Oh Canada!

July 1, 2013...our first Canada Day celebration!  Canada Day is a national holiday that celebrates the 1867 act of uniting three colonies into a single country called Canada, within the British Empire.  Essentially, it's Canada's birthday.  Sounds like there is no particular way to celebrate the day, so we made up our own.  Started with some pancakes, then getting dressed up in our Canada gear.  A community near Ben's school was hosting some family friendly activities, so we headed there.  It was a hot day, but we enjoyed the singing, bouncy house, face painting, food, and more.  When we couldn't stand the heat any longer, we packed up and headed home.

That afternoon, to beat the heat, we set up the sprinkler...aaaahhhh!  Grilled up some ribs and corn for dinner, and topped it off with an appropriately colored red and white dessert of homemade strawberry shortcake.  I'd say we had a festive and fantastic day!

Ben started day camp at our church the next day.  The theme was "Kingdom Rock", so he had lots of fun learning to stand strong for God with shields, armor, treasure boxes, and more.

On Wednesday, July 3rd, we said goodbye to Greg and hello to Great Grandma!  Greg was leaving for another 12 days in Moscow.  After dropping Ben off at camp that morning, we headed to the airport to drop Greg off.  We had a few minutes to spare, so we stopped off at Tim Hortons for coffee and donuts.  I didn't know much about Tim Hortons before moving to Canada, but it is Canada's largest fast food chain and a national source of pride.  It basically reminds me of a Dunkin' Donuts in the States.  But, it's legend here, and apparently they do have some US presence (New York, Ohio, Michigan, etc.).  Nathalie enjoyed a pink donut (naturally), and I had to get the maple donut.  Needless to say, I now feel like we are officially Canadian!  :)

Nathalie and I picked Ben up from camp, then headed home for lunch.  A short afternoon and then back in the car to go back to the airport to pick up Great Grandma!  It was busy and festive at the airport as lots of people were coming in to the city for Stampede.  There was a band playing country music, a lady "branding" folks with a CS stamp, and a gentleman was swinging his lasso around people coming through the customs doors.  Welcome to Calgary, Great Grandma!

It was so great seeing Grandma!  She was pretty pooped that night after traveling all day, but how amazing that she can still travel on her own at age 88!  I hope I get some of those genes.  :)  We took things easy on Thursday and Friday...taking Ben to camp, a trip to the farmer's market, playing outside.  I was so pleased at how well the kids took to her...hugs and kisses that first night!  There was story time, board games, and painting too.

 

On Saturday morning, we went back to church for a free Stampede pancake breakfast.  These are hosted all over the city during Stampede time, so we figured we better go enjoy!  As we were leaving home, Nathalie wanted her winter hat and gloves, oh brother!  It's July!!  But, I think she was on to something because as we got out of the car at church, the temperature was 52 degrees.  Brrrr!  We did enjoy ourselves though...yummy (and warm) pancakes, great music, and we met a sweet woman from England that Grandma enjoyed chatting with.  A great way to start Stampede celebration!