Bonjour, Quebec!

We're just back from a week in Quebec city--combined conference/vacation--and had a great time. We learned upon our return that Tofu just wasn't himself while we were away--two weeks so close together were a bit much I guess--and I think we're as happy as he likely is that we don't have any more vacation plans for the next while. We've had some great travels lately, but it's so good to be home!

While I was conferencing for four days, Cadence and Drew explored old Quebec from our home base at the Chateau. I joined them for most meals and for the last two days of our visit. Here are some of the pictures Drew took during our trip...I don't think I took a single one!

It's not all captured, either. We explored not only old quebec and lower quebec but also the downtown and some residential neighbourhoods (reminiscent of a really dense low-rise version of parkdale). Gotta go where the people live if you want to find playgrounds! A really nice city with lots of personality; we all enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

After the horsey carriage tour around Vieux Quebec on one of my afternoons off. I guess Cadence was getting tired by then...


The view of lower Quebec.


The funiculaire was pretty cheap and allowed Drew and stroller-bound Cadence to avoid the 200 steps from old Quebec into Lower Quebec. I think it was a sort of trolley that went down the hill. Looks scary/fun!


Self-portrait, in lower Quebec I believe.


What a livery streetscape! The level of culture and art in this city was unbelievable. I think we all really enjoyed this city.


I have no idea who this is. Unfortunately I think we came back with very limited understanding of the history. Small tidbits came back to me from Grade 10 history class, but we didn't do any great guided tours that tied it all together for us. Nothing I can't get from 1/2 hour with Wikipedia!


Each morning, Drew and Cadence would go exploring in the stroller (again, thanks, Sharilynn!) and then find somewhere to run around & play. I think one day they found a vending machine area near/in the citadel. Just goes to show that it doesn't matter the setting; space and safety are all a little man needs to have some fun!


Our "fort" as Drew and Cadence liked to refer to it. Our room was up there somewhere...


It's bedtime...and time to read every single of the books that we brought along with us! Dora is a big fave at the moment.

We went to Texas!

In case any of our faithful readers haven't seen the film "How's your News," I highly recommend. Known for its hit song "We're going to Texas." Which we did just last week!

We had a great time, Gramma & Grampa were happy to hang out with Cadence so Drew and I could have some nice couple time. A day to Mexico, a day hiking & wildlife watching, a nice dinner out, and of course lots of family time at the beach & playground. Cadence was a great little traveller; we're so proud.

Cadence & I on the drive to North Bay, first leg of the trip. So far so good! (Except for the fruit smoothie that was spilled EVERYWHERE on little C. travel mug & moving vehicle not a great combo)


On the beach, I think this was our first day.


At the national wildlife refuge Drew and I went to. Lots of cactus (cactai?)


Posing with the alligator I saw! We visited during a massive drought so this little creature wasn't going anywhere; that pond was likely the only water for miles.


Standing above this landscape, I was just waiting for a T-Rex to walk into view. Can't you just see the dinos roaming around here?


In the nearest town on the mainland, I quickly climbed the historic lighthouse. Then Cadence (small dot in blue jacket) saw me way up there, and arms outstretched started trying to find his way to his mommy.


Ok, so corn dogs are big in Texas (known to us Ontarians as Pogos). There we were in the grocery store, when lo & behold I found vegetarian corn dogs! So everyone had one for lunch, with mac & cheese, and boy did Cadence like his! Wish I could have brought a few boxes home.


Drew and I went for a bike ride to the park on the island in search of a surfing contest that ended up being postponed. It was a VERY windy day, and I actually rode for about 5 minutes (even a bit uphill) without pedalling...interestingly the wind blew me right to this big statue of Jesus. Hmmm. We paused long enough to take a picture.


Mom & I took Cadence to a turtle rescue place on the island. He got a blue t-shirt & liked the water & the blue pools of water more than the turtles themselves.


We bought a kite (none of the pictures actually showed the kite as much more than a speck). Cadence wasn't actually all that interested in the kite, preferring to splash about in the water, but we adults had quite a good time wtih it.


On our way to the short boardwalk/wetland/bird sanctuary on the island.


No home base is complete without access to a playground for after-dinner playtime!