French, French, Everywhere

Picked up the laptop in Watertown, NY, grabbed groceries and gas before heading back into Canada at the Thousand Islands crossing.  Food and gas are more expensive over there.
The border agents are not known for being friendly, but this one not only asked us if we were taking any weapons into Canada, but asked us if we owned any back in Florida.  Ummmm, I'm pretty sure what I own back in Florida is not the Canadian governments business.  Weird question.

We made it to Montreal that night and as of the moment of our crossing, Diego is on VACATION!!! No internet for him = no work.

We stayed with friends, Ana Cris and Martin.

Anacris, zoe and the girls

Cheese!

Yago and 

We toured around the city.  We had visited Montreal a few years before so we focused our efforts on a different area.  Headed downtown for some Peruvian sandwiches that were delicious and hiked Mt. Royal.  When the girls asked if we were headed towards the car we just said yes to avoid any complaining on the hike up.  It was quite steep.  Great strategy because we made it to the top peacefully, had an ice cream while we enjoyed the view and it wasn't until we were almost back to the bottom that they said "Hey, we didn't go to the car!"

View from Mt. Royal in Montreal

Mt. Royal

From downtown and Mt. Royal we spent some time in Parc La Fontaine and played some sports with the rest of Montreal.  Beautiful day and everyone was out enjoying the weather.

Parc La Fontaine in Montreal

Ended our day with a meet up with a grade school friend of Diego's, Claudia and her fiance.  Had some Venezuela food.

So nice to see Claudia and meet Victor.  We have a great time  

We had a rainy day the next day so we went to the Old City and headed to the science museum.  The girls loved the workshop room where each table has a challenge to try to solve.  Here's Sofia's boat that had to be able to hold a certain weight without sinking.

At the Montreal Science Center

Off to Quebec City to see our good friends Jean and Marlene.  They live on a farm south of Quebec City.  Their farm in great and they share the land with Jean's son, Lupine and his family.  Such a great time with them.  The snow kept us inside, but it turned out great because we spent lots of time eating delicious food and laughing.

Took the ferry over the Quebec City one day.  The cold, rainy weather didn't stop us.  Just bundled up.  Jean and Marlene's granddaughter, Felicia, went with us into the city.  It was cute to watch the girls communicate between french and english.

On the ferry to Quebec City (in the background)

Chateau Fontenac

We ended our day in the city with a dinner meet up with a childhood friend of Diego's, Ricardo and his family.

Con el Ricky!

Matching bracelets for the girls.

The rest of our time was spent exploring the farms.

Diego and Jean

Highland Cattle at the farm next door

Beautiful Group :)

New friends were made

With Jean and family

After a great visit and few days with Jean and Marlene, we headed east, to a goat dairy farm.  We taste tested, bought some goodies, and toured the place.  Very nice place.

From there we headed towards Maine.  Beautiful country drive.

Off to see Auntie Claire.

They don't mess around about fire wood in Canada.