Red Apple Falls

It was a busy fall season for the Dankyu's (our newly-amalgamated family name that some friends and family have adopted). We got out of Ottawa for several fun-filled weekends and visited different friends and family as we eagerly awaited the arrival of Juli's little brother.

We still don't have a picture on the bike, but while the weather remained nice Juli could often be found eagerly waiting for Dad at the door with helmet and snacks, ready to go for a riding adventure. Or else modelling Mom's recent knitting projects - the sweater was actually a gift for her cousin Evan, but she wanted to make sure it was ready to go.


Wild Flower Child
At the end of September we went to a wedding outside Peterborough for Kevin and Christina's wedding, where Juli was a flower girl.

Mom and Juli loaded up and ready for another adventure together as they head for the bus (they left a day before Dad to attend the rehearsal).

The bride and groom after a sunny outdoor ceremony at a country club on the water

Our little flower girl, killing time before dinner with her new-found gymnastic moves

Juli found a golf cart while waiting for photos


Mom and Dad enjoying the reception after Juli retired with the babysitter


Juli finally made the transition from her crib mattress on the floor to a real big-girl bed, and as you can see she's quite happy in it.


Juli Turns 2
We had a little birthday party for Juli at home in Ottawa but foolishly we did not have a working camera for the event. Fortunately for Juli and us, the celebrations continued over the course of a week or so and we had other photo opportunities.

Celebrating more "happy to you" at Nana's in Orillia over Thanksgiving.

We got to play some ball in the backyard

And we visited with cousin Evan to see how much he's grown. Juli is still enjoying her favourite chair at Nana's before he gets a taste for it.

Halloween
Juli got right into the dress-up spirit with her day costume thrown together with Dad while they did errands, and then her 'official' costume for trick or treating in the evening.


We called this the "Hipster Fairy", complete with sass for the photo shoot.


Sporting the "Tiger" as she has her first taste of trick or treating around the neighbourhood. Dad was more excited at first, but once she got into it she didn't want to return home.

It took a few weeks after for her to realize the neighbours only gave out candy once a year.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...
In early November we visited Toronto for a weekend. The main event was a long-awaited trip to the zoo, but we also had a good visit with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Alanna, who hosted us at their apartment.

Juli was entertained (and well supervised) on their balcony and enjoyed modelling Uncle Jeff's endless supply of hats.

After a long day of exploring the city we made a gourmet meal and Dad got artsy with the self-timer photos


Our deliciously-gourmet desserts

Dad's combination of the four as we split them up to sample each one

The Zoo!
As Juli continued to grow more fascinated with animals of all sorts, we knew that we had to take her to the Toronto Zoo - and Mom and Dad were kind of eager to return as well. It was a perfect sunny day, and a great family outing - and as the photos may show, her excitement exceeded our expectations. If you look closely, you can see her mind being blown, and her expression toward us was often "Can you believe we're seeing this?!!"


Some early learning about the birds and bees, or turtles as it were - this seemed to be happening all over the place during our visit

Had a great visit at the baboon exhibit. At first Juli didn't seem to notice them, and they didn't notice her - they just sat and rested with their backs to each other.

Slowly building excitement and developing a relationship as they take notice of each other

Finally, a big hug for her new friend

One of her favourite animals of late, the hippo, thanks to her favourite bed-time book "Belly Button Book" featuring cartoon hippos. She didn't recognize them in real-life at first, but this was her excitement once she made the connection

Watching the penguins put on a fun show

Giving a heart-felt 'hello' to the moose

Towards the end of the day, after seeing the arctic wolves having a nap, Juli finally decided she might be ready for a nap too. Conveniently on the ground while heading for the exit.



Our latest family shot, on our way home

July! July! (and a bit of August too)

July 9th: Juli and Kristin visited Dr. Last - an invaluable mentor and friend - for tea and treats. It was lovely to see his bright smile and hear his stories and memories of his late wife, Wendy.



July 10th: Kristin's birthday
Unfortunately Graeme had to miss our daytime events, but Juli helped Mom celebrate turning 31 by going to the New Edinburgh Neighborhood Picnic, followed by making peanut butter cookies. She did a great job helping dump the ingredients and press the fork in to make delectable treats; mom was very happy and proud. When Dad came home, he treated mom to even more gastroflare, with a gorgeous steak (doused in blue cheese butter...) and other decadent fare.


En route to the New Edinburgh Neighborhood Picnic. Juli loved the watermelon, freezie and splash pad.




Making peanut butter cookies with Mom! She was so cute helping and I really loved how our fancy napkin doubled as a toddler-sized apron.


Birthday dinner at home with Graeme

July 15th: Bluesfest (and start of Meghan's visit)
Our friend Meghan came to visit us for the weekend and thankfully endured our chalk-full itinerary. Friday night we all went to Bluesfest for Cuff the Duke (see below, and for whom Juli is clapping for here), followed by Blue Rodeo.


Cuff the Duke - a favorite of Mom and Dad's (and apparently now Juli)


Meghan and Mom (and Juli in the carrier - love the Ergo! - can even wear her pregnant) at Bluesfest enjoying hit after hit of Blue Rodeo.

Saturday morning we woke up early to prepare for our Gatineau Picnic (it was of course 'gourmet' themed - so there was some final cupcake prep that needed to be done, as well as all the crostini's...). The picnic was beautiful and we had such a lovely time with Juli and friends.


Juli at Lac le Peche in Gatineau Park. It was such a perfect day, and she really enjoyed swimming in the lake.


Gourmet picnic with friends (featured here: Sarah, Francina, and Rich)


It wouldn't be a gourmet picnic without a Graham bear beach scene decorating raspberry cream cheese vanilla cupcakes. Really...it wouldn't. Totally fun to make (thanks Caitlin for your creative vision and help!)

On Sunday we enjoyed a lovely brunch at the Fraser Cafe, one of our favorite local haunts.


Despite the frown, Juli REALLY loved this crazy yummy smoothie.

July 22nd-31st: Family vacation!
For the 3rd year in a row we enjoyed sharing a week at the cottage with the Geiferts. But first we visited Nana Sue and Papa Dennis in Orillia (where Mom was celebrated again for her birthday - really spoiled!) and PopPop Dave and Nana Jackie at Brooke and Sandy's wedding in Deermerton.


On the dock of the cottage with Nana Sue.


Juli loved swimming with Daddy in Lake Couchaching. Unfortunately she hasn't been as keen about deep water since then, and mostly prefers to swim in pools/beaches she can walk into. But she's definitely been discovering her fins this summer and we're excited for her fall swim 'Sea Turtle' class.



Juli jamming with PopPop before the party got underway in Deemerton to celebrate Brooke and Sandy's wedding.


Uncle Adam and Aunt Michelle with the newest addition to the Danko-clan...Evan Adam Danko!!! (2ish months here)


The Dankyu's


This is such a lame picture, but I love that we're celebrating the victory of having completed 'Thunder Road' as a duet on karaoke. Go team.


This was shortly after we arrived. We were really happy to be there.



Townes let Juli borrow his chair...she really made herself comfortable (and even had to get her water bottle to put in the drink holder).


One of the many yummy dinners we traded off on making. This one happened to be Graeme's famous cobb steak salad.


Wouldn't be a trip to the cottage without a chacheuterie plate...


...and a badminton tournament (Mom and Dad were the first to be cut).


Helmut helping Aunt Ange (and Trav) make homemade ravioli (!!!) for Graeme's birthday dinner.


Celebrating Dad's 33rd birthday (not sure how I was the one in the picture - sorry about that...).


The Geiferts (Brad, Lindi and Townes)


The Dankyu's


Katrina's wedding
At the end of our vacation we headed down to Sauble Beach to celebrate another wedding (Katrina and Kevin) with Kristin's family.

Going to the beach - Take 1: Not expecting Juli to be that keen on swimming (as per her recent interactions with water), we came ill prepared...

So she improvised. :)


Going to the beach - Take 2:
Okay, this time we were prepared for fun. Juli knew exactly where we were going and for the remainder of the visit would often try to venture off to the beach herself, saying 'beach, beach!'


The water at Sauble was warm, sandy, and very shallow for Juli to wade into at her leisure. Just perfect for her.



We had never seen her get excited about anything this much before. It was totally awesome.







Finally, on the last leg of our journey home to Ottawa, we stopped in at Nana's in Bracebridge.

Juli on the jet-ski with Cousin Rena - don't worry - Mom made sure it stayed stationary!


Although Juli was apprehensive about the deep water, she really wanted to try out the floating ring. It was a fun 2mins, but she was still a little nervous.


Daddy playing guitar with cousin Rena at Great Nana Danko's in Bracebridge.


Juli - half-dressed, playing with buckles, listening Daddy play guitar at Great-Nana's in Bracebridge....yup, she's a Danko.


Camping
Mid-August, Kristin's dad and brother visited us and we went on a 3-night camping trip in Gatineau Park. Just gorgeous. Juli had a blast and did amazing in the canoe.


The family shot before leaving on our adventure.


Canoeing!!! We did it. Well, importantly, Juli did it. She loved it - helped sing songs, watch for ducks, everything.


Papa canoeing with Kevin (taking picture) alongside us.


Our campsite - a lot fancier than we expected for canoe camping. Quite nice.


This was a fun game Juli discovered while camping - flying with her legs off the ground. We think she's really going to love her toddler gymnastics class this fall.








Family shot while Juli napped during an afternoon outing.


Daddy being adorably playful.


Papa John


Camper Juli setting up Uncle Kevin's tripod.


Family shot on the way home after 3 great nights.

[please note - any AMAZING pictures that look like they were done by a professional, were done by a professional - my brother Kevin. I'd like to take credit, but it's all his. Mostly these are pictures from the camping trip and Juli swimming]