We took a hike in Bancroft, though it took us more than a little while to find it. And, hard to believe, we also were unable to find a copy of the latest Harry Potter in town, either.
And, a bit of family history: we visited Great-Grandpa's wayside chapel, and got a family pic.
And, a bit of family history: we visited Great-Grandpa's wayside chapel, and got a family pic.
A little cottage time up at Pinky. We were unsure how the kids would take to the cottage, though they enjoyed themselves immensely.
The fear of bears kept them close to the cottage, though frankly the parents were more concerned about their ability to fearlessly run off and getting lost.
Cameron took a picture of Annette & me working on a puzzle. The kids were not very interested in puzzles, but we are now officially a game-playing family thanks to multiple UNO nights.
Cameron took a picture of Annette & me working on a puzzle. The kids were not very interested in puzzles, but we are now officially a game-playing family thanks to multiple UNO nights.
Ok, so that would be my Birthday. A big, round number. Decided to do something environmentally reckless and went for some go carting.
Kayley, as it happens, appears to be a big fan of fast cars and driving around like a complete loony. As I whipped around corners trying to keep up with other drivers, she was caught up in paroxysms of laughter. Hope that one doesn't come back to haunt me!
Kayley, as it happens, appears to be a big fan of fast cars and driving around like a complete loony. As I whipped around corners trying to keep up with other drivers, she was caught up in paroxysms of laughter. Hope that one doesn't come back to haunt me!
What journey to Southern Ontario in blueberry season would be complete without, well, picking blueberries?
T'was a bit too early in the season, and we went on a bad day (Monday), but still had lots of fun.
Check out the bottom of the plaque picture for Wolfe Island and see who the sponsor is.
Oh, and as we were in Kingston near our 17th anniversary, we decided to stop by 1st Baptist Church for a celebratory kiss. Cameron is the photographer for the day.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that these guys were ready for kids. Cameron and Zach were immediately enlisted in the British military, donned uniforms, and got basic drill training. Kayley decided it was all to intimidating, and opted to watch instead.
After a bit of sergeant harangue, the Fort Henry folk threw in a plot twist that very effectively got our kids to run off to explore the fort.
And of course, our kids just had to spend a little time in in the slammer, with their very best bad-guy impersenations....
Perhaps the best part of the day came at the beginning...the local fire department was doing a public-relations event, showing off all their gear. The kids loved it.
We could've done without their nauseating pseudo-space ride. Annette loved revisiting an exhibit from her Ottawa days though, the Crazy Kitchen, as did our offspring.
I was amused by their antique train ride. Wait 15 min, ride forward on the line for 3 min, ride backward on the line. You're done!
Delightful day in Ottawa. Started with free parking, and just got better.
One of the first things we encountered was the Terry Fox monument. Cameron had studied him in school, and was interested to see his statue in such a prominent place.
Managed to catch Kayley in a rare moment, between a pout and a posed smile. She had time to change her expression, but not her posture.
While waiting for the tour through Parliament, we walked along the Rideau Canal. I'm impressed that they still let tourists walk along the locks, and haven't put up the seemingly-obligatory DANGER signs.
Does the picture of our three kids by the staircase seem at all familiar to you? Canadian news junkies should recognize it...it's the Prime Minister's staircase, the one they use in so many "Here comes the PM into the House of Commons" shots.
One of the first things we encountered was the Terry Fox monument. Cameron had studied him in school, and was interested to see his statue in such a prominent place.
Managed to catch Kayley in a rare moment, between a pout and a posed smile. She had time to change her expression, but not her posture.
While waiting for the tour through Parliament, we walked along the Rideau Canal. I'm impressed that they still let tourists walk along the locks, and haven't put up the seemingly-obligatory DANGER signs.
Does the picture of our three kids by the staircase seem at all familiar to you? Canadian news junkies should recognize it...it's the Prime Minister's staircase, the one they use in so many "Here comes the PM into the House of Commons" shots.
Our first morning in Ontario, and Kayley is treated to a toenail painting session with Elora.
Kayley enjoys her new friend, and is delighted that her pink toenails match Bill's.
Our much-anticipated trip to Ontario began remarkably smoothly - with Kayley & Zach's "first flight". At least, that they could remember, and that we paid full fare for...
I'm a big fan of WestJet's latest technology addition - TV screens on the back of each seat. Meant that four hours of overexcited, overtired children went by as fast as a Discovery Kids and an old Star Trek episode...
All went smoothly at the Toronto airport, until the baggage machine decided to stop with our bag still on the upper rack. We could see it, but not grab it. Looking around, James realized that no one was going to fix the problem, so he climbed up over the silver belt and snagged the luggage before anyone notice. Unless he's now on a secret CSIS watch list...
I'm a big fan of WestJet's latest technology addition - TV screens on the back of each seat. Meant that four hours of overexcited, overtired children went by as fast as a Discovery Kids and an old Star Trek episode...
All went smoothly at the Toronto airport, until the baggage machine decided to stop with our bag still on the upper rack. We could see it, but not grab it. Looking around, James realized that no one was going to fix the problem, so he climbed up over the silver belt and snagged the luggage before anyone notice. Unless he's now on a secret CSIS watch list...
