The first week of summer was a busy one. My carnivore husband convinced me to check out Ottawa's Ribfest. I grew up in our nation's capital, but I had never been before. Huge crowds of people waited patiently in long lines along Sparks Street to try ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and barbequed chicken from different award winning vendors. Mike and I split an Uncle Sam's combo which included a little bit of everything. The meat, covered in tasty barbeque sauce, melted in your mouth. Everything was delicious, but the chicken was my favourite.
More highlights from our week:
I discovered a great (and free) activity
for moms and their babies to do on a hot summer's day in the city. Ottawa has wading pools
in different neighborhoods and Henry and I decided to check out
the one in our community. The pool was clean, there was plenty of shade and the
lifeguards on duty were very friendly.
We took Henry to the Valleyview Animal Farm.
For $16 our family got a tour of the farm on a tractor ride, access to
the animals and front row seats to a puppet show. Henry laughed at the goats,
but was most impressed by this guy...
Alpaca |
My friends and I gathered at a park for a
late night picnic because a super moon was set to make an appearance in the
sky. We kicked off our sandals, sat on a picnic blanket and popped a bottle of
champagne. We were ready for the show, but a thunderstorm quickly rolled through and
spoiled our plans. We had to run for cover, but made it under a gazebo before
the downpour. Candles were lit and our spread of different cheeses, meats and
bread were placed on a picnic table. We never did see the super moon, but it
was just as romantic to watch the lightning brighten up the black sky.
We packed up our small Toyota Corolla with
pretty much all of our belongings and drove up to the cottage for our first
family vacation. Henry is only six months old, but I was determined to
introduce him to our summer traditions and make new memories.
Henry was so proud to have a chair just like his dad. |
Henry went swimming in the lake for the
first time and this former lifeguard is proud to say I have a water baby on my
hands! He sat in his new inflatable boat and had the biggest grin on his face
as he kicked his chubby legs with all his might.
Our first family vacation was wonderful. We
spent most of our time in the water or paddle boarding across the lake. When it
rained, we were prepared with puzzles and board games. Our holiday ended with a
big Canada Day celebration. We got into the spirit by wearing red and white,
decorating our picnic table with Canadian flags and serving homemade white cake
with fresh local strawberries for dessert.
Happy 146th Birthday Canada!
******
My new friends at lulu&coco have offered to give away a gift bag of beautiful baby items worth over $60 to one lucky commenter from this post! Owner, Denise Carvellas, designs and makes all of the outfits/accessories using
only high-quality fabrics that are pre-washed and pre-dried to ensure
the fit is correct. The lulu&coco clothing collection ranges from
new-born to 6 years old, but custom design is available for any special
occasion. A winner will be selected next week.
******
******
And Congratulations to the winner of the Kaleidoscope Kids' Books contest, Commenter #4 (chosen through random.org), Karine Botchar:
Oh Henry, you are WAYYY too
cute !! I need to get to the market and get me some fresh produce and
fruits !! Thanks for the reminder !!
Karine, email your contact info to alyssa_delle_palme@hotmail.com and those books will be on their way!
******
What was the best part of your first week of summer? I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend.
Happy Canada Day!!!
Alyssa, Henry is a such a cutie. I only know what he looks like sleeping :(
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to spending time in the pool with you guys! Happy Canada Day to you too!
Might check out the animal farm just to get a cute pic with the sheep- Henry is so cute!
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada day :)
Love the pics! So glad that you have some great time for family memories to be made!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog:) My little one is just about 8 months and we are also introducing her to our summer traditions:) Happy Canada Day!
ReplyDeleteBahaha Henry looks thoroughly impressed to have his photo taken in the sheep's head
ReplyDeleteHenry seems to be growing so quickly! What a cutie :) Love his Canada Day onesie!
ReplyDeleteSarah Marsh
my 2 older ones were and are waterbabie
ReplyDelete