We drove to Calgary and used the Park and Jet to catch our flight.
This was our first time using our Nexus pass and after seeing the long line up for security, having the pass sure made the process go faster.
The flight was great, but it took us a while to get our luggage and out of the airport. Pat got us a "rent-a-wreck" and a wreck it was. Oh well, it was cheap and it was only for a few days.
On our way into the city, we called Paul and Ronnie and met up with them for supper. It was good to see them again. After supper we left Hayden with them, and headed to our Hotel.
The next day was basically ours to play while Paul and Ronnie continued to get ready for the wedding. Beth and Patrick were there for the wedding too, so we picked them up along with Hayden to do some sightseeing.
Betty wanted to start the day by visiting her Aunt Adelaides house just off Dufferin.
We actually found the old house, which is now split up into several apartments.
As we had a late start we drove right into the heart of the city and had lunch at Walbergers. Beth was happy as she was a huge New Kids on the Block fan.
I like eating here, but you can still get better burgers at Burger Priest. From here we walked over to the CN tower where we all bought tickets to go to the top. Pat and I did the tower a few years ago.
I like the views and it was a great day to see long distances. I just don't like the glass floor.
It was fun to look down at Rogers Centre where the Blue Jays were actually playing again working their way toward the world series (they almost made it).
After the tower we went to the Ripley's Aquarium, which is right beside the tower. Pat and
We left the heart of downtown in plenty of time to beat the baseball game traffic (the game went into several innings of overtime). We hung out at Beth and Patrick's room until we went to the family supper that Ronnie's sister was hosting. We had a great time meeting Ronnie's side of the family for the first time. Most of them where from the Maritimes.
On our way back to our hotel rooms, Patrick was being so funny. Everyone in the van was laughing so hard. We were in stitches. It was a great end to a fun day.
The next day was the wedding. We went early to help with the decorations and table set ups. Ronnie and Paul had it very well organized, and the set up went quick, even last minute hanging of burlap on the back wall. We were all done by noon. We had time to go to Burger Priest for lunch.
I will say they have the best burgers and fries that I have ever eaten. Next time you are in Toronto you have to try them yourself.
We all went back to our rooms to get dressed for the big event. We had to be there a bit early for pictures. If I say so myself, we all dressed up pretty good.
The wedding couple were the best dressed by far (See above too)
The ceremony was very simple and touching. The reception followed right after where we were treated to a "food Truck" for our meal. It was a modern way to feed your guests. I loved it.
The couple arranged three different bands to entertain us through the evening. It started off with easy listening and as the night went on, the music got louder and louder. It was awesome though when Paul sang the song he wrote for Ronnie
It was a beautiful wedding. I'm so glad that we got to be a part of it.
The next morning Beth and Patrick had to fly home and we changed hotels to one closer to the airport. We had a lazy Sunday afternoon, and then met up with the wedding party (family) at a Megas Authentic Greek Restaurant in Toronto's Greek district. Delicious Greek food and once again good company.
We stopped at a movie theatre to see the movie The Maritian on the way back to the hotel. Awesome movie.
The next day we took a drive to Orangeville to see Betty's Brother and sister in law Jim and Isabelle Wardlaw. Since Pat and I last saw them in May, they have moved to a retirement condo.
They have a beautiful apartment and their condo building has everything you could ask for. They seem very happy in their new home.
We left them in time so they could get to their lunch and we headed back to Toronto and did some shopping. Today was Thanksgiving and it seemed weird not having a homemade Turkey Dinner. Paul and Ronnie found a great restaurant in the Distillery District where they were serving Turkey.
It was such a nice night out, that we ate out on the patio. Ronnie and her family joined us too. The meal was very tasty, not as good as homemade but we still got TURKEY!!!.
The Toronto Blue Jays won again, and the CN tower was celebrating with lights that looked like UFO's. It was really foggy and very creepy.
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| CN Tower lights over my head!! They are coming to get me!!! |
h we picked up Hayden and headed toward the airport and to return the car. About 5 minutes on our way, we hear a buzzing in Hayden's suitcase. We soon found out it was Paul's iPhone that had dropped into Hayden's bag as we were loading the car. We of course had to turn around and return it to Paul. He was very relieved that we found it. We hit a major traffic jam on our way to the airport, and we were rushed getting the car dropped off and getting to the airport on time. Luckily we got a cab that got us right away.
It was hard to leave the Toronto gang, but we were pushing how much time Hayden was off school and we needed to get him back. As well, we only had a three day break before we were to leave on our next trip. It was a very memorable and enjoyable Wedding celebration.
SHE SAID:
First, on arrival to Toronto - John mentioned the rent a wreck - I am known for my need to save money on absolutely everything. I usually succeed in exceeding expectations - low price, great quality - I did not do this with this vehicle. The van was literally coming apart at the doors, the lights didn't work properly and it made odd noises. I am not even sure if it was road worthy. When I tried to call the company to complain, there was never an answer and no voicemail. It did run for the time needed, so it was a dubious success. It did give some moments of stress...and laughter.
Beth hasn't been in Toronto since she was on our Florida trip where we just changed planes, so we did the touristy things, as John mentioned. We had discussed going to Niagara Falls, but as it was a holiday weekend we decided that traffic might have held us up getting back to town for other wedding events. After getting the van, it was a good idea to stay in town, near tow trucks and public transport.
This short trip to Toronto was one of the highlights of the year. It was a wonderful time, adding a new member to our family. Paul and Ronnie had a wedding that reflected who they were. When they announced their engagement to us last year, they told us they wanted to have a big party...something different - they accomplished this goal, in spades. It was a lot of fun, and was definitely not a traditional event. The food was supplied by Food Trucks parked at the entrance to the warehouse where the wedding and reception was held. Ronnie was beautiful in her silver, sparkling wedding gown - she looked like a 1940's movie star, very breathtaking. Paul also cleaned up pretty good, himself. Hayden has grown into a handsome young man.
Seeing family in the Toronto area is another draw to this city. My cousin Catherine and her friend were able to attend the wedding - it's always a grand time to spend an evening with her. Catching up is invariably entertaining. Seeing Uncle Jim and Aunt Isobel, with Mom was also very enjoyable.
Thanksgiving, as John mentioned was different, but fun. I will correct the menu, however, as we had Turducken for the meal - not turkey. It is a turkey, stuffed with duck, stuffed with chicken. Tasty. We ate with Ronnie's mom and sister who are great people - Paul has joined a great family.
This was a very fast trip - lots of family, food and fun - the very best things in life!
