Victoria Day in Ottawa

Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada celebrating the late Queen Victoria's birthday. Observed on the last Monday before May 25, it has become more commonly known as "May 2-4 weekend." Canadians honour the Queen, known as the 'Mother of Confederation' by consuming a 2-4 pack of beer. We travelled 5 hours Northeast to the nation's capital, Ottawa, to celebrate the holiday.




We fell in love with the city, situated along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, as it offers history, greenspaces, architecture (a balanced blend of modern and traditional buildings) and the Byward farmers market. We took a stroll across the provincial line to Quebec and back along the river. A wonderful city and we can't wait to go back!











In 1945 the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude for Canadians having sheltered Princess Juliana and her daughters for the preceding three years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, in the Second World War. Today over 1 Million tulips are in bloom throughout the city and the Tulip Festival has been a major attraction since 1967.













Mark and Henry in front of Parliament. Mark took in the amazing architechture of the historic building while breaking in the new baby backpack. Henry did not find Parliament that exciting, but did appear to be rather comfortable in the pack.





Nana Myra was happy to see bagpipers on Rue Rideau outside of our hotel, Chateau Laurier. Nana loved the music, but Henry looks a bit concerned about their outfits.

1st Birthday Party...Canada Style

Round two of Henry's 1st Birthday Celebration took place on May 7th in Toronto. It was a full house with a dozen babies and toddlers. Grandma and Grandpa Kaasa arrived a few days before to get their "Henry fix" before the big celebration. We had beautiful weather for the party and everyone cheered Henry on as he demolished his Safari themed cupcake...Daddy decided to give him chocolate this go-around. As you will see, he thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

Click here for the full photo gallery of the party in Toronto


Mark built a beautiful custom train table for Henry's gift. His face lit up when he woke up to find it in his play room. It's sure to provide countless hours of entertainment for Henry AND Daddy!


Henry's favourite gift? It's a toss up between the train table, The Home Depot tool box and this very special scrap book from Grandma Kaasa. He laughs and points at all of the pictures of the handsome baby.




We celebrated Mother's Day while Grandma and Grandpa were visiting. Special Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for their help getting ready for the party and for Henry-sitting while Mark and I saw The Lion King at the theatre.

Henry Benjamin is 1 Year Old!

To celebrate a 1st birthday properly for a dual-citizen baby of course you need to plan parties on both sides of the border. (This was news to Mark, but I quickly educated him on the requirements and process.) We started the trip to Michigan with a Detroit Tiger game. Papa Andrew had a box suite so Henry continued his streak of being a high-roller. Then on April 30th we celebrated his 1st birthday with friends and family at Nana Myra's house. We had beautiful weather for the big day and Henry was a champ, greeting everyone and showing off his new skills. He especially enjoyed his "Giraffe Smash Cake" which was decorated in the likes of his favourite book...."If I were a giraffe." Round two starts tomorrow when Grandma & Grandpa Kaasa arrive in TO for a visit and to celebrate Henry's 1st birthday with all of our Canadian friends. Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes via email, cards and letters. We appreciate all of the love and well wishes!

Click here for the full photo gallery of the party in Michigan

































Great-Gram and Henry at the Tiger game.























Taking a quiet walk with Papa Andrew in the front yard.























On Henry's actual birthday, May 2nd, we had lunch at The Rainforest Cafe in Toronto with his friends Alex and Avery and their Mom's.
























A few other notables in the life of a 1 year old:

Reading books...























choosing his own toys...



















and helping Mom in the kitchen.
(Don't you just want to smooch those chunky legs?)