E and Husband Photographer and I all went to the festivities on the EBF's last day of 2011.

How could we not? It was a beautiful summery day, perfect for being outdoors.

And besides that, we had friends from Calgary with us, for whom this beautiful day was their first time at EBF. We were so proud to show off our favourite attraction of Central Alberta...to show them the flowers, the pond and, of course, the martins.

We were serenaded on our visit by a band, playing a whole variety of music, including polkas, and we just barely resisted the urge to get up and two-step or waltz or something.

But the martins had already danced their last summery dance and left the scene, leaving empty nests and an oddly quiet landscape. The resident amphibians were released to find winter homes as well, attended by fanfare and a group of very excited kids.

Martins or not, we had a lovely visit. We got two scoops of ice cream for the price of one and on such a hot day, it was the best ice cream we'd ever eaten. And the highlight of the day for little E was chatting with the goats and sheep, just before they were taken away to their winter home.

It was a lovely summer of exploring at EBF. Little E and I can't wait until next season, when we can explore some more and learn all sorts of new things.