The Nature Museum

Daddy got a set of passes for the Nature museum and thought that it would be a great way to spend some time with the family this weekend. Aussie was off at a sleepover as of Saturday morning, so we'll have to make plans for another trip there soon.
A gentle snow was falling as daddy parked the car, so Monkey was eager to try to catch a snowflake or two as we headed over.
We started off in the East entrance, where they were having a 'Meet the Experts' event. The boys were immediately drawn to the gentlemen who collect rocks from around the world and then analyze them. They each got their own bag of rocks to bring home.
Next we headed for the HD movie area. We saw an awesome movie about fish. The boys were amazed by the parenting skills and home-making skills of the mudskipper. Check them out here.
Here are the boys checking out the animalia section afterwards. They rode the little 'animal chairs' and then checkout the tarantulas and walking sticks.
We had a fantastic morning. The boys took in lots of new places that we hadn't seen on our last trip. We made headbands (or crowns as they called them)
went to the polar bear area
checked out 'The Abyss" (though Big C was much more interested in the spinning globe)
the submarine


and then the boys announced that they were all finished. Sensing it was wise to leave when the getting was good...we headed out. Off to other adventures.

At the Good Ol' Hockey Game...

Aussie and I went to cheer on the hometown 'ice hockey' team tonight as they faced the Edmonton Oilers. A great friend of mine was able to find us some superb tickets and so we got to see the game form a great vantage point. Aussie was all geared up to go as we left the neighbourhood and headed for the arena. She did wonder if the game would be played indoors. Thankfully yes, though many of us Canadian boys recall many a cold, cold winter morning when we strap on the skates, head to a friend's pond and skate the entire day away. Ahh, young legs.
When we arrived at Scotiabank Place we stopped for a few quick photo ops on the way in. Here we are approaching the arena: and then outside the main doors where the massive posters of he current heroes hang larger than life:

We stopped in at Bert's for a quick bite. It had a Bahamas theme, so I just had to grab a photo of Aussie in front of the palm trees:

Soon enough they were ready to drop the puck. The special effects on the ice were pretty cool. Here's the best shot I could get of the ice 'on fire'

Before the game is actually my favourite part. The playing of the national anthem. Here's the full video:

and here's a shot of them passing around a huge Canada flag.
We got in a before photo:

as Aussie mentioned several times what a great time she was having.
To boot, we even scored the first goal!!
We took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission and were off to check out the rest of the arena.
Here we are hanging out with the 'Sens-squatch' who regaled us with stories of his adventures in Australia (small world)
and with Spartacat, the Ottawa Senator's Mascot:

Please note that even he is sporting a mustache this month. So I'm not the only one with weird facial hair.

All-in-all we had a fantastic time, though the visitors did the rest of the scoring and finished 4-1. It was a fantastic night as 'host-father' and 'daughter'. Thanks Aussie for the memories.

Big C's doing GREAT!

Big C has had a great couple of weeks at school and at his daycare. He's been working hard to get some smiley faces every day from his teachers and so far the system is serving him very well.
Week one he was working for some kids toothpaste that he had picked out.
Week two it was a cowboy hat (and his brother got one too once he came through).
Week three.....Buzz Lightyear pajamas! Let's hope that he has another great week!

Aussie's first snow

This morning Aussie had her first Canadian snowfall gently falling as she got up. She was quite excited and went around the house to each of the windows with the boys, each time saying 'Cool'.
Here are the photos of her 'wow' morning - had to try most without the flash since otherwise you couldn't make out the snow.

Trip to BC

I am just returning from a week on the West CoastWhile I was there I got the chance to see my cousins (of whom I managed to grab 0 photos)
My uncle (pictured here) and my cousins daughter (my second cousin??).
It was great to see the family!!

Our newest guest, Aussie

Our home has once again been graced by the presence of a guest. This time around we went Aussie!
She arrived in Ottawa early, early in the morning on Saturday after 48 hours or so of travel, delayed flights, landing in Ottawa (and not being allowed off the plane since it had been re-routed from Toronto), going to Toronto, being denied a night's sleep in a hotel since there were only 5 Aussie girls and no chaperones, then landing in Ottawa at 1:15 am.Phew!
She was able to get a little sleep on Saturday morning before some time with the family and sharing presents. She brought us many wonderful things from her homeland, including some outstanding Aussie national footballs shirts for the all of the boys, including daddy, some really neat books, boomerangs for Big C and Monkey, delightful artwork and candles for Saje and some great songs on CD (and that was not even the complete list). Here is Aussie reading the book about 'The Cocky who cried Dingo!" to Monkey and here's Big C sporting his new shirt on the runway.
We were blown away by the generosity of her and her family. With just a few short hours to settle in, the party was ready to begin, but not before a quick break outside in the 10 degree 'heat' of a fine November day to blow some bubbles in the yard.
We invited over a few teenage girls her age who'd be going to her school as well as about 15 adults and their children (about 22 or so of them too). Aussie had a fantastic time and got to meet many of our friends while sharing some turkey dinner and all of the fixin's. A great time was had by all.
The boys have already taken to her like a big sister (here she is with Big C playing Lego in the basement)

and we already think of her as a daughter. We're overjoyed she's a part of our family for the next few months and can't wait to make some fabulous memories together.

The Christmas Carousel

I bought this little beauty off of usedottawa.com for $15. The boys were so excited to try it out in the living room: