O, Canada

After leaving Michigan, to mix things up, we drove home through Ontario and Quebec. It was Avonlea Jane's first time out of the country and our first time in Quebec. To cross the border, she needed a passport, and seeing a photo of a baby on a passport is hilarious. To get her picture, David needed to hold her up above his head while keeping his hands hidden, and we needed to wait until her hands were out of her mouth before the photo could be taken.

To break up our drive, we spent a day in the capitol city of Ottawa. Ottawa is a beautiful and very European city that was completely walkable. It was so interesting to see all of the Parliament buildings and learn more about the Canadian system of government. We were surprised by how small the city was for a world capitol. In fact, at night, we could still see all of the stars in the sky while sitting in downtown; it's no wonder Ottawa is known as the "Westminster of the wilderness."

Mommy and Avonlea Jane across the border in Ontario

The Canadian National Gallery

National Notre Dame Basilica and the Peace Monument

On all of the lampposts across the city were banners representing the different provinces and territories.

Parliament Hill

The Canadian War Museum, made to look like a series of bunkers. We were hoping to have time to visit, but we were too busy. We're keeping our fingers crossed for our next trip to Ontario.

Parliament Hill with the Parliament Library to the right

This lovely building is the Canadian Revenue Service.

Boats lined up to go through the Rideau Canal

There's no doubt that Canada is still a part of the British Commonwealth. Take a look at those Ceremonial Guards by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Chateau Laurier Hotel

Liv outside of the East Block of Parliament

The Center Building of Parliament where we toured the chambers of the Senate and House of Commons

Liv in front of the "Women are Persons" monument

The Sovereign

This building that dominates the landscape is the U.S. Embassy. It was gigantic. If it is anything like the border crossing to the U.S., one-third of the building is just to house the line to get inside.

September 11 Memorial

The National Gallery

Queen Victoria, whose image is everywhere in Ottawa

We were particularly taken by this unicorn with its tongue stuck out--found on the Center Parliament building.

The Parliament Library (with Queen Victoria)

While we were in town we were fortunate enough to be there for Fortissimo, a patriotic concert and dance show from the Ceremonial Guard and all of the military bands. It took place on the Parliament Hill and was quite the show. We were impressed to be in Canada two years ago for Canada Day, but that experience had nothing on listening to "God Save the Queen" and "O, Canada" while seeing giant maple leaves projected onto the Parliament buildings. Listening to patriotic songs is always a good time, even if they aren't about your country. Afterward, there was a sound and light show, where images and reels of Canadian history, landscape, and spirit were projected onto the buildings. (Above and below, military bands are warming up for the concert.)



We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Ottawa and will most likely return at some point. Our drive through Quebec was brief, but it allowed me to dust off my French language skills.

We're so glad to finally be home. Our babe is well traveled for her little life. She's now been in 15 states and 2 provinces (Massachusetts, Indiana, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario, and Quebec) and she's logged quite a bit of drive time in the last month and half, as you can see on the map.


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