Our dear friends and cousins, Cory and Heather, invited us (or did we invite ourselves?) to spend a week in Quebec City with their family. Um, yeah! We shipped the older kids off to day camp while the adults+baby toured the city and countryside. It was a glorious trip. We plan to make it a summerly one, assuming we don't wear out our welcome.
Day 1 at the local pastry/coffee/gelato shop.
Ah, the stroller. Tears were shed over sharing this thing but they at least started out happy!
Cousins and best friends. Can't get much better than that. They are waiting in line for the zip line which was free along with everything else at a carnival/fair type thing going on that week.
Grey climbing up. Aubry wouldn't even consider going on this thing.
Serious drama waiting in line for face painting. Had to wait in line twice, probably 1.5 hours total, thanks to a nameless man that is married to me, and Aubry running off and being lost for about 20 terrifying minutes. But hey, sweet face painting!
Buggy trying to stay awake at a late night concert.
One of the many evening street shows that we saw. The boys would have followed these speechless mirror box people for miles. They were finally diverted with promises of gelato.
The first morning of day camp.
While the kids are away the adults will... DRINK! Wine tasting spot #1. Geoff can barely contain his excitement. We stopped by this winery on our first Quebec trip 5 years ago. It's on the nearby island.
Something is inappropriate about this picture... but it's too amusing not to post.
Fields of I can't remember what. Cory knew, of course.
Wine tasting spot #2.
What Cory? You're slurring your words.
Next stop, the first fromagerie in Quebec. Jude was not impressed.
Geoff wasn't either. We had a bite o' cheese and left.
I think this is another day. Same island though. This was a super sweet restaurant at a mill; see the waterfall behind us. Take it easy, Cory!
Jude Bug and Dada
Let's be very serious and dramatic. I really love this picture.
Heather's favorite ice cream spot on the island.
Before
After. Ick
The lighting was just like this. This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole trip.
By the water is a huge retired grain silo that is about 5 long, thin buildings. Every night they play a 3D movie on the buildings that you can see and hear from the wall of the city, which was about a block from Cory and Heather's place.
High tea at the Frontenac, the famous hotel in Quebec City. They had no lemon curd. I was irritated. I will bring my own next time. What is high tea without lemon curd?!?
There are several small city pools that anyone can play in. We took Jude to one while we had some free time with just him.
The cousins. This is post i-pad skirmish, but you would never know. It's hard to share that thing.
Geoff, Grey and I on our way to a Cirque Du Soleil show, free every night. Yep, everything in this town is free. But the sales tax is 15%, so they still get ya.
The main character in the red cape had a crown make of Barbie legs. Those Frenchies are an odd bunch.
Walking back.
What should we do tonight? Drink wine!
Oh wait, someone has to read to the kids.
On our last day, after camp was over, we went to a local park which had a pool, swing set, and playscape. Grey is so good with Jude.
The big people were swinging, too.
Now is this photo not amazing? This will be framed on a wall very soon.
The view of the bay. The Frontenac hotel is on the left, where we had tea. The view is breathtaking. We really love this city and the Lyles! Thanks for having us Heather and Cory!
