This fall we were pretty close to Galway as we were both extremely busy; Kelly with school and me with my Masters and work.

But Kelly did find time to train for her first triathlon up on Achill Island.

And we had a big group of friends over for Canadian Thanksgiving.
Gearoid was in charge of dessert. He did well. As did Aidan with his Poundcake (pound of sugar, pound of butter, pound of chocolate)

We were also lucky to have Lyndsay visit us!

And I ran the Dublin Marathon.

I didn't win. Everyone got a medal. Just like elementary school.

Dingman Family Reunion
During the summer, I had a few emotional conversations with my mother about the upcoming family reunion that I was "unable" to attend. Behind her back, Dad and I had already booked my ticket home and were planning to surprise her, Grandma, and the rest of the family.

Dad picked me up and we make our way to the Lake for the reunion and to surprise everyone. (He had told Mom that he was going golfing, then proceded to drive practically to Canmore to pick me up). When Dad and I walked around the corner of Dingman's Dump (the family cabin), the scream Mom let out had Aunt Joan jumping for cover. I wish we had captured both her and Gram's faces on camera. (And a recording of her yelling at Dad: "You asshole!!") Soo fun.

An amazing long weekend to hang out with cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, parents, and of course, the star of the weekend, Grandma.

We started off the weekend at the Lakedale Fair.

Mutton Busting!

Jocelyn, Kerri, Jen, and Christina

Big Sister

Having fun on the golf course.

Until a wild beast gets loose and starts his charge!
(UncleBobious Maximus)

Just missing Kelly. (sniff)

And then the good times around the campfire.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

For those of you who didn't get the Picasa link to all my photos from the weekend, let me know, I can resend it.

After a busy summer in Galway, Kelly and I both had a chance to go home and visit family and friends in Alberta. Our trips overlapped by about 8 hours so we did have a chance to see each other during the 4 weeks.

My trip was split between the mountains and the lake. The first part included a 4 Corners of Canmore Mountain Bike Challenge (which almost killed Cal and I), an amazing trail run of the Rockwall Pass, a scramble of Cascade Mountain, and lots of time visiting friends.

After 75km of getting my butt kicked by Mike, Adam, Grant and Cal.

Early start to the Rockwall Pass

This little bugger scared the crap out of me then wouldn't let me pass!

10km down, 27.5 to go.

Possibly the most beautiful running circuit on the planet.

Another early start for Cascade. Jet-lag does have some benefits!