HMS Ottawa Grad trip - Up Elementary

Humberside Montessori School (HMS) Upper Elementary Grad trip.  This was the last hurrah for Kieran and many of his classmates at HMS.

It almost didn't happen.  There are rumours of why, but in the end the parents and students persuaded the school to make it happen.   And it happened this week.

Felix the principal called our house many months ago.  Because it had been decided that there would be no away grad trip this year.  Last year they went to Quebec City flying out of the Island airport on Porter.  There were some long delays which cut into their grad time, but what can you do.  The kids didn't care, they had fun no matter what.

This year they chartered a bus to Ottawa, for the 150th anniversary of Confederation!
The visited Our House of Commons and even got to watch a session in progress.

Virtual tour of the Parliament of Canada.

The weather wasn't cooperating with the trip, but they had a kick ass bus to take them to the capitol city of Canada.  It was almost a nice as the Casino Rama buses that pick up all the retired asians over in Scarborough.

Regardless of the weather, they will enjoy themselves, because they are away from home and the push pin thumbs of their parents.
Everything is always better when you are away from home.  You can eat crap junk burritos, but because you are away from home it tastes gourmet.  Until the gurgling of your innards begin their toxic gas revolt against your brain and tastes buds.

I saw some online photos of their hotel - Delta Ottawa, and it's pretty nice.  Saltwater pool, 2 queen beds, lots of pillows, comfy floor for a roommate to sleep on.  At least 3 stars for sure.

Kieran told us they were even allowed into rooms at the Parliament building that very few people get to see.  It's one of the side rooms in the House Of Commons.

They did get to see the Prime Minister's office and the Leader of the Official Opposition's office.

They got to do a bus tour of Ottawa, instead of the walking tour. since it was raining.  Bowling in blacklight. A museum visit. They also got to go on a ghost tour their first night, but I forgot to ask about it.

These are some of the best pics I could find out of his set that he took.

But the best ones will always be the memories inside his head.


Next year will begin a new chapter after Humberside Montessori School.  We felt it was important for him to experience one last going away trip with his classmates.  Like Kieran, many are leaving and going off to other schools.  Some of whom he has been with since Casa.  That's 9 years.  Where did the time go?



More importantly.  Where did our money go?
And will it make a difference?

Well this is what he brought us back from Ottawa.
Mine is on the right.
I guess he's trying to tell us something.  :-)