Round the World: December 2006

Hello! So we've finally made it to Ottawa (Derek's hometown). We were greeted at the airport by a massive group of his family, who were very excited to see us. Vanessa comes from a small family so this was definitely a new experience for her. After finally getting out of the parking lot (way to lose the car Paul!), we headed to Derek's parents' home, to our new comfy residence in the basement, where we would be settling in. The McKinley's had postponed their Thanksgiving dinner by one week so we could be there to party it up with them. Louise and Paul (Derek's sister and her husband) went all out...delicious food dudes! It was Vanessa's first Thanksgiving experience, and she enjoyed having the time to meet the family properly over a nice home cooked dinner. Halloween was a whole new thing for her too! Both of us dressed up like crazy people and gave out candy to all the little children from the neighbourhood. Making the jack-o-lantern was messy and silly but well worth the delicious seeds and pumpkin soup Vanessa made. Autumn in the Ottawa valley is a very beautiful time of year. We made a special trip to Gatineau park to see all the red, yellow and orange leaves on the trees. We were well prepared for the walk with our bagels and Timmies. Visiting the old city of Montreal, Quebec with Derek's parent's was a nice treat. We spent the day walking through Old Montreal and around St. Catherines street. The drive up was fun too! Soo was home from Winnipeg for a few days so she and Vanessa were able to catch up in person...good times at The Black Tomato and strolling around the Byward Market. We also had the chance to see Akiko and Ken for a quick drink as they were in Canada on business from Japan. It was so cool to see them here in Ottawa. Matt came up from Hamilton for the weekend and we had a great time catching up over drinks while house-sitting for Louise and Paul. Unfortunately, his girlfriend Mel couldn't make it, but hopefully we'll hook up before they head out West. Although we are meant to be saving money and not going out as much, we couldn't resist going to see Xavier Rudd in concert. It felt so good to dance our butts off to such uplifting vibes. We've spent most of our time just hanging out with Derek's family, working and sight-seeing. Our day trip to the Museum of Nature with Alexander (Derek's sister Gayle's son) was sooo fun! What a cutie he is....can't believe Gayle let us steal him away. All of Derek's "wee ones" are growing up so well...Megan (Louise's daughter) is running around the house now, and Deen is on his way to the NHL with his ever-expanding hockey skills...he's REALLY good. Kayla and Nathan (Gayle and J.C.'s teenagers) are super cool, very with it. The snow has fallen now and we're all getting ready for Christmas. Good times ahead. Hope you enjoy the pics!