Ottawa and back again

The James-Gutoski family recently managed a trip to Ottawa to visit Grandma Sandi and Grandpa James.  We were a little nervous about our first long drive with Darwyn, but everything went incredibly smoothly.  I'm sure this was due to our new Au pairs, Kathrin and Dennis, who manned the children through most of the drive.

Our new Au pairs Kathrin and Dennis, enjoying Grandma's pond.

Darwin blows bubbles, a favorite pass time.

Good times were had by all.  Kathrin and Dennis got a chance to visit Canada's capital.  Grandma and Grandpa were very welcoming, with lots of good food and a yard which Dennis though suitable for castle grounds.  Max was very excited about the waterfall, the sandbox with the large dump truck and the hot tub.  We also took outings to the library, children's museum and the beach.  At all 3 locations, Max spent most of the time trying to find trucks.  More surprising is that he managed to find them all 3 times!  Unfortunately, many of the trucks at the children's museum were behind glass which caused Max all sorts of concern.

Max: Should we play with these trucks?

Greta: We can't play with them honey.  They are just for looking at.

Max: We could open this cupboard (referring to the glass cabinet they were displayed in).

Greta:  The cupboard is locked Max.

Max:  We could get a drill and undo these screws.

Greta:  I think we would get in trouble.

Max: We could get a hammer.

Greta: I think that would also get us in trouble.

I guess Max just couldn't figure out what good trucks were if you kept them locked behind glass.  A sentiment I share wholeheartedly.

Max and Dad at Carelton Place beach.  Max is trying out a
life jacket for the first time this year and loving it!

Kathrin tosses Max in the hot tub