a few minutes before riding the Xtreme Zipline:

If I die on the zipline I just wanted to make sure you already returned my library books. :) XO -A

A sentimental fool ’til the bitter end.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, travel, Utah Tagged With:

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 1: Denver to Utah

July 20, 2011 By

I’ll be jumping around over the next couple of weeks in an attempt to document our Great Canadian Road Trip. Leg 1 from Denver to Salt Lake City was via Wyoming’s desolate wastleland (sorry Wyomingites but there’s no other way to describe the painful drive along I-80).

Why would we endure that route, given the beautiful passage along I-70 through Vail and Glenwood Springs? Simple: Bode wanted to get a $0.50 ice cream cone from Little America in middle-of-nowhere Wyoming.

Yes, that’s correct, folks. I endured nine hours of mind-numbing boredom for that. Just call me Mother of the Year.

In Salt Lake City, we met up with Haddie (who had flown out the previous Friday) and I spent a memorable couple of days hanging out with Jamie’s family. We hit Liberty Park with my scrumptious twin nieces….
Where we played for hours at Seven Canyons (the park’s unique water feature), on the merry go-round, Ferris wheel and cooled down with guava snow cones.
I spent a quick 36 hours in Salt Lake City before leaving the kids with my mother-in-law Linda as I attended Evo Conference in Salt Lake City (more on that tomorrow).

Linda had purchased outfits for her four grandchildren and in decidedly ambitious move she, my brother-in-law Jeremy, his wife Tammy and the four kids set out to Wheeler Farm to attempt cousin pictures.

You will note I said attempt.

Jeremy is an ace photographer but not even he could tackle this assignment. Between Bode’s inability to smile and the roaming toddler twins, not even one picture of the four of them turned out.

That would be 0 out of 900.

I’d say better luck next time but judging from Tammy’s near nervous breakdown, it won’t be anytime soon.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Humor, travel, Utah

Happy 5th Birthday to Bode Man!

July 18, 2011 By

Bode,

It’s tough to believe you’re 5 as Mommy adjusts to the end of your carefree preschool years and the beginning of kindergarten. You’ve had quite the year and continue to be a delightful, easy-going and sweet little guy. You thrived in preschool and when I dropped you off, everyone would stop what they were doing and shout, “BODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Suffice it to say, it was a place where everyone knew your name just like Norm on Cheers.

On Field Day, I caught of glimpse of why you are so beloved. While the other kids aggressively vied for their turn, you raised your hand but sat back and waited until you were called on. At first, I was annoyed you weren’t taking more of a stance–your sister and I would have forged to the front of the line like your peers. But then I marveled how you were perfectly content to cheer for your friends and relish in their moment, knowing full well your time would come.

I think it’s called patience. And you have a lot to teach Mommy and Sissy about this foreign concept.

You learned to ride your bike and are tearing around our neighborhood skate park like a pro. You’re a stellar skier (like your namesake Bode Miller) and you were one of the leading scorers on your soccer team. You have finally gained enough courage to put your face in the water, thanks in part to the private swim lesson I bought you at a silent auction because I was unable to demonstrate myself.

You are a great reader and have a true aptitude for numbers (we jokingly call you “Rain Man.”) When Mommy and Daddy were in New York, we bought you a large number chart that we taped to the pantry door. Sometimes when you’re having a bad day, you’ll hang out in front of it, analyzing your favorite numbers.

I hope balancing Mommy’s checkbook in a few years will be equally as cathartic.

Last month, your dad and I realized we’re failing on instilling a strong work ethic within you. In your defense, cleaning out the ditch was a thankless job but your reaction is one I’ve never seen before: Disbelief, outrage, extreme mourning and then murmuring. Your dad and I had to conceal our laughter to see you, tears streaming down your face, muttering fake swear words under your breath, as if every pent-up frustration you’ve ever had toward our parental dictatorship was brewing over.

It just gets worse from here, Son.

Despite your uncharacteristic outburst, you are sweet and agreeable most of the time. You live in a world of black and white and have the gift of discernment to know, even at a very young age, what is good and what is bad. Suffice it to say, your sister (who lives in a world of gray) frequently stresses you out and we will undoubtedly form a support group during her teen-age years.

You absolutely LOVE Mario. Seanus and Seanie are your Wii buddies and you recently gained the admiration of my friend Lisa’s son Keith who is six years your senior. He was initially hesitant to hang out with you but after a few hours, he was a Bode convert after you both made it to level six for the first time. I started to compliment Keith but he interrupted and admitted, “It was all Bode who discovered a secret passageway. He’s really amazing.”

If you had a different mother who did not drag you all over tarnation, you’d be content to hang out at home but you’re a seasoned traveler and braved 31 hours in the car on our road trip to Canada. Your favorite trip ever was our Disney Cruise but you love adventures in our backyard as well. One evening, we took a family bike ride to the water tower. As you raced down the hill, Jamie had an epiphany.

“That’s him. Bode as he is right now. He is who I saw.”

I immediately knew what he was talking about. Before we got married, Jamie told me about a very revealing vision he had where he saw our children: a boy and a girl.

That revelatory glimpse had all been forgotten until that moment as we looked at you laughing, racing and playing. It was as if our past came full-circle with the dreams of the future. We are a family and are so very grateful to have you be an essential…and eternal part of it.

Love,
Mommy

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For a stroll down memory lane, birthday letters 1, 2, 3, and 4.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: birthday, Bode, Humor

Calgary Stampede: The Truth Revealed

July 16, 2011 By

The revelation is not that these rascals of mine can be troublemakers. I’ve known that for a while.
The truth that was revealed at the Calgary Stampede yesterday: I’ve been struggling FOR A YEAR to get Bode to smile for a camera and I was going about it all wrong.

Put that kid on a “wanted” poster and he shines.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor

How Jamie and I do long-distance romance

July 15, 2011 By

Me: “Did you hang up on me?”

Him: “No. I dropped the phone & nearly broke it.”

Me: “That’s better.”

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, Marriage

Rocking it in Frisco, Summit County’s Hidden Gem

July 15, 2011 By

With laudable Summit County neighbors such as Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone, the town of Friscooften gets overlooked when, in actuality, we should be putting “Frisco: The Main Street to the Rockies” at the top of our list.

My family recently stayed at Tiger Run Condominiums, located halfway between Frisco and Breckenridge. This is one of Rocky Mountain Resort’s many rental properties that range from ski condos to townhomes to private home rentals in Summit County.

In the peak season (winter), our well-appointed 3-bedroom, 2-story condo runs about $335 per night. In the summer, expect to pay only $235, a great deal for this property that sleeps eight. We never wanted to leave but unfortunately, we only stayed one night.

Better luck next time.

My very favorite network of paved, non-motorized paths in Colorado is located just a stone’s throw away from our condo. With more than 80 miles of trails connecting Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail, there is no better way to explore Colorado’s most epic resorts.

On Friday evening, we biked a portion of the 10-mile trail from Frisco to Breckenridge. It was my 7-year-old daughter’s first adventure on her new mountain bike and she squealed with glee as we crossed bridges over the raging Blue River and wound along the serpentine trail.

Once in Breckenridge, we nestled up to the firepit as we ate Crepes a la Carte and later leisurely strolled along the popular Riverwalk. The next day, we parked our car at the Frisco Adventure Park and followed the trail to the Frisco Marina where we were thrilled to discover a futuristic playground.

A few other things to do:

Frisco Adventure Park

The Frisco Adventure Park opened December 2010 and adventures are, indeed in abundance. During the summer months, there are loads of hiking and biking trails, the Peak One Disc Golf Course, a free skate park, the Frisco Fun Club (a daycamp for kids 5-12) at the Day Lodge, baseball fields, horse stables for dinner rides, picnic facilities, camping via the forest serves and a free BMX bike park had e a soft opening on July 4. The Park is located 1/2-mile south of Frisco on Highway 9 overlooking Dillon Reservoir.

Frisco Bay Marina

Add mountains and the highest marina in the state (9,091 feet) with over 330 acres to explore by sail, motor or paddle, and you have a recipe for adventure. The Frisco Bay Marina offers rentals, sales and services for everything from sailboats to kayaks to boats. Grab some coconut shrimp or blackened fish tacos on the patio of The Island Grill or cool down with an ice cream sandwich after playing on the Marina’s futuristic playground. Open seven days a week, all summer long.

Fantastic Playground

If the futuristic playground at the Frisco Marina (see above) doesn’t float your kids’ boat, Frisco’s Funtastic Funground will. Located on the grounds of Frisco Elementary School (800 E 8th Ave, Frisco), this playground ranked up there as one of my kids’ all-time favorites. A castle in the wilderness, this massive grey structure offers umpteen secret hideouts, climbing walls, monkey bars, tires, swings, slides and so much more.

Live Music

Grab a blanket and head over to the FREE Concert in the Park series at Frisco’s Historic Park. The sunset show is held every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through August 18 and features tunes the family will love—from folk to rock to bluegrass.

Frisco Kayak Park

Whether you’re a kayak pro and want to practice your rolls and rodeos or spectators like us, be sure to check-out the Frisco Kayak Park. Located on the west end of Main Street, you’ll get the best view of the action from the walking bridge.

Special thanks to Rocky Mountain Resorts for hosting our family. If you’re planning a family vacation to Summit County, be sure to check-out their properties in Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone and Silverthorne at www.coloradormr.com.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Family travel, travel
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