Canoeing the North Saskatchewan River

My husband decided to take our oldest son canoeing down the North Saskatchewan River this past weekend.   Ideally, they thought they would just basically float with the current, but because of a strong headwind, they did end up paddling some of the way.  It was still an excellent trip though.

We launched the canoe at Capilano Park in Edmonton - one can drive right up to the water's edge, which is very helpful for people like me that don't like to carry canoes.

The boys got a real birds eye view of the river valley, and saw a lot of ducks and pelicans.  After about three hours, I went and picked them up north of Edmonton on TownshipRoad 540.  Again, one can drive right to the water's edge so loading a canoe is easy.  I'd love to go on this trip some day, just need to find someone to drive the truck and do pick-up and drop-off duty!

Kaisercraft Advent Calendars

I know, I know, advent calendars are a funny topic for July.  But, I was surfing around the Kaisercraft blog, admiring the beautiful products and the even more beautiful projects that are posted on there, when a gorgeous advent calendar caught my eye.  Except it's not an advent calendar.  It's an every day calendar.

Isn't this stunning?  It was done by Nikki Antonello who was on last year's Kaisercraft design team. 

This is what the Kaisercraft calendar looked like before alteration.  I bought one of these recently to turn into a Christmas advent calendar for my boys, but I love the thought of using it for any and all occasions.  It would make a wonderful gift!  Fill the boxes with candy, small toys, coins, paper fortunes, etc.   If you would like detailed instructions, Kaisercraft has a wonderful project sheet on their website  link to Advent Calendar project sheet. 

Happy Canada Day!!!