Les Fetes de la Nouvelle France

Our regular Saturday excursions took us to Old Quebec once again. We hit the giant farmers market for all our fresh veggies for the week (I will miss this place!) and then Old Quebec once again. It seems to be a big draw for us. However, it was us and thousands of other people this day. It was the "Fetes de la Nouvelle France"



Many of the local people dress up in period costume from the days of Quebec being settled and there were shacks set up with demonstrations of boats, knot making, maple syrup, tradition linens and clothing, wine tasting, food tasting, etc. It was fun to wander around and see such a mix of tourists and costumes. The streets were packed with people.







The pirate show was a big draw for the kids. Bennett loved the dancing singing pirate show and climbing the "mast"

Quartier du Petit Champlain

Every weekend we pick a new area to go and explore. After all, that gives us a chance to use our french in real settings and enjoy the beautiful place we are living in for 7 months. I also love Saturdays because it is my only morning to sleep in and then enjoy quiet time with Arielle while Paul wakes up early with bennett and they go out and do stuff and enjoy dad-son time. It works great. I was so touched today when Paul and Bennett came back from their 23km bike ride with a big bouquet of beautiful lily's for me. They went past a big farmers market and Bennett saw all the flowers and all by himself he asked Dad if we could buy flowers for mommy. He picked them out all by himself (he had no money so dad had to pay) and brought them home. My little man was so proud to run in and give them to me and I had tears in my eyes. My kitchen smells so wonderful like fresh lilies now. I couldnt get bennett to pose for a picture with the flowers. he doesnt usually like having his picture taken so Arielle, who was enthralled with the flowers, opted to be a stand in model for you all.



So we packed up water bottles, snacks, diapers, backpacks, and all the other paraphanelia you need with two small children and headed to Quartier de Petit Champlain. It is in the lower Old Quebec City along the river, below the cliff walls and fortications that make up the upper city. Again it reminded me so much of all the architecture when I used to live in Europe. Fantastic. I love the rock buildings and flowers and sidewalk cafes. Here are some pictures to help you appreciate the culture and style we walked amongst.









Arielle was in the carrier pack and she loved it as always. This time she held on the Paul's ears a lot, which made us laugh. We are teaching her the names of body parts so she was all proud to keep repeating EARS! And then we would get this big smile. She chatters the whole time she in in there.



We took the riverside route back to the truck when we were on our way back after it had just rained. Next to a big cruise boat there were a few puddles, which of course Bennett simply couldn't ignore. He was having so much fun and it was quite warm out that we sat back and watched him jump and laugh and make big splashes. After all, isnt that what little boys are supposed to do? We didnt care he was getting all wet. His huge grin was more than enough incentive to sit back and enjoy his little show.



This time of learning the language is so crucial to our future success in Niger, to be able to converse with the government on projects and schools etc, as we also learn a tribal language. We are so blessed to be able to learn it in such an interesting place.

Mont Sainte-Anne

Today is Saturday and Paul doesnt have french classes. My sanity rejoices (not because of the french, but because im usually alone all the time with two transitioning toddlers!) We went to Mont Sainte-Anne. The biggest hill outside of Quebec. I say Hill because an Albertan like me cant bring myself to call it a mountain. But it was a very nice and big hill :)



We went up the gondola and saw some great views of the city of Quebec way in the distance. the hills were all rounded and soft and lush green. The St Lawrence river was flowing softly in the haze and we could see more of how huge it is! It was sunny and humid. We also saw the sled dog camp up at the top, which both kids really loved.





We have a new GPS so we tried to find a geocache at the top, but we were not successful. We haven't quite figured out the new mapping and arrows etc. oh well. We will try again later.

Overall a great day, beautiful place and fun as a family!