Our weekend was full of beautiful, fall-like weather. I love days where you feel the warmth of the sun on your face and the smell of fall is in the air. Friday was a relaxing start to the weekend and I was able to get out for coffee with my friend April. Saturday was spent enjoying the fall weather by getting out for a brrief walk and then preparing the turkey meal. Mark, Shea, and McKinley joined us for supper. Then we just hung out and visited for most of the evening. After church on Sunday, we enjoyed leftovers and then the six of us headed out to Canmore for our much anticipated evening at the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge and Spa. We had attended a timeshare presentation the summer of '06, as part of that, we received two free nights in a two-bedroom condo and a gift certificate to the spa. So, in the spring, I finally got our two nights booked for this long weekend and was also looking forward to my complimentary hot stone massage. Well, we were extremely disappointed. Even after confirming everything this past week, we were not satisfied in the least with how Chateau World runs their business. We showed up at the lodge at 4 pm on Sunday, check-in time, only to be told that we are staying in Chateau Canmore. Although they are connected, we are told that all amenities (pool, hot tub, fitness center, spa, etc.) are at Banff Gate Mountain Lodge. Not ideal and already we are not impressed. As we are walking out to the vehicle to head into Canmore, we decide this is less than satisfactory and decide to go back in and see what they can do about getting us in there since that is what our gift was, that's what we booked in the spring, and that's what was confirmed this past week. Well, there is nothing they can do as they are fully-booked. To make matters worse, they tell us that we don't even have a two-bedroom suite that sleeps six like we were told, but a one bedroom hotel room. At this point we are very frustrated, to say the least. So, we let them know, in a somewhat calm manner (amidst the huge disappointment to our plans for the weekend) but cancel altogether, including my hot stone massage (which I really needed). We head out to the vehicle and tell Mark and Shea the bad news as we really feel like our weekend has been ruined. However, after talking we decide to see if there is anything else available in Canmore since we drove out there and were planning on enjoying an evening away. We book two rooms at the Pocaterra Inn in Canmore. Of course, it wasn't free, but our rooms were large and very clean and they had an indoor pool with a waterslide. Jaret enjoyed the pool and the huge splash of the waterslide, but he didn't care for how dark the tunnel on the waterslide was. McKinley also went swimming for the first time, but didn't give the waterslide a try - this time, anyway - maybe next time. So, needless to say, we did make the best out of a very disappointing situation. However, if you ever get a call from RCR Chateau World - I strongly recommend not even attending their presentation for free anything that they offer!
Over this past weekend, it has been wonderful to just spend some time reflecting on the many blessings in our life. We greatly miss all our friends and family back home but feel so thankful for each and every one. We hope that you each enjoyed your thanksgiving as well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenn
PS - Pictures are of: a walk in the leaves, Auntie Shea teaching Jaret to play volleyball, Thanksgiving Meal, swimming, and Jaret eating whipped cream off a large spoon.
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