Kleskun hill, Bezanson AB

Live in Northern Alberta and want to get the badlands experience without the long drive down south?  Head just west of Bezanson to a little hidden gem called Kleskun hill.

The hills are a great place for children to run around and climb the "mountains" like the little adventurers that they are.

There is a trail located to the south of the main hills, where they have cacti that are native to the area.  There are also many beautiful wildflowers located throughout.

When the little ones get tired of wandering the hills there is a playground and sand box located near the onsite campground, which is perfect for a picnic to break up the fun and keep the energy levels high.

Interesting little caterpillar we found along our journey, which we believe to be a hummingbird moth caterpillar.

To change things up, they also have an area with historical buildings and farm equipment.  Functions can be booked at this location, and after walking around, there's definitely more then one place I could picture a beautiful wedding ceremony.

It is definitely an afternoon of fun exploring for all ages, so pack a lunch and a camera and you are sure to have a good time!

To go to the official site, go here

Grande Prairie Corn Maze and Pumpkin yummies

Happy Fall 2012! Yesterday we decided to go all out and celebrate my favourite season, or I used it as an excuse to make yummy food and hang out with friends and family, either way, it was a GREAT day!  Started the day with pumpkin pancakes (shamefully have to admit I used a boxed mix...but added 4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice), headed over to the Grande Prairie Corn Maze in the afternoon where we had a potluck of all sorts of goodies (I brought pumpkin dip, the recipe will be available at the end of the post), and then over to a friends for an amazing feast of a bbq!

Yesterday was my first time at a corn maze, and what a great family fun time! (plus everyone gets their exercise..)  I was very impressed with the Grande Prairie Corn Maze staff, they were all so friendly and helpful, they treated everyone like long lost friends which is so rare to come by these days.  There were also other activities for the kids like; water pump duck races, a corn tosser, a pumpkin field (you can pick one and take it home for a small fee), a ridiculously large chair for photo opportunities, and ice cream in the general store.  

Pumpkin Dip Recipe

1 can of pumpkin puree

1 carton of whipping cream (500mL)

1 package of vanilla pudding

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice

In a bowl mix pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding and pumpkin spice.  In a separate bowl beat the whipping cream until peaks form, pour into bowl with other ingredients and fold all ingredients together.  I served with apple slices and zucchini cookies.

O'Brien Park, Grande Prairie, AB

This year we have been absolutely blessed with beautiful weather, which has allowed us to check out many wonderful places in and around our area of northern Alberta. (Canada)  Today we decided to go above and beyond our normal walk and headed down to one of my favourites spots, O'Brien Park. It is only about a 20 minute drive for us, and we get to submerge ourselves into a forrest!  Today was the first time my daughter got to bring her bike, as it is her first time there since removing her training wheels.  She found the ride a little bumpy, as there are tree roots on the path, but once I referred to it as her first real biking adventure, she had a blast!

I have yet to get to the end of the trail, but assume at some point there is an ending.  Having said that, it sure is a great place to let the dogs experience a world beyond their backyard.  However, due to it being a provincial park, dogs are required to be on leash.

 One of my favourite parts about this park is that most days there are very few to no other people there, so you feel like you are fa FAR from town, so it is great when you need a little breather from city life.

Most of the trail system is only a stone throw away from the river valley, which is quite spectacular especially at this time of year when all the leaves are in different stages.

There is a day use area with tons of picnic tables and fire pits.  Some along the river, and others further in amongst a field. (which would be the safer place for those people with younger children)  Today we brought a snack, so my daughter wanted to do a quick picnic after our walk/bike ride.