ottawa in 8 days

Going back to Ottawa is always a bit of a crazy time for our family. We do our best to pack in as much as we can, into a short amount of time. Visits with friends, time with family, taking the kids to do special "Ottawa" things. 

This trip to Ottawa involved many celebrations, visits and excursions, all jammed into 8 days. Unfortunately, most of us were sick for the majority of the trip, and so our energy levels and moods were not all that great. I found it hard to find the enthusiasm to celebrate Canada Day, and to be fully present for Wesley's baptism...but that's just the way it goes sometimes, and we rolled with it. 

While we were tired, we certainly enjoyed being with our family and friends, and enjoyed making more memories for our family. 

To recap our trip....

A splash pad kid's party. A Canada Day that included a BBQ at my sister's, the Aviation Museum and fireworks for Winslow and N+K. Wesley's baptism and a HUGE feast afterwards. More splash pad and playground fun at  Landsdowne with Roxy and her girls. Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill. The Museum of Nature with Grandpa. Sushi! Mandarin! Icecream! IKEA! A swim and dinner chez Les Nimans. Dinner and icecream with Margaret. 

Yes, we did all this in 8 days. And yes, I am tired...but a good kind of tired. The kind that makes me feel satisfied and full, but also happy to be home and returning to a slower summer rhythm. 

hope, a walk and written snapshots

It's 2 days post election time, and I am still riding on a political high. I used to wonder if I was in the minority when it comes to passion about politics. I'm vocal (too vocal for some) about where my political values lie, and I am not afraid to approach a debate about certain topics. But on Monday Oct 19th, Canada blew me away with our election results. I think I am still in shock (in a good way), because after 10 years of crappy voter turn out and sad results, we saw an overwhelming demand for change from the citizens of this country that I love so so much. It was awesome!
Yes, my party won the election, so of course I am happy. I would've been happy with any of the more Center to Left (Green, NDP, Liberal) parties winning, but I am a Liberal at heart and truly do believe and have faith in our new Prime Minister, Justin Pierre Trudeau. His passion for our country, his stance on equality for all Canadians, his ability to reach out and listen, I believe he is genuine and here to help our country.
So with that, I've been walking around on a bit of a high (no pun intended, yes, he plans to legalize marijuana). I have a spring in my step, and a renewed sense of hope for our country. Hope that we will once again embrace diversity of cultures, and not divide Canadians as "us and them". Hope that our government will move towards renewable and inventive ways to produce energy. Hope that arts and culture will once again be valued. Let's see where this government takes us. I'm counting on them to keep those promises.

...

Out on a walk this morning with Ryder (both kids were at school), I happened upon a most beautiful spot that I had never seen before. I wondered if it was private property, as it looked well maintained. There, I found beautiful tall maples, a pond, little foot bridges. It was such a pretty spot, so I captured a few snaps on my phone.

...

Written snapshots (taking a "snapshot" in my mind, purposely not picking up a camera).

~ rolling over, very early in the morning, to feel the cozy, warm and soft body of Katia next to me. Her jammies, so soft. Her little hands grasping for me. A moment of stillness (when in the day, she is anything but still).

~ Me, down in the kitchen,  early in the evening, when the kids are tucked in bed, making mini chocolate zucchini muffins for lunchboxes. Stirring, mixing, blending ingredients. Muffins made with love for my family.

~ Changing the sheets on my bed, to soft, brand new, flannel sheets. Perfect for chilly nights. Perfect for cozying up, while we read bed time stories. Inviting me to rest and find refuge.