Crosby, the cuddly houseguest

A couple of weeks ago our friend's dog Crosby made our place home for about a week.  The first night he was in his dog bed, and getting accustomed to our place again, after that he'd already claimed his favourite places.  One of these was the balcony, but he was so much happier when you went out there with him to watch all the downtown activity.
  
We had a fun date with our friends Sharon & Bosco at the newly renovated downtown Ottawa DogPark.  Neither of the dogs were into the new doggy water fountain, but were of course more than happy to run and play and chase a ball.  I think it's nice that the city put some work into the space, but I'm not sure how I feel about the gravel instead of grass.  We had a good time either way and it was nice being able to take him there since our apartment lacks the room to run and play (though Darcy & Crosby tried).
  

Hope you enjoyed your stay Crosby, it was fun having you!

Debb and Sydney-the Sneak Peek! Ottawa Wedding Photography

Before we head off to Laurentian Lodge for a wedding weekend, we couldn't wait to share just a few with you from this lovely ladies' wedding.  Debb & Sydney had their wedding at their home surrounded by their beautiful gardens.  

They came down the aisle to a backyard of all their friends and family singing Happy Together by the Turtles, led by a talented friend, Pat Moore, on guitar.  The feeling was warm, sweet and absolutely wonderful, continuing through the ceremony (by Keith Langille) into the evening.  

Debb & Sydney truly wanted only to host  a great night for each other and their loved ones with lots of delicious food, drink and a very good time for everyone.  Even their photography they wanted to be focused on their guests instead of them, on the people they love and laugh with easily.  Congratulations you two!

'Imagine me and you, I do, I think about you day and night, it's only right

To think about the girl you love and hold her tight, So happy together

I can't see me lovin' nobody but you, For all my life
When you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue, For all my life'

Have a look at a couple more shots from Darcy on his tumblr blog, thelyleproject. I love how soft and gorgeous they are!

Close to Home

The view from beneath the tree, where we stood as we were married 4 years ago.

This last week as Darcy and I were planning a date to go see Terrence malick's latest, Tree of Life, we found out that the Manitoba Maple tree at his mother's house needed to be removed.  It's always been very close to the side of the house, so it wasn't too  much of a surprise, but we're a little sad about it.  

It's grand, with silvery green leaves, and lovely to see, from the jogging path or while crossing the lawn daily to the neighbours, and has been a pretty big hit with the next generation, as you can see.  

When Darcy and I were planning our wedding in Dryden, from Ottawa, we tried to think of options that would suit us.  Standing at the tree, with our loved ones seated in the backyard of Darcy's family home, seemed perfect, and it was.  The years that Darcy, his family, their home, and this tree have been part of my life outnumber the years without them.

It was removed fairly unceremoniously, with us in Ottawa, and his brother Dave in West virginia. Betty gave me a call as they were finishing up.  She tried to take a few pictures to send us, which is nice, but I think it will always remain large in our memory, and will seem so strange without it there.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home 

Muppet LOve! Listen to this...

I just started listening to it myself only 10 minutes ago, but had to share with you.  The entire Muppets: the Green Album, is on NPR to stream for our 'most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational' listening pleasure. 
Have a listen here at NPR, if only for Weezer's rendition of Rainbow Connection. 
And, oh!  Mahna, Mahna, by the Fray ... so fun! doo doo do do do...

Check out the upcoming movie, due out in November.  Not only will there be the usual Muppet awesomeness, but it's written by Jason Segel, the incredibly talented actor from How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which he also wrote) with muppets, songs, and I love his sense of humour.  I wish the Muppet show was still on TV, but this will do.

Enjoy!

Smashcake Birthday Photo Session!

Imogen had her first birthday last week.  Sadly, we couldn't be back in Dryden, ON, for the actual birthday, but now that the day has come, we can share these birthday pics with you.  While they were visiting in Ottawa, they wanted to have some smashcake fun in front of my lens, and of course, Wendy at Thimblecakes was eager to whip something up for little Immy.  

We found a quiet little spot in an area near the canal, and had a little picnic.  The Royals (Kate & Wills) were just arriving in town and actually passing very near us, but who could be bothered to stand and wave at them when there's so much fun to be had?  Unless, maybe if they planned on some cakesmashing.  In pretty little outfits.

After our lunch it was time for Imogen's first chocolate and first taste of cake!  She was so dainty, dipping her little finger in it over and over.   And, being as sweet as she is, wanted to share every 3rd or 4th fingerful of cake with mommy or daddy.  She managed to get it all over her face and adorable outfit this way but after a little help from her parents, she was tearing into it quite happily and in a lot messier way.  

 

 

Happy Birthday to the adorably silly, smart & playful, much-loved little Immy! 

Ottawa Buskerfest

Ottawa's home to endless summer festivals.  One of the best family festivals, is Buskerfest, when they close down Sparks street for 3 days and it's packed with incredibly talented entertainers and lively crowds.  It's a free event, with tipping highly encouraged, and can be very interactive and amusing.  This year it was the 20th annual and looked amazing.

Despite a busy weekend, I had a second to snap this and grab myself a very refreshing lemonade, since I was shooting a wedding nearby at the Chateau Laurier and The National Arts Centre.  I think I should have stuck around a little longer for some fun on the bouncy slide.  Who says they're only for children?