April was a month that this crew had been looking forward to for some time. We had a few things on the docket that brought a lot of excitement. This year we celebrated Easter in Alberta, Calgary in a town called Banff. We also spent a day in Calgary. There was celebration of music as Jack played in the band and sang in the choir. We talked of Christ and His glorious resurrection for a week before Christmas. As part of Easter this year we decorated another tree and told stories of the Savior's final week here on Earth. We loved learning of the events that took place leading up to His resurrection. Every story told had an ornament to go with it, and the kids would take turns hanging them on the tree. We left a few days before Easter for Banff so had a special Easter dinner in Banff :) Once we were home we packed Jack up again and sent him off to science camp with his class mates. More on that to come!
Here's a look at a month we will not soon forget.
Our little trumpet player did such a great job as he played proudly. He started off singing in the choir and then moved to his seat for the band. It was so fun to watch him do band this year. I don't think he enjoyed it as much as he hoped he would, but he LOVES being a part of the choir. I think next year will be choir and sticking with piano as his instrument of choice ;)
Beckham has playing incredibly well with the Lions this year. He loves his coaches and teammates. He looks forward to his practices and games. It's been so fun watching him light up about playing football again. We are SO proud of this kid and all he can do.
Making some tasty M&M blondies as the treat for the week! Love this baker of mine.
We loaded up and headed to the airport on April 17th to spend six days in Banff and Calgary. We had the opportunity to visit and explore the Vancouver, Whistler, and Victoria while in BC and fell in love with Canada. I think it's safe to say that the entire family was stoked about another trip north.
Smiles all around as we await our tasty meals.
After lunch we ran over to The University of Calgary to grab Pres a t-shirt. One of this guys favorite hobbies is collecting random university tees from around the world. He loves finding a university with a unique mascot and then dons one of their shirts for them, haha. The University of Calgary are the Dino's.
We made a pit stop at a books store to load up on a few new novels for everyone. With only a 90 minute drive ahead of us we tucked in with some yummy drinks and a new book. We ended up spending a little more time at the bookstore than we thought we would, but it's our happy place so we didn't mind one bit.
I made Pres pull over so I could take some pics from our drive. It was absolutely GORGEOUS! Such incredible scenery all around us. We kept oooing and ahhing along the drive. It was exactly what we all needed.
We realized quite quickly that Alberta is a little colder than California haha. Jack, Quinn, and I all forgot coats. We had one more quick detour to REI to grab a coat and then off we went. Pres and Beckham were the only smart ones in the group to grab a coat from home, haha.
Our wheels for the week and cute peops inside.
It was so pretty everywhere we looked.
I did remember hats for everyone. That counts for something right?! Haha. It was a win for me. Beckham was doing his serious modeling face and not smiling face for this one. We told him he looked more grumpy than like a serious model ;)
After we got everything we needed for our stay we checked into our Airbnb. We all settled in for the night excited for our first trip to Banff the next morning.
We stayed in Canmore since it was only 25 minutes away from Banff and way cheaper. No one complained about having to drive every day because it was an easy road and gorgeous. The truck we rented had a year park pass, so our entry was smooth and fast. We didn't have to wait in any lines. We could just drive right through every day.
Our first morning in Banff, but day two of the trip, we stopped at Tooloulous for breakfast. As we sat at the table, my eyes filled with tears watching the kids talk about what to order. Pres helped them decide, tossing out silly suggestions just to make them laugh. The air was filled with incredible smells, and my heart felt light with the excitement of exploring a new place. I can’t quite explain what traveling does for my soul, it gives a sense of new life. It feels like home and brings a peace unlike anything else.
When Pres and I started dating, I remember telling him that I needed someone who was willing to travel with me. Ever since I was 14 and first tasted the joys of travel—exploring France with my Gram and Great-Grandfather—something inside me woke up. I knew I needed a partner who would not only join me but be excited to explore this big, beautiful world together.
Luckily for me, he was all in. I’m not sure he fully realized just how much I love to travel, haha, but he’s been such a champ, an incredible travel buddy (he's the one in charge of all of our tasty food options), and the most supportive husband. I’m so blessed.
One of the first things we did in Banff was surprise the kids with a horseback riding adventure. After breakfast, we made our way toward the barn, about a half-mile walk. The kids were a little nervous at first, Jackson and Beckham had never ridden a horse before, so this was a brand new experience. Quinn, of course, was pretty stoked.
Once we were matched with our horses and hit the trail, the kids quickly settled into the rhythm of riding. They started to relax and enjoy the gentle sway of the horses beneath them. Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable and full of stories about the area, pointing out interesting landmarks and sharing local history as we rode.
One of our favorite stories from the trek was about “The Boss”—a massive, legendary grizzly bear that roams the mountains of Banff. He’s known for being dominant and a bit of a local celebrity. At around 26 years old, he’s unusually old for a bear—especially considering he’s been hit by the train that runs through town twice! Each year, there’s a buzz of excitement as locals and visitors alike wait to see if The Boss emerges from hibernation.
Just a couple of weeks before we arrived, he had been spotted again—despite having recently fought another bear (likely over territory) and surviving his second train accident. He’s even recognizable by a missing chunk of his ear from one of those fights. Amazingly, The Boss is believed to have fathered around 50% of the cubs in Bow Valley. Every time he wakes up for the season, it makes the news.
Beckham rode a horse by the name of Norquay, which was also the name of the tallest mountain near by.
Quinn had Bow, like Bow Valley, and Jackson had a horse name Trooper. The guide was from Australia and would say "Troopa" in the cutest accent. Jack loved it and called him "Troopa" after that :) I had Orin and Pres had a horse named Pilsner. Everyone loved their horses and the ride.
While we were at the barn, we learned something really cool from the staff—Canada and Australia have a reciprocal work and travel agreement that allows young adults to live and work in each other’s countries for up to six months. Through programs like International Experience Canada (IEC), Canadians can take working holidays in Australia, and vice versa.
It totally made sense after that, so many of our servers, guides, and shopkeepers had awesome Australian accents! It was so fun chatting with them and hearing about how they ended up in Banff. It added a whole extra layer of charm and character to the trip.
Quinn on her rock displaying all of her confidence in that stance, haha.
On our way to the barn we passed by this awesome playground. The kids wanted to stop right away, but we had a slot reserved for our horseback riding. We told them we could hit it up after the surprise. We ended up hanging out here for quite a while. They had a blast going down slides, zip lining, swinging, and climbing all over.
Family photo opp with Norquay.
After the horses, playing at the playground, and walking through town it was time for a sweet snack!
We stopped and grabbed a few of the famous beaver tails that were being offered. They were so messy and SOO delicious! We got an original, a peanut butte chocolate, and Nutella. The original ended up being the fave for our crew. Fried dough with cinnamon and sugar...YUM!
Now that we had sweets in our belly it seemed right to head to the gondola :)
We made it to the top!
We cheated and took the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and it was such a fun ride, only about eight minutes, but the views on the way up were already incredible. It’s definitely a great alternative if you’re not up for the full hike. At the summit, the views of the Rockies and the town of Banff were absolutely breathtaking. There’s a boardwalk you can wander, some cool interactive exhibits, and even spots to grab a bite. The boardwalk is a little over half a mile of a walk, but worth every step. We stopped at each look out and took our time enjoying and capturing the images all around. It legit felt like we were on top of the world up there.
Haha. Smile Pres!
Watching the sun go down.
Outside of one of the restaurants they had this fun display for Easter. Photo opp for these two cuties.
It's literally breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice even though I tried.
There was also these cool little igloos with fires going inside and giant chairs. We took a little break in there before heading toward the exit.
I just can’t get over this place, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The more I travel, the more I’m realizing that every destination has its own kind of beauty. But there’s something about the majesty of these mountains that brings a completely different perspective to the canvas the Lord created. It’s humbling, breathtaking, and so full of His handiwork.
Happy Easter!
After soaking in all those breathtaking views, we took the gondola back down and headed straight to the hot springs. The kids and I jumped in and spent about 25 minutes basking in the warmth, it felt amazing after a day of exploring. Pres sat out on this one and looked for a great dinner option. Once we dried off, we made our way back to our place in Canmore, tired but so happy. We made a quick stop at the A&W in Canmore to fill our bellies. It was the only place still open after our late night out :) The Rootbeer is SO good in Canada! Our first full day in Banff was everything we hoped for and more. Truly an incredible start to the trip.
Day three started with a family hike.
We had breakfast at the Airbnb and then headed out to do the popular Tunnel Mountain hike in Banff. From our research, it was supposed to be beginner- and family-friendly—and it is one of the more popular hikes in the area, mostly because it’s relatively short and offers stunning views of the town and Bow Valley.
However… for this non-hiking family, it wasn’t quite as easy as we expected, haha. There were several switchbacks, it was about 3 miles round trip, and we climbed nearly 870 feet over the course of our two-hour trek. Still, the kids were troopers. Even when a light drizzle started, we just kept moving. We paused partway for snacks and water, then pushed onward.
The views from the top were absolutely worth it, truly breathtaking. We just weren’t fully prepared for how steep parts of it would be. On the way back down, the mood lightened, and we laughed and joked a lot more. The kids made up a game called “What Would You Name Your Pet…?” and got super creative with it. We went from dogs to cats to bunnies to lizards. Every time we passed someone walking a dog, we’d ask their dog’s name and add it to our growing list.
We played a few more games on the way down and had an absolute blast. The mist in the air cleared once we reached the top, and we honestly just enjoyed being out in nature, letting the cool air tickle our cheeks and noses. It was such a fun way to spend the morning: laughing together, soaking in the views, and even connecting with other hikers along the trail.
Snack break ;)
A view from our summit.
Taking a rest and soaking in the views all around us, haha.
SO glad we wore long underwear this day! The wind and misty rain would have sent us back early if we hadn't. Thankfully we stayed warm and kept on.
Everyone was starving after that epic hike, so we made our way to Bear Street Tavern for lunch. The atmosphere was perfect—cozy and inviting, especially with the fire crackling in the center of our table. The food was delicious, and the vibes were just right.
While we waited for our meal, the kids decided it was time to figure out our spirit animals. (I think all the pet-naming on the trail sparked the idea, haha.) We’d recently discovered ChatGPT, and naturally, we decided he needed a name—so Chad it was. Chad felt like part of the family at this point.
With a little help from Chad, we uncovered our spirit animals:
Mom (me!) – Sea Turtle: Easygoing, adventurous, always down to travel, and just trying to keep everyone cruising smoothly.
Preston – Bear: Chill, loyal, loves food, naps, and time with his cubs. Basically, the king of cozy.
Jack – Owl: Deep thinker, super creative, and wise beyond his years—when he’s not laser-focused on sugar.
Beckham – Golden Retriever: Athletic, friendly, funny, and the sweetest guy around. Always ready to play and make people smile.
Quinn – Cat: Clever, confident, a little sassy but super loving. Independent but always watching everything with sharp eyes and a sharp mind.
It turned into such a fun lunch conversation, and we couldn't stop laughing. Chad even offered to make us all badges to go along with our spirit animals. We loved seeing each of the badges he would make for us. The spirit animals kind of stuck after that.
After our cozy lunch full of laughs, we made our way to the iconic Lake Louise. It turned out to be the perfect kind of day for it, snow still blanketed the ground and mountains, and the lake was completely frozen over. The soft, overcast light made everything feel Christmasy and magical, like we’d stepped right into a snow globe.
The kids were in heaven! All bundled up, slipping and sliding while tossing snow balls at each other, and fully living in the moment. We snapped photos, played in the snow, and just soaked in the wintry beauty all around us. Even though it was cold, there was something peaceful and invigorating about the crisp mountain air and the stillness of the lake. It was a moment I know we’ll all remember—chilly cheeks, red noses, and big smiles frozen in time.
We stayed until we couldn’t feel our fingers anymore, and we started dreaming of warm car seats and cozy toes, haha. Winters like this don't happen for our California crew, so this whole experience felt like a true treat. Every minute was filled with smiles, snowman building, and an old-school snowball fight that left us laughing and breathless. It was winter magic in its purest form, and none of us wanted it to end (frozen fingers and all).
This bird was so cool. Jack noticed it on our walk back to the car.
After Lake Louise we called it a day and headed back to Canmore. We were ready to grab dinner and call it a night.
I love this shot—it really captures the magic of this place. The mountains seem to rise straight out of the earth, bold and breathtaking. At their base, you will find these crystal-clear lakes that shimmer in shades of blue and teal, calm and still like nature’s mirror. Beautifully green towering trees that reach toward the sky, framing it all with a quiet grandeur that ties the whole picture together. It’s like the landscape was painted with purpose. Perfect in every direction.
That evening, Pres and I decided to treat ourselves to some Greek takeout, while the kids opted for noodles—we whipped those up at the BnB while we waited on our Greek food. Once everyone was fed and full, we all cozied up on the couch and watched Frozen II. I think the wintery magic of Lake Louise earlier that day had us all feeling a little nostalgic for something with those same chilly, magical vibes. It was the perfect way to wrap up day three...warm, relaxed, and all together.
Day four brings a fun and exciting new hike for this family of five. Since it was our last day in Banff we wanted to spend as much time as we could there before heading back to Calgary for our last day and a half. Pres and I found this fun hike called the "ice walk". This was a trail that took you to two different waterfalls and was along a manmade path. We weren't sure why they called it an "ice walk" until we got there, haha. Check out the pics :)
Next up on our Banff adventure was a hike to Johnston Canyon. We had told the kids it was just a little over a mile round trip—easy peasy. That optimism held strong for the first stretch of the hike… until we started hearing a strange clicking sound as other hikers passed us. I kept wondering what kind of shoes made that noise.
Turns out—it was ice cleats. And they made sense once we got closer to the falls. The path had basically turned into a solid sheet of ice. To keep moving forward, we had to hold tight to the railings while slowly sliding our way down. Of course, people coming from the other direction wanted the same handrail too, so it became a bit of an icy negotiation every few feet, haha.
We did not have ice cleats. We had regular ol’ tennis shoes.
Thankfully, we managed just fine, and the kids actually loved the icy patches. They treated it like a game, laughing and sliding wherever they could. We were all incredibly grateful that no one slipped or got hurt—just a little adrenaline and a lot of giggles.
When we finally reached the falls, it was totally worth it. The sound of the water crashing through frozen walls of ice and snow was absolutely amazing. It was raw and powerful and beautiful all at once. Another unforgettable stop on our magical, slightly slippery, Banff journey.
After seeing the first waterfall, everyone wanted to keep going and check out the second one, everyone except Beckham, that is. The original plan was just a quick 1.2-mile round trip, but heading to the second fall would more than double that, making it around 2.5 miles total. Still, we decided to go for it.
Poor Beckham boy wasn’t thrilled about the extra hiking, but he was such a good sport. He made the best of it by turning the icy patches into his own personal slide zones and kept up like a champ.
When we reached the second waterfall, it was even more frozen over than the first. The rangers had a small platform prepped, and only a few people could go out at a time to grab a photo. The kids jumped in when it was their turn, and we made the most of it. The shot above is from that second waterfall...icy, dramatic, and completely worth the effort to get there.
Like most hikes, the trek back to the car felt much quicker than the way in. Knowing the terrain helped us move with a little more confidence (and a little less slipping!). Plus, the trail had cleared out quite a bit, there were maybe half as many people as when we started. It really felt like we’d timed it perfectly.
Once we finished our hiking adventure we headed back to Banff one last time.
Watching How to Train a Dragon :)
The famous Banff town shot :)
One of the things Pres was really excited about was trying Cup Bop—or as it’s called in Banff, Hankki. The boys were a little apprehensive about this choice, so Pres ordered for himself, Quinn, and I. While he was ordering, I took the boys across the street to the trusty McDonald’s. A few minutes later, Pres and Quinn joined us there with yummy Hankki bowls in hand.
Sure enough, once the boys tried a few bites of ours… they were hooked. Classic case of food regret, haha. They both wished they’d gone with Hankki after all. I mean, a warm bowl of rice, veggies, and crispy Korean chicken? What’s not to love?
After lunch we said a sad goodbye to Banff and headed East to Calgary for the remainder of our trip.
Calgary in all of it's overcast glory.
After checking into our hotel in Calgary and getting settled (read: tossing the bags on the floor and collapsing for a few minutes), we rallied and jumped back in the truck for one important mission—pizza. We’d heard rave reviews about Pizza Culture Napoletana, supposedly the best pizza spot in Calgary… and spoiler alert: it absolutely lived up to the hype.
The smell alone when we walked in had everyone excited, but the first bite sealed the deal. Crispy crust, melty cheese, and toppings that hit just right. Everyone ordered their own favorite style, and judging by the pizza faces (and empty plates), no one left disappointed. The kids were fully in the moment—taking giant bites, eyes squinting with joy, and sauce on their cheeks. It was everything a pizza night should be.
Delicious food, happy kids, and a perfect end to another adventure-filled day.
On our last full day in Calgary, we set out to explore the downtown tunnels that connect all the buildings. We’d heard there was a nearby mall accessible through the tunnels, and—get this—there was supposedly an indoor garden on the top floor. Naturally, we had to see it for ourselves.
But first: breakfast. Priorities.
We made our way through the tunnels to a charming little breakfast spot, filled up on something warm and delicious, and then continued toward the mall.
As we headed down the escalator, a bookstore caught our eye, and that was it, haha. We ended up spending a solid hour there. The kids found a cozy corner to curl up with books of their choosing, completely content, while Pres and I wandered the aisles and browsed in peace. It was one of those slow, unexpected moments that felt extra sweet.
We found the garden!
The awesome tunnels that connected us to anything and everything we needed. We were grateful to be inside this day, due to the storm that blew through Calgary. It was the cherry on top for us though. Storms are something Pres and I miss so often from the Midwest. This was like a little personal treat from the Lord to us. It called for a pool day in the hotel, warm food, and cuddles in blankets while we listened to the storm outside as we started the Rescuers of Berk seasons on TV.
Pool time jumps.
And just like that we were back on a plane headed home.
It’s always a little bittersweet, leaving a place that brought so much joy, wonder, and togetherness. Banff and Calgary gave us adventure, laughter, and memories we’ll be talking about for years. As we flew back toward California, our hearts were full, my camera loaded with pics, and our spirits a little lighter from all the beauty we had experienced—together. It truly was a trip of a lifetime. I think it is safe to say we would all go back again.
Once we were back in the comforts of our home, it only made sense to make a delicious batch of M&M blondie's to welcome us home. Thanks Pres for the delicious treats!
The kids had a fun Mustang run where teachers and volunteers painted shirts as they ran by. The paints seemed to have seeped through the shirts the schools passed out this year. Haha. They loved seeing the artwork displayed on their backs.
Jack got a haircut! Don't worry he's growing it out again :)
Sending Jack off to camp.
Just a week after we got home from our big adventure, we were packing up again—this time, for Jack. He was heading off to Science Camp with all the other fifth graders, and he was so excited.
Every year, the school sends the fifth grade up to a camp near Lake Tahoe, where they get to trade desks for hiking trails and campfires. They learn about nature, explore the outdoors, eat good food, and make memories outside the classroom. Jack had been looking forward to it for months, and when the day came, he was more than ready to go.
Love this boy of mine. He had such a great time at Science Camp. He enjoyed everything they did. The hikes, the learning about weather, bugs, animals, and the Earth in general. He had an awesome cabin leader from Sierra High School and great cabin mates to make the days go by fast. Everyone seemed to have a blast. He slept really good the night he got home :)
April flew by in a blink. Jack was the kiddo that bookended us this month. He started us off with his awesome concert performance and ended the month taking off to science camp for a few days. The in between was pretty dang incredible too. Easter and Banff were the highlights of the month. It was a month full of beauty, both in the places we visited and the moments we shared. From celebrating the resurrection of Christ to exploring the mountains of Canada, April reminded us how much goodness can be packed into just a few short weeks. We’ll remember the laughter, the adventure, and the sense of renewal that carried us through the month. We can't wait to end the school year on high note. Looking forward to seeing what May holds for the Clark family.
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