"Oh Canada"

The LaCombes traveled to Ottawa, Canada last week for business and pleasure. David had a meeting, so William and Mommy tagged along for a little holiday from the neighborhood.

After crossing the border, William celebrates our ally!

Luckily, we got to spend an entire day with Daddy! So, the first thing we did (after coffee of course) was head to the Museum of Civilization. We planned to see an IMAX movie, but the schedule changed and the one playing was not William-appropriate. So, we headed to the children's museum! What a treat! Upon entry, each child receives a passport. As you visit each area of the museum, you get a stamp, just like on a real passport! Too cute! Our first visit was Pakistan. The bus that William is climbing on is just gaudy and beautiful all at the same time. This is one of the exhibits that is really popular.

"Ok Mom, fold up and get in the mini with me... I'll take you for a drive!"

"I am cool, huh?"

David was amazed at William's excitement while inside the museum. William was like a little bee buzzing from flower to flower! He was on the go from exhibit to exhibit... any type of transportation really gets his attention!

Outside the museum is this amazing discovery area... games, craft tent, boats, planes, sand... kid heaven!

This is view looking back toward the museum.

At the boat dock, the children can make a boat from wood, bottle tops, corks, and straws. They get to hammer the decoration in place and decorate the sail with the assistance of a museum staff member. William loved this!

Sailing his handiwork!!

The plane was a big hit... I am not sure which boy liked it more!

Apparently these pilots are busy doing stunt simulations in their big yellow plane!!

After playing outside, we found our way to the museum cafe. We dined outdoors. Isn't this a gorgeous view of Parliament and the Ottawa River.

Lunchtime lovin'

After gazing at Parliament from across the river, we decided we needed to see it up close.

Party Pic at Parliament!

"C'mon guys... go see," said William as he ran up the walk. We went on a wonderful self-guided tour of the grounds of parliament. We got a book at the visitor center that explained each statue and building on the grounds. We had a great time walking around and learning something new about Ottawa and Canadian government.

We got back to our hotel mid-afternoon... and headed to the pool. William was so excited!

"Splash Daddy!" William exclaimed... and he did!!!

Mommy read somewhere for a youngster a new playground is like a trip to Tahiti for adults. So, we found a new playground at a local park.

The park is on the Ottawa River, has lakes, attacts geese and other wildlife, and has a really neat playground!

William had a great time and even met some new friends. Needless to say, Mommy was really unpopular when it was time to leave!

At the ballgame!

The Ottawa Rapidz is in its inaugural season as part of the Canadian-American league, a professional baseball league not affiliated with Major League baseball. We got tickets and spent our last afternoon in Canada at the ballpark.

This little boy LOVES a ballpark!!

A real baseball! One of the Rapidz staff members gave this real baseball to William before the start of the game. He held on tightly to it!

Giving the mascot a high five!!

Then, William got a frisbee! This was after eating hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy.

A real highlight: At the end of the game, the umpire exited the field through the gate right in front of us. He reached into his pocket and gave William a game ball - complete with grass stains and dirt! We can't wait to get a special displays for his first real baseballs!!

We went for a drive after a sushi birthday dinner for Mommy. We drove out to the stables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. We were so excited to see the horses right by the side of the rode. So we stopped to see them!

Who knew we could get so close... guess the best way to anything's heart is through its stomach!

The National Gallery of Canada recently acquired Maman, a 9.27 metre (30-foot) spider sculpture, which is now on display at the Gallery’s Plaza. The gargantuan bronze spider, by Louise Bourgeois, weighs 8,165 kg (or 18,000 lbs) and carries a sac of 20 pure white marble eggs under her belly. Spiders, with their ability to fabricate complex and calculated webs, serve as a natural metaphor for creativity. This artist intended this sculpture to be an ode to the artist’s mother, who was a restorer of tapestries. The National Gallery is home to more than 35,000 works of art, with displays in spacious galleries, a luminous Great Hall, quiet courtyards and beautiful gardens.

We had a great getaway and want to return someday. However, we want to go earlier in May to see the three million tulips in bloom that adorn this beautiful city. Or, we want to go after June 20... the city really seems to come alive with lots of summer events!!