OTTAWA

Lucas and I just returned from a short 5 day vacation in the nation's capital, Ottawa, and our future home. We arrived in Ottawa and 15 minutes later, looked at each other with the same thought in mind - this is the place for us. There's a government building on every corner and a pub on every other corner. Canada's British heritage shines through here and the European feel is infectious. This was the first time I really felt what in the west seems like an anomaly - Canadian culture. Couples rushed down the streets comfortably switching between French and English; every sign or adverstisement was in both French and English; history was everywhere from the Victorian buildings to the old Irish pubs. We loved Ottawa and will be going back for good in 2009!

Flying over the Rockies

My first glimpse of Parliament did not disappoint

Lucas staring in awe

The base of the Peace Tower

Can't tear my eyes away from the House of Commons :)

Lucas looking stately in the Senate

mmm Guinness...thank goodness for those Irish Pubs!

Curry & Chips! Haddock & Chips?! Are we in Scotland or Ottawa?!

The Supreme Court of Canada

Us in the big seats :)

Steps to the back of Parliament

The Library - probably one of the most amazing rooms I've ever seen in my life

Lucas and me outside Parliament

Me with the Suffrage ladies

Lucas & William Lyon Mackenzie King (former PM)

The Bay!! This one's for you Gran :)

The National Gallery - A M A Z I N G!

Dualling pianos at Fat Tuesdays :)

The Boys

Off to MONTREAL!

Brrrrr....it was cold

Lucas in Montreal

The Notre Dame Basilica

We couldn't resist. And this actually ended up being really awesome. The guide was full of information and we saw more of old Montreal than we would have on foot.

Me and Silver, the horse.

On the streets of Old Montreal

We need to stop complaining of the "cold" in Vancouver and get out on our bikes!

Back to Parliament. The portrait is of Pierre Elliott Trudeau

It may be cold but the skies are bright!

Me & Parliament

Flying Home :(