Day 2 - Friday July 1! - Ottawa, ON

Happy Birthday Canada

Well Canada in Ottawa is always a wild affair, but for 150 the celebration has to be extra special. There were rumours of gigantic crowds, special all day parties all around, and even a surprise show by U2 on Parliament Hill! But NO ONE could have guess what Mother Nature had in store! A deluge of biblical proportions. We awoke to sounds of rain, we ate breakfast through a torrent, and we played the early day away in doors so as to avoid being flooded away. 

The weather almost flooded away our impromptu Jetta dealership!

Fortunately the skies cleared long enough to give us a mid day outdoor excursion - so we headed to nearby Andrew Haydin park. We had a lovely picnic lunch prepared by our ever-amazing hosts Jake and Marika, and enjoyed all the park had to offer.

Happy baby wearers on the way to Amdrew Haydon park. Jake and Gord brought up the rear. 

The splendourous day at the park on the shores of the Ottawa river.

But we couldn't stay TOO long because we were expecting guests for a a Canada Day BBQ at casa Jamar.

Hannah can tell good people from a mile away.

Ryan, Kareen and their two girls live not far away and are some of our oldest friends. The crew arrived at 3:00 and the fun ramped up! The noise was quite something, but smiles were everywhere and they play very well together.

Jake and Marika did it again, preparing a wonderful and sumptuous meal for all (which was helped by a delicious salad a la Kareen) and some pies we brought from Hamilton.

I see lots of happy people. Well fed!

From there Mother Nature had her way again. The eldest kids were very excited about fireworks, but the weather made things appear grim. The deluge washed away our enthusiasm and hope, but Gord was serious about seeing some fireworks so a small group of explorers headed out after dark in search of a dry patch and some determined fire work artists.

We ended up driving a few minutes away to Brittania Beach and with umbrella in hand, stood looking out at the water. We saw two parallel back yard shows and were satisfied to call it a day.

A classic Canada Day scene.

Happy Bithday Canada!