There's No Place Like Home for the [summer] Holidays

I had a very quick visit home last weekend - I'm talking 2 days of flying, and 4 days at home short. 

But it was well worth it! 

I got to see all my brothers together. I was on national television (at the baseball game!). I got to show off my baby belly to family. I visited with friends I haven't seen in ages. I said good-bye to my brother who leaves for Japan in a week. 

Lots of amazing memories in just a few short days. 

Here are some snippets from my whirlwind weekend at home:

{xoxo}

Pawsatively Free

 In case you couldn't tell from my previous post... the vacation wasn't just for Mr. A and I :) 

I think that the dogs may have actually had a better time in Jasper than we did! 

One of the many great things about Jasper is how dog friendly the town is.
{great for us... maybe not so much for people who don't love dogs!}
It's way easier for us to get-up-'n-go when we don't have to worry about where to bring the dogs.

Dogs are allowed to stay at many of the cabins, go on most of the trails, and even walk into many of the stores.

They even had dog treats waiting for them at the park gate.
Lucky pups!

Here are some snippets of the puppies enjoying their freedom with us in Jasper: 

^^ Enjoying being back in the snow! ^^

^^ Bad idea to chase mountain goats?? ^^

 ^^ Literally walking on a lake! ^^

^^ Joop being a dare devil! Daisy wasn't even brave enough to try! ^^ 

I don't think the puppies will forget about this trip for a while. 

In fact... I'm pretty sure Joop was dreaming about hiking last night {imagine little puppy feet waving back and forth here}. 

All they've done since they got home was sleep, but they LOVED every minute of every hike. 

{xo}

Jasper Getaway

It would be an understatement to say that last week was tough. Last week was probably the hardest week I've experienced in my life thus far. Lots of ups and downs. Needless to say that when my husband offered a trip to Jasper for the weekend I jumped at the opportunity. It's so amazing to have such gorgeous scenery on our doorsteps here in Grande Prairie. Just a short 4 hour drive and we were far away from all of the stresses and pains of the previous week. The relaxation was well-needed. Cabins without internet or tv's. Amazing hikes discovering the world's natural beauty. Breathtaking. 

I think this weekend getaway was exactly what we needed to rejuvenate. It was very restful, peaceful and quiet. We stayed in Jasper, but also walked around Pierre Grey's Lake on the way home, and did the short jaunt up Sulphur Gates. The hike we did in Jasper was the Old Fort Point hike - at the suggestion of a friend. It was beautiful!! The view at the top is unreal. I didn't even attempt photos of it, because I don't think I could ever capture the vastness. Highly recommended.

 Here are some snippets from our Jasper getaway:

 

^^ Best way to start a roadtrip :) ^^ 

^^ Good company for lunch in Jasper ^^ 

^^ Sign that Spring is coming!!!! ^^