Sunday, May 16, 2010

Quebec City

Last week, Arabella and I accompanied Jay on a trip to Quebec City. Jay needed to be there for a dealer function Thursday night and then he took Friday off from work so we could check out the city. We stayed at the Times Hotel, which has a very New York City loft feel to it. I liked the room numbers...
Arabella and I enjoyed the pool on Thursday night and had a fun girls only dinner out!

We got up early on Friday and had to stop by Jay's dealer before heading into the city. Arabella got to an articulated dump truck up close and I think she was afraid of how large it was. After the dealer we decided to go to the Aquarium. It was really nice and we were surprised at how close you could get to the animals. We even got to watch the walrus' get fed their breakfast. Arabella enjoyed the aquarium a lot and it wore her out.








After the aquarium, we headed into Quebec City. It is such a wonderful old city, it is what I think of when I think of Europe. It has so much character, narrow and cobblestone streets, and the architecture is amazing. We walked all around and Arabella even fell asleep in her stroller which is so unlike her, she hates to miss a thing, but I think that she was wiped out from the aquarium. We had a great day and would like to go back to explore some more!




Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Jonna & Ashlee's Visit

Last week we had Jonna and Ashlee in town for a visit. They arrived on Saturday and we jumped right into the local scene...I took Jonna and Ashlee to a Bikram Yoga class. Jonna loved it, Ashlee not so much, but at least she stayed in the room the whole 90 minutes and that is all that matters. We had so much fun with them and only wish they were able to stay longer!


Just us girls before Yoga, Arabella wanted to go too!

On Sunday, Jonna made a great breakfast for us and we even used the dining room for the very first time! It was wonderful! After breakfast, we headed to Montreal, and we spent the afternoon exploring Old Montreal. It warmed up to be a beautiful day which helped make the day perfect. We ate lunch outside and enjoyed gelato and soft served ice cream. Then walked along the Vieux Port, checked out Notre Dame Bascilla, found an amazing little shop with amazing accessories and jewelry (reasonably priced too) and got a little silly!

Jonna, Ashlee & Arabella
Looks and feels like Europe....



Arabella practiced her balance beam work.

Ashlee and I being silly, you would never see this in the US!
Arabella almost shared her macaroons with Ashlee...almost!
Arabella and Auntie Jonna being silly!

On Monday, Jonna, Ashlee, Arabella and I went to the Biodome. (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en) The Biodome is a town through 4 different ecosystems, starting with a tropical forest, you then move into the Laurentian forest, going to the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem, then finishing in the Arctic and Antarctic. This is one of the best nature museums that I have ever been to. Arabella loved that you could get up close to the animals. Case in point, a sea gull almost took out Jonna when we were in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem!

Not the best picture, but this is what ducks look like from under water!


Arabella loved the fish!


Hi Mr. Penguin, Hi Arabella!




This is the Olympic Stadium, it is right by the Biodome. This was the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics. You can actually go up to the top and it gives you a beautiful view of the city. We did not go up to the top, maybe next time.



On Tuesday, Jonna, Ashlee and I went to Candy Nail Bar for pedicures and manicures! We had so much fun. Candy Nail Bar is a fun, hip place to get your nails done. They did an excellent job, and I can't wait to go back again.



Arabella loved having Ashlee and Auntie Jonna here. They had so much fun playing and reading. Auntie Jonna enjoyed watching Curious George with Arabella.





I loved having them here too. It was nice to be able to show them a little bit of Montreal and to be able to spend time with them. We hope you had a fun vacation and we can't wait to see you again soon!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Little Lady Gaga

For some reason, Arabella is in love with Lady Gaga. Whenever we are in the car and a Gaga song comes on she gets very excited and dances in her car set. Same goes for if we are watching TV and when switching channels we come across a Gaga song, we have to get up and dance. She would do the same when we were on vacation in Florida and in the car. It was too cute. One morning she was able to get Uncle Mike to play Gaga for her on his computer. Check out this video of her getting excited about Lady Gaga!


Random Florida Pics

While cleaning off my camera memory card today, I came across the following pictures from out Florida vacation! Enjoy!


She took over the doll house at Pottery Barn Kids, even taking off her shoes to get comfortable!



Playing at the park with Grammie!

Hanging out with Uncle Jeff and Elmo.

Cami Cakes! Yummy!

The newest fashion accessory for Summer, a Didgy a/k/a pacifier. You are so silly Uncle Mike!
Working in the yard with Uncle Mike.
Reading with Bennett.
Welcome home Grammie.
Hugs with Great Grandma Kay.
Cleaning!