Conversations with my son have always been interesting. He started talking early and has always surprised me with how much he has soaked in from his surroundings and put together into ideas. Facts have always been his thing but over the past few months, he is really learning to articulate how he is feeling.
When he trusts me with his vulnerabilities, it creates a moment that I feel is sacred. It’s like the feeling of holding a brand new baby and knowing that it is depending on you for survival. All of my senses immediately tune into his needs and even though I feel so inadequate, it is imperative that I respond in a way that will benefit him. It’s a tall order!
This is what I know, acknowledging and validating his emotions will ensure that he feels heard and respected. I may not always have an answer or solution but I will ALWAYS listen, comfort and love.
Creating space for trust to grow strong. Creating memories full of love and respect. Creating fun days where the focus is him instead of work…these are parenting goals for me. To be intentionally present in more #MaxAndMom moments in 2018.
I have learned that is not an easy thing for me to step away from adulting and slow down to walk in step with a seven-year-old boy. It takes a little shake-up like a staycation that pulls us both out of routine and into a shared and hopefully magical space.
Last weekend, we drove to Banff together. My goal for the entire day was to maximize Max’s enjoyment and create great memories of our time together. Part of the drive was spent talking but most of it we spent listening to A Wrinkle in Time. It brought back incredible memories from my childhood road trips – our family listened to countless audiobooks that we still fondly recall with quotes and laughter.
We attempted a selfie on the first-floor deck at the top of the Sulpher Mountain Banff Gondola but the snow blew right in our eyes the entire time!
My plan was to take the Banff Gondola up Sulpher Mountain, spend up to an hour there depending on Max’s boredom level, spend the rest of the day exploring Banff Springs Hotel and hit the candy store on the way out of town. I had no idea that the newly renovated facility at the top of Sulpher Mountain would captivate Max as long as it did!
Pick up a Rocky Mountain Adventure Journal before you get on the Banff Gondola and then use the clues at the summit to find all the stamps you need.
Pretend to camp in an explorer’s tent on the second floor of the Banff Gondola observatory.
We learned about how the landscape has been created, what wildlife lives there, how explorers survive in the wilderness…and everything is hands-on and kid-friendly.
The Know Your Knots station has diagrams demonstrating four classic knots.
I can’t tell you how therapeutic it was to successfully tie these knots! I might have found a new hobby. From (l) to (r): Clove Hitch, Figure 8, Bowline, Taut-Line Hitch.
Two hours later…I pulled Max and my knot-tying self out of there because I knew the weather conditions were not great for driving home too late at night. We enjoyed a quick dinner at Sushi Bistro in town and then went bought way too much candy and fudge!
I knew I had accomplished my goal when Max sighed happily in the car and said, “That was the best day ever, Mom!”
It was pretty darn good.
The Banff Gondola supplied Max and me with our gondola tickets, but rest assured, all opinions on this blog and on our social media channels are authentically our own.
Here are the details and special offers to get you and your family on the Banff Gondola:
Starting Family Day weekend (Feb. 17 – 19) and each weekend until .March 25, the Gondola is offering a one-of-a-kind Family Weekends experience.
Kids go free before noon
Arrive early and have your little ones ride the Gondola for free. This is a savings of $31!
Other savings.
Alberta residents save 25% on Gondola admission.
Book ahead, at least 48 hours, and get 10% off with the advanced rate.
If you’re interested in more information about Pursuit or the Banff Gondola, please visit: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/ and check them out on their social channels
Facebook: @Banff Gondola
Twitter: @PursuitBanff
Instagram: PursuitBanffJasperCollection
Hashtag: #BanffGondola
That looks like an awesome activity to do with your kids. I will definitely be going there with my children. I love the modern fire pit. thank you for sharing your experience in our gorgeous backyard Banff !
I hope your family enjoys the Banff Gondola as much as we did!