A chance to relax ....

... at least for a few days ... and then we get to think about getting ready for the holidays.

The last few weeks have been busy once again. Three weekend ago myself,  Sam and Tika headed up to Ottawa for my nephew Isaac's Bar Mitzvah. My parents and sister flew up from Newfoundland so it was great to see everyone all at once. It was a busy weekend - the girls staying with two sets of friends on two nights, myself with staying with Malcolm and Lynn, and of course the weekends events. The weekend started for us on Saturday, we got to Ottawa late and missed the Friday dinner, with the Bar Mitzvah service at the synagogue early Saturday. Isaac did a wonderful job reading the Torah. After the service the we had a wonderful lunch catered by David Smith, a well known restaurateur in Ottawa. Saturday evening was the big party which was held downtown in Ottawa, again catered by David and VERY well attended. It was quite the party and one I am sure Isaac will remember, as will my Dad according to the picture.

Sunday we left and took Mom, Dad and Michelle and drove back to Virginia so they could spend the week with Laura and myself. It was a great week - did a bit of shopping, some sightseeing and we had a birthday party for Mom, Dad and Michelle (since they were here about half way in between everyone's birthdays). It was a nice little party with all the kids, Laura and myself and Darlene joined us as well. Saturday myself and Tika drove everyone back to Ottawa so they could stay with Wayne, Kayla and the boys for a few days while we spent a night at Dave and Michelle's. The drive was interesting - everyone watching the side of the road for wildlife. We saw horses and cows of course, but also some alpacas, wild turkey and zebra (YES zebra on a farm in Maryland - way too bizarre)  Myself and Tika got up early and headed back to Virginia on Sunday after we made a quick trip to the Byward market for some GREAT fire baked bagels and a little bit of shopping and then had a nice drive back.

It was great seeing everyone in Ottawa and it was nice to have Mom, Dad and Michelle here in Virginia with us, even if it was a short trip.

OK - back to work ..... cu