We are vacationing in Banff, Alberta.
To our family, the most beautiful
little corner of the world.
Smelling the sun-baked pines as we
hike.
Tasting the pure, clear water.
Renewing our up-close-and-personal
relationship with the mountains and all things forest.
It is our 22nd year at the
Rocky Mountain Resort.
Our family was raised here.
Our kids learned to swim in
that pool.
Lob tennis balls across the net in that
court.
Work out in that gym.
Follow those trails.
Paddle down that river.
Wonderful, sunny, happy times.
Anticipated throughout the year.
Enjoyed fully and completely.
And given a fond farewell until the
next time.
This year is a bit different.
Many of our kids are here.
With their kids.
Our little two-bedroom apartment has,
of necessity, grown to three similar-sized units.
With a different family filling each
one.
There is much scurrying down the porch
or across the bridge to the other apartments.
Much giggling and laughter as the
cousins play together.
Movie night takes up one entire living
room/dining room/kitchen.
Just to accommodate the excited little
watchers.
And we fill the pool.
One of our granddaughters, aged five,
is just learning to swim.
For the first time, she announced that
she no longer wanted to wear a life vest.
I was standing at one side of the pool
as she swam to me from her mother on the opposite side.
“Kick your legs!” I called to her.
She swam furiously, finally touching my
hands and standing up.
Glowing with accomplishment.
And quite suddenly, I was remembering
saying and doing the exact same thing with her mother and aunts and
uncles.
In the exact same spot.
I'm sure it was just yesterday.
where does it all go?????
ReplyDeleteI've been asking myself that too! :)
DeleteYa feels weird doesn;t it?
ReplyDeleteI'm watching two little girls rush out to the school bus and it gives my heart the same tug.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I keep telling my kids. Changing diapers one minute. Dancing at weddings the next. And then the grandkids are the ones raising their families . . .
DeleteIsn't it amazing how fast time flies... I am doing things with Valentina that I did with Andrea 20+ years ago. With my oldest being 31 this year and Valentina only being 9. I enjoy it a lot more the second time around even if I am a bit more tired:)
ReplyDeleteHeeHee! I know exactly what you mean! I certainly don't have the energy this time around!!!
DeleteThat sounds just perfect! Nothing is as fun as when our whole family gets together- but we are still waiting on grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteThe family days are the very best of days! Thank you for your visit!
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