Winterlude 2012 - Friday night

The first weekend in February, we went up to Ottawa for Winterlude.  It was tough-and-go right up until the end because this winter has been so warm.  The canal wasn't even frozen over until a few weeks before we went and it wasn't fully open until about two days before we got there.  We were getting daily updates from one of Dad's coworkers who lives in Ottawa and pretty much decided about three days before that we were going for sure.  When the weekend was over, I think we were all VERY glad we went!!

We got there on Friday night.  This year we stayed at a different hotel than we normally do.  Normally we stay in the Byward Market, but our usual hotel was super expensive this year.  We tried something over on the other side of the canal, the Residence Inn.  It worked out SO WELL!  The hotel was great, the location worked out, and we all really liked it.

On Friday night we went out to dinner first, then headed over to Confederation Park to check out the ice sculptures.  The sculptures started on Friday afternoon so most of them were still mainly ice blocks.

Matt and Gina

Uncle Matt is so silly

 Cameron gets a ride from Poppa

From the one block, one hour sculpture contest - a sting ray

Another entry - a bird?  or a duck?

Leah checking out ice sculptures

Leah and Poppa

Ice sculpture in progress

Cameron really loved watching, he would have stayed at each sculpture for much longer if we didn't move him along. He was very interested in what they were doing, what tools they were using and how they were doing it.

Cameron sitting on an ice chair

Family photo with the Winterlude logo

Nana and Poppa with the logo

Matt and Gina warm their hands by the ice fireplace

Kiddos in the ice lazy boy chair

After looking at all of the sculptures, it was time for the most important part of the night: BeaverTails!!  Can you tell Cameron is excited?

Waiting in anticipation of the deliciousness about to come...

And now, a series of pictures of everyone chowing on their BeaverTails.  Sooooooo yummmmmy!!!

Nana enjoys hers

Uncle Matt digs in

They are so good!

Leah was very loud in order to let us know that she wanted her share!

Cameron ate lots too

Daddy going to town.

After we ate all of our yummy Beavertails, we walked over to the Parliament buildings and got a place for the opening night fireworks.  Leah was so tired out but couldn't fall asleep, so I rocked her in my arms for a while and eventually she conked out.  Luckily we had her stroller so I could tuck her in there to sleep.

The fireworks were at the Museum of Civilization across the river, but we could still see them pretty well.  They were really great and we all enjoyed them.  After the fireworks we headed back to the hotel and went to bed, ready for lots of fun the next day.