on my way to ...

{or photos from a moving train}

... Portland, Oregon. On Saturday, Jenn and I hopped on a train to join a reunion of sorts, with Abbie, Caitlin and Laura, friends from the motherland, who are now spread out across the continent. I loved the train! It was so much more calm than flying and Jenn and I had a great chance to catch up.

country wedding.

I mentioned that we were in the Motherland last weekend for a wedding. Well, it was the cutest darn wedding you ever did see and although I was struck by some major cowboy boot envy, I managed to have a magnificent time! The bride and groom (and family and friends) built (or is it raised?) a barn for the wedding! Technically, the bride's parents need a barn anyways but what a cool way to mark your wedding day!

Please excuse the gratuitous Alberta sky photos. I can't help myself.

the motherland from a moving car.

Every time I come back to Alberta, I'm struck with how beautiful it is. Maybe it's because I grew up here, but I don't think so. The colours are magnificent, especially this year, with all of the rain.

But, I'll let you be the judge.

alberta skys.

Dear Alberta skies,

You are beautiful. That is all.

Love,

Kate

small joys.*

1. My dad made me this coffee. I love that when I come home I'm welcomed first thing in the morning by a cup of coffee made by Roddy.

2. Last Sunday we picked 30 lbs. of strawberries. We've got a lot of jam to make and smoothies to drink when we're back in Vancouver.

3. These adorable little Pooh-bear feet belong to my pseudo nephew (as I like to call him). I got to cuddle him yesterday at my friends' house, Trevor and Amanda. They were kind enough to let me invite myself over for a cuddle. Damyn was kind enough to show me two excellent tricks: rolling over and holding his own bottle for a few seconds!

4. My mom and I went over to my Nana's on Wednesday to help her clean out a closet. I came across this adorable little piece of needlepoint, so I asked if I could keep it.

5. These flowers both bloomed this week! The calla lily is part of our balcony garden and the orchid is one of several I've had for years in our apartment.

family feast.

{The main course: salad, beef short ribs, mashed potatoes, carrots, lentils and grilled asparagus.}

I mentioned in last week's small joys post that Nick and I wanted to cook dinner for both of our families. Last Thursday, in the Motherland, we made a huge dinner for everyone at my parents' house. It was a great evening with everyone having a great time. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food too! {All photos in the post were taken by Dominique Adams.}

{Prep.}

{I love my parents' old buffet. It makes serving food really easy!}

{Hummus to start.}

{Nick being very serious about shrimp!}

{And I'm very serious about salad. I only wish I'd taken a photo of the chocolate torte I made!)

little vacation in may.

{Dusk in Fairmont Springs.}

Nick and I were in the Motherland this weekend (we made it a long one) for my cousin's wedding in Fairmont Springs. I was a wonderful trip full of laughter, great debates, and lots of food and drink. I got to meet two little babies that I've never met (Trevor and Amanda's little guy and my cousin and his new wife's little girl). It was a great start to summer and Fairmont Springs is a little hidden gem! How have you started summer?

{Team photo! Mom, Dad, Cam, Ann, Me and Nick.}

{My beautiful sister.}

{Me and my manfriend.}

P.S. It felt a little weird not doing small joys or blogging much this week so I'll have to think up some extra special things this week. With Nick's sister and her boyfriend coming this weekend and another little trip coming up, I'm sure there will be lots to blog about.