The Dog Days of Summer.

This summer is simply flying by, can you believe that it is almost September? Well, at least Madeleine is enjoying the nice weather.
Let's see what else the family and I have been up to lately. There was Nana and Pa(w)'s anniversary.

The anniversary, of course, was a joyous occasion.

As you can see, I'm really a lap dog at heart.
Hmm, do I smell bacon?
Riddle me this?!? Where can one can you go every year and see and experience exactly the same good time? The PNE of course!!
Actually, this year was a little different, the RCMP musical ride was neat.
Madeleine tried her luck out at a game of skill.
We have a winner!
The petting zoo was my favourite and Baby M's too.
Whew, what a day.
There was also Lucas' third birthday. You may recognize the cake as being featured in the Vancouver Sun.
Madeleine and Prairie decided that a wee sit was in order.
Liesa and Sarah came by to visit me, and Baby M too I guess.

As you can see, I'm a real ladies man.

Je Me Souviens

On the way home to Vancouver the family made a brief one day stop over in Montreal. After the ordeal/odyssey of Toronto, it was really nice to stay at TripAdvisor's #1 ranked hotel in the whole city. The accommodations did not disappoint. If you ever happen to find yourself near P.E. Trudeau Airport, do yourself a favour and check yourself into the Holiday Inn Express, as you can see they've even got a pool.
Montreal is a fine city with plenty to do, the first stop was the old city. Here's the family in Place Jacques Cartier, City Hall in the upper left corner.
The famous Bonsecours Market.
Site of Celine Dion's wedding.
Next stop, Dad's alma mater, McGill University.
Madeleine models with the university's founder James McGill.
In front of the Arts building, where Dad spent many, many hours.
Last and most important stop, Schwartz's!
Is she checking out her reflection or the brisket?
Heaven on earth! It's been some time since we've had a proper survey here on the dog blog and now would seem like the perfect time to resolve the age old question of what is the best meal on planet earth. Participation mandatory.

Cross Canada Adventure, the sequel, part two

Well the moral of the story is don't let Air Canada get you down because resistance is futile. They will cancel your flight, strand you and lose your bag. Accept it and move on.

So after the standard delay of 48 hours... Newfoundland! This must be just like living in paradise.
More greatgrandparents! Here's Baby M with Nan Leggo.
And with Nan and Pop Verge.
There be second cousins! Madeleine and Owen share a chair.
Baby M with Lorne, her other second cousin.
Madeline with her first cousin, once removed, Claire.
The female Verge cousins.

Every so often, er well, quite rarely actually, Madeleine will slow down for a minute. Here is such an occasion with Pop Verge.
This time with Nan Leggo.

In addition to visiting with family, Madeleine got to do a lot of sightseeing in Corner Brook.
Grand Opening! M and P ready for business.
Swing time.
The family with the Bay of Islands in the background.
Random cuteness.
Baby M goes for a hike.
Hmm, this boardwalk seems to be in fine shape.
The family at the swimming hole at Blomidon Falls. Water's not as cold as it looks.
Skill testing questions: which one belongs to Madeleine?
Madeleine and Nana on the move.
Madeleine with Pa(w) at the famous Cook's Brook.

Night on the town with cousins Nancy, Zach and Josh.

Visiting with family and seeing the local sights is great but you can't talk about The Rock without mentioning the fine cuisine.
Madeleine with the help of her Pa(w), samples a local French fry.
I don't know what the C & E does to its onion rings but they are the best in the whole world, bar none.
Newfoundland fries with hamburger meat. Pure heaven.

What a visit! Anyone flying out of Deer Lake will have to drive by the Irving Big Stop and it would be plain foolish to pass it by and miss out on some of the finest home cooking around. Plus they've got this sweet moose.
One more quick stop before home, good ol Montreal. Check back soon!