The Wilsons wander the world: Visit from Mum and Dad

Over the last three weeks, we've had Mum and Dad visit the eastern provinces of Canada. They came to us for 10 days prior to their conducted tour; then hung out with us on the days the tour was in Montreal; then returned for 4 days of relaxation (actually normal family life after living it up on a cruise ship) prior to returning to Australia.

We all loved having them with us. We've eaten lunch out many times; drunk lots of alcohol; toured the sites of Montreal, including the Old Port; Notre Dame Basilica; Mont-Royal; St Joseph's Oratory (another church, but we kept it at two); the shopping areas including the underground shopping centre of Montreal (Dad loved this .......) ; mastered the Metro system; celebrated my birthday; went to Ottawa to run; and visited the Botanical Gardens. Add that to normal family life of kids off to school, meals to cook and cleaning to do and its been a hectic, fun time. Really though, looking through the photos, all we did was eat and drink! Dad's goal was to have beer at lunch time every day ... I think he managed every day except one, when he was with us!

Lunch time drinks ...

As the Dostaler family have now returned to Montreal (and wanted their house back .... fancy that!), we needed to find alternative accommodation. We found a lovely self contained cottage with a studio room downstairs, then an internal connecting staircase to a two bedroom self contained unit upstairs. It is not far from where we've been living, as the children are still at school. We've all been very comfortable together and not too squeezy. The children have all had turns having sleep overs with Gran and Pa and will be very sorry to see them go.

Having spent so much time with us, Mum and Dad are now quite familiar with our neighbourhood and our daily routines. Its been great to share stories with them and for them to be able to visualize exactly what we are talking about. They have met school teachers, friends, the Dostaler family and seen where we walk, where we shop and where we live. They understand some of the things that have frustrated us; as well as the many things that make us laugh and make Montreal such an interesting city to explore. Its been such a thrill to share the small day to day details with them.