The Manley/Coleman Family

We had many frequent flyer miles saved up that we had intended on using on a huge trip around the world. But then we had a kid. So we thought, well, time for Plan B! So instead we used the miles to celebrate our anniversary, have an excuse to get a passport for Reeve, and go somewhere international yet close by. So we went north to Canada! Everyone gave us grief for going north in December, but it turned out that Canada was warmer and sunnier then Chicago that week. And Quebec City is so much like Old Europe, it was perfect.

We split our visit between Montreal and Quebec City. So we’ll split Reeve’s Canadian experiences into two posts.

Not wanting to lose Reeve in a large crowd, yet let him burn off energy, we bought him one of those leash/backpacks. We swore we’d never do this, and yet here we are. Needless to say, it didn’t really work well, so it became more of just Elmo on a leash.

The hotel in Montreal where we stayed was the Queen Elizabeth, which is also famous for hosting John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their 1969 “Bed In for Peace.” One of the hotel employees was nice enough to let us see the room (which is available for a much higher price then the other rooms, of course). It has many incredible photos of the Bed In.

There’s nothing Reeve doesn’t like more than being naked and having control of an electronic device, like a remote control.

He’s also big into climbing stairs. The Museé de Beaux Arts provided him with the perfect and very long staircase for his stair-climbing pleasure. And mom and dad got to see some great exhibits too.

One afternoon after a round of sightseeing, Reeve was done with being carted around the city. So we relaxed in the kiddie pool for some fun.

The next day we stopped in to a small cafe in a very old building to have lunch. It was one of the best lunches we’d ever had, and they had a very nice christmas display on their more-then-2-feet-thick windowsill.

On the way back from lunch, we got a family photo taken at the artist’s alley.

On our final morning, with limited time, we decided to trek out to the Olympic Park, where the 1976 games were held. They have a very cool Biosphere with amazing animals. Reeve was transfixed.

But all that animal-watching can tire a guy out. He passed out in the train station on our way to Quebec City.

Grandma and Grandpa Manley came out for Thanksgiving. Rob as usual cooked a fabulous meal, with me making the desserts. Grandpa bought terrific wine, of course. Reeve had a ton of fun playing with his grandparents.

First we had to sit for a picture with one of the kitties:

Then as dad cooked, we went for a walk around the neighborhood:

Met some doggies:

Inspected some yard art:

Then came home for some real turkey:

And sat down for one last group photo:

Reeve outgrew the three bins of clothes my coach Dana lent us last year. So when I returned those to her, she gave us FIVE more bins of clothes for the next year of growth! Wow. We have over 30 pairs of toddler jeans, a toddler-sized tuxedo (!), one full bin of just pajamas, and about five hawaiian shirts at last count. One bin is just shoes, and included in that collection was a pair of cowboy boots.

So if anyone wants to invite Reeve to a wedding with either a hawaiian theme or Texas theme, we’re all set.

Since it was such a gorgeous day, Reeve’s nanny Amy and her son Brian took Reeve out to play in a pile of leaves. He had a good time, as you can see:

Rob took Reeve down to a local toy store to meet Elmo. Fun!

Grandma and Grandpa Coleman came to visit Reeve on September 24th. They brought lots of gifts of books and clothes, and Reeve had fun tearing up (and eating) the wrapping paper.

Our photographer friend Steve Gross had a party for the German Parade in our neighborhood. Of course, he got the camera out and shot pictures of all the kids. Here are some cut ones he sent of Reeve:

We had a party for Reeve’s first birthday. It was terrific weather, lots of friends were able to come and lots of kids were there as well. Reeve also got to try his first cake! Jennifer made red velvet and vanilla cupcakes that were dee-lishious. Babies and cake always make for fun pictures.

Mom was at her last PT appointment for her shoulder and had to bring Reeve along. But the PT has six kids of his own, and knows how to entertain a baby: