Ottawa, Canada

 

The boat ride to Boldt Castle was very familiar to us.  The ferry was only a little bit smaller than one of the boats we often take out to the village.



I began taking pictures of the gorgeous houses to be found on most of the little islands in the river.  As I snapped this photo, the guide mentioned that the bridge (can you see the flags painted on the bridge?) is the international line between Canada and the United States.

 



The boat ride was beautiful, but the best part was the joy on the kids' faces.

 



Can you imagine having something like this to welcome you home?  To unload your groceries and carry them up into the underground tunnel leading to the castle?

 



Or how about this lovely organ, with the mechanisms in the basement?

 



 

This bibliophile absolutely adored the bookshelves flanking the fireplace.  I could SO live in this castle!

 

Sunday morning, June 23, we met in the lobby before going to a church to participate in the service.  The girls loved their twirly skirts!

 



 

 I think the kids always sing best when they wear their formal uniforms,

 



 

and they sounded great as we worshipped together.

 

After a thoughtful lunch provided by the church, we changed clothes and dove over to a retirement center in Ottawa to sing for the residents.

 



We always meet the most interesting people.

 



 

We had some time after supper at Byward Market, so the girls and I found a yummy gelato shop,

 

and spent a few minutes in a bookstore

 



before heading to the third performance of the day.

 



Benjamin regularly read one of the poems from "Heartsongs" by Mattie J.T. Stepanek in between songs. 

 



Even after a full day of performing, the kids did a great job!