We arrived into Ottawa, and I met Graham's cousin Jack, wife Danielle, and sons Josh and Shawn for the first time.His other cousin Rosie also came round for dinner, so now I've met all 3 of his Canadian cousins.We spent a great evening chatting and drinking after dinner, as Graham had not seen them for 9 years, so had a lot to catch up on!

In the morning we went out for breakfast, then Jack and Danielle showed us around Ottawa in the afternoon.It was a sunny day, so we walked around the Byward market, and then to Hills Park.From here we had a great view of the Rideau Canal and the locks, and we saw the statue of, and read the information about Lieutenant Colonel John By, who built the canal in 1832.We then walked to Parliament Hill and saw the parliament buildings and the eternal flame.Next we walked past many sculptures, to the War memorial.Here we saw the grave of the Unknown Soldier, and the Ottawa Fire Brigade Pipe and Drum band were playing, as it was the anniversary of 9/11.Finally we walked through Spark Street Mall and saw one of Josh's friends busking, before heading home.

We had a BBQ that evening, but Shawn was at work and Josh went out, so it was much quieter with just the 4 of us!Again we drank and chatted until late, and I managed to embarrass myself by spilling red wine all over their white tablecloth - I'm so clumsy!

Next morning we went out for breakfast again, and then went for a walk with Jack and Danielle.We parked at the Experimental Farm and then walked along the Rideau Canal.In the winter they lower the level of the canal, and it freezes over so you can ice skate on it.It's the longest ice rink in the world.I wish we could see it, but I think the temperature would be a bit too cold for Graham's liking!We went in search of Groundhogs and eventually saw a couple, as we'd never seen them before.We also saw a Loon bird, which are on the Canadian $1 coins.On our walk we passed the sculpture of the Man with Two Hats, which was donated by the people of the Netherlands as thanks to the Canadian troops who helped them in WW2.There is also as identical sculpture in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands.

It was then time to leave, just a short journey today, back to Smiths Falls for a few more days with Graham's Aunt and Uncle, before we return to Ottawa next weekend to stay with Rosie and Danny.

Maggie x