Wednesday, February 27, 2013

O Canada!


It's official: Richard received a phone call at his office today from the Canadian embassy granting Laird and Dylan dual citizenship from Canada.

It certainly wasn't easy getting this paperwork processed from Africa (and to be honest, it was quite pricey).  But Dad was patient, eager, and excited to get the boys their citizenship as this would open up many more doors for our bilingual darlings.

Dad is picking up the official documents tomorrow, along with 2 Canadian passport applications.


O Canada!
                                                             Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, 
we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, 
we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, 
we stand on guard for thee.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Bon Hiver Quebec City


The Valdmanis Family
What began 10 years ago as a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, has turned into a dream come true family vacation.

A decade ago, Richard and I escaped on Valentine's Day to Quebec City in the dead of winter.  Little did we know at the time, this special weekend would be the beginning of an annual trip, which would eventually be shared with our angels - 'nos fleurs d'amour' - Laird and Dylan.  Our romantic February 14th getaway, just so happened to coincide with Quebec City's Winter Carnival - a glorious celebration of winter.

This was our 7th trip to the historic city, as living in Africa and abiding by a teacher's calendar year vacation schedule made it impossible to go during the last 3 years.

We stayed at our usual hotel, this time upgrading to a perfect suite to accommodate our family size.  We enjoyed the below zero temperatures for hours and hours...skating, sledding, and simply walking around the historic city.  We enjoyed hot chocolate to warm up, Kilkenney at our favorite pubs, and warming up at the outdoor fire at the ice bar.

Laird and Dylan blasted their Winter Carnival Trumpets throughout the village, and even slept with their beloved new instruments after promising to not blow the horn indoors.  (See pic below).

It wasn't like the old trips. It was better. It was a reminder of the romance that brought Richard and I together, and a celebration of the little miracles - Laird, Dylan, our family - that our love created.


Dylan and Laird, having a giggle on the ice rink.


Rico and Suave, at the Montreal Queen Elizabeth Hotel.



Sweet Dylan and his pursed lip.  (He does this when he's happy, and it makes my heart melt every time.)

Dadda and his dream come true.




We found the Bonhomme  d'hiver at the Chateau Frontenac! 


King Laird and King Dylan blowing the trumpets at the Ice Bar!





Warming up by the fire.

Dylan, fast asleep, with his new trumpet.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

We hope this makes you smile Dadda!

We missed Dadda terribly while he was covering the war in Mali. 
This was a fun pic taken to make Dadda smile while he was away.