banff & cows

Joel and I have always wanted to go to Banff.

We almost went there on our honeymoon, but it didn't work out. So, it was perfect that we could spend our 7th anniversary there instead. My aunt and uncle let us borrow their car and we hit the road for three nights in Banff.

Just as we had heard, it was beautiful.

The first day in Banff we did a lot of driving and walking around.

There was so much to see.

This first day in Banff was also one of the hardest for me on the trip. Banff is very touristy, so there are tons of families on vacation. Tons of strollers and tons of cute little kids. Everyone is taking family pictures and taking pictures of their kids. Having so much fun TOGETHER.

I think that observing all of these families was another reality check for me. There were going to be no pictures of Cora on this trip. It was just me and Joel. And then I began thinking about how Cora would never be in our family pictures again. She will always be part of our family, but not visibly. That was hard for me to grasp. Hard for me to imagine. 

We walked through this beautiful garden. There were flowers everywhere. And while most people were taking their sweet pictures like I said. I just cried. I wanted so badly for Cora to be toddling around the gardens with us. I wanted to take a real family picture in the beautiful scenery. But instead we just walked and talked and I cried some more.

And then after I did my best to compose myself. We took our own "family" picture in the gardens. With my crying eyes and all. It was the best we could do!

After dealing with all of those emotions we decided that we needed a treat. 

That always makes you feel better right?

We spotted this ice cream place that looked very popular. 

Seriously, every night we were there there was a line going out the door. 

But that didn't stop us.

I think it was the cows that lured us in. 

It made us feel like we were back home in Kansas.

Except our cows are definitely not that cute.

And there is no ice cream.

It was worth the wait. 

The ice cream was SO good. 

In fact we went back EVERY night we stayed in Banff.

Thanks to Cows, I think my ice cream cravings have begun. 

It is for the baby though, right??