Labour Day Trip to Montreal & Ottawa

We wanted to take advantage of the long Labour Day weekend to get to know parts of Canada we had not visited before. And what better way then to head for the old economical and the actual constitutional capital?
Just follow us on the trip...

And one more year...

White Rock Ostrich Farm and Rockwood CA

One summer weekend outing led us on a "Safari trip" to White Rock Ostrich Farm, where we went on a tractor pulled wagon tour to see these impressive birds closer. All I can say is that they are not of a tender nature. The rest of day was spend in really beautiful Rockwood conservation area, sightseeing, Sandcastle building and hiking... More under the following link.

August Activities

August wasn't the sunniest month as you'll appreciate by the number of photos taken indoors. But this didn't prevent us from from having a real Korean BBQ (Johann loved it!) and visiting the Botanical Garden in Brampton. There are also some impressions from a multicultural day at Johann's daycare with Indian dancers. Please have a look at the Pictures.... 

Our holiday in Dresden 2011

 
 

Here are finally some photos of our holiday in Dresden this summer. We went there to spent some time with the extended family and notably to attend my sisters wedding. Many of the posted pictures were taken at outings in the surroundings and Johann had much fun with his cousin as one might see...

July 14th

Some impressions from our beautiful summer at Rotary Park Pool and 14th of July with the French crowd in High parc....

Going to a restaurant with a toddler is feasible...

Don't even think about taking him inside, an outdoor place like Bairada is perfect....

Forget about him eating too much, the broccoli is just to make nice on the plate....

Have fun and don't make a fuss, and if there are screens somewhere, even better...

At least Mom and Dad can talk to each other and enjoy the moment...

Canada National Day and Riverdale Farm

Just as last year we went up to Caledon to spent Canada Day in the sun. But this year, Johann was tall enough to go for a Pony ride. The toughest part was to get him back off the horse !!

For the latter part of the long weekend we went to Toronto's own Farm, a kind of Minizoo with lush surroundings. The pictures around the wading pool are taken when we thought we could cool off from our visit and relax a bit. But no, there were "bubbles"!!!

Detroit trip 2011

Aiee, how I'm fed up seeing cars... the pictures from the Detroit zoo are much nicer....

Johann's life

For the first part, some select pictures from Johann's activities at the daycare, at our dads group and "outside" (one of his favourite words).

For the second part, the pictures were taken at our outing to the "Taste of Little Italy", one of the street festivals Toronto is famous for, celebrating all things Italian...

Johann's 2nd Birthday

A nice sunny day, a joyous crowd and the birthday cake's candles to blow out, who wonders he's singing happy birthday all the time now. Thanks, JM, for these nice pics!

On sail boats

These pictures were taken on the Kajama tall ship where friends invited us for a tour of the Toronto harbour, as well as one friends very small ship ;-) in Oakville.

More photos...

France & Belgium 2011

Below pictures were taken on our family trip to France and Belgium in May.

As there are really quite a few photos I've subdivided them into sections for each part of our trip. Please click on the country label to jump to the picture series....

Belgium

Alsace et Lorraine

Valence and Lyon Region

Hanami

A very famous tradition in Japan is "hanami" ... gathering under the blossoming cherry trees (sakura) to admire the beauty and purity of these white flowers. They also also create the sensation of snow fall at every slight gust of wind.
"In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented the Japanese Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto helping to re-locate Japanese-Canadians." ... "They're also a sign of rebirth and strength." (CBC News 05/10/2010)
We truly enjoyed this beautiful outing to the trees. You can find some additional pictures here.

Easter 2011

Easter Sunday was a day full of activities. First of all we got up early, literally with the birds, to attend the Easter sunrise mass at Humber Bay Park. Just as last year this was a moment of of intense and living spirit. And even the sun graced this morning with it's rise, just to disappear behind the clouds moments after. Gladly, there is always a very filling breakfast served at the church as well.

After the sunrise mass, we told Johann the Easter bunny had hidden some surprises in the garden... and the search concept was quickly understood. Easter bunny even knew that Johann loves " ta ging don" (or Chuggington in English spelling)....

Please find some more photos by clicking on the link....

Toronto Discoveries - Jane's Walk and Doors open T.O.

Spring time is also a great time to discover the city and it's neighborhoods and participate in free guided tours. Attached are some pictures from the Mimico walk, St. Laurence Market and a Hipster walk in Ossington.

Palm Sunday Weekend

On the Palm sunday weekend we went to the Ukrainian Easter Bazar not far from our home on Lakeshore (church pictures). Best borshtsh I've ever tasted!

And the other day was not less of a gustative pleasure as we went to a newly operened Cidrerie North of Toronto. To walk off the calories we then had a hike in a nearby Conservation Area. At least Daddy hiked, Johann quickly preferred his shoulders...

Pictures

Serena's Birthday

Johann was invited to his little friend Serena's birthday party. At this time of the year you can almost bet the wheather will not be very clement and so her parents had the great idea to celebrate at an indoor playground (which is also a typically Canadian invention - basically a covered play area you join after having paid an entry fee - or for free when you're invited.) Here are some impressions from toys paradise.