#PhotoOfTheWeek

Waiting for Jess to arrive......

Postcard from Windsor, Canada

Tyler and Jessica live in one of the most beautiful places that we saw during our entire road trip.  Due to Tyler's busy work schedule it was up to Jessica to show us around and we must have gasped our loud when she took the three of us to Windsor Gardens.  The word 'Windsor' always makes me think of the royal family - and posh old ladies! - but when we saw how beautiful it was here, I couldn't help but think that even the queen would be jealous of this lovely place.  She may have a castle in Windsor back home, but this place was stunning!

The great thing about this place was that Alfie could run around to his heart's content.  It was so enclosed and quiet here for him and you could see the delight of freedom written all over his face.
We are also pretty sure that he fell in love with Jessica too.  He adored her company and constantly wandered around, checking that she wasn't too far away.  We were so grateful that she patiently watched him, taking a heartfelt interest in every flower, blade of grass or tiny stone that he found.  He wanted to show her everything.  She was so kind and gentle with him, you could practically see the shape of his eyes change into love-hearts........

So it came as no real surprise to me that he was unimpressed when I whisked him away briefly to have a photograph taken with him against a backdrop of beautiful flowers.

 Yep.  He was pretty much unimpressed.......

 Like - really unimpressed.

So much so, that my little buddy had quite the meltdown.......

Somebody could have warned me that true love waits for no-one.

Especially toddlers!

~~~

Alfie in Wonderland...

 ...or 'Alfie Through the Looking Glass'.....
Whichever version of the story you prefer to read!

(Memories from Detroit)

Tyler's Mom!

xxx

Postcard from Detroit

 

Detroit was an exciting visit for us.  Regardless of what we were to do here or the memories that were waiting to be made, we knew we'd love it here - mainly because we were meeting a good friend of ours who had stayed with us back home a number of years ago.  Tyler had been to the same college as Debra and due to the fact that he had stayed with us, we feel like we got to know him a lot more than we would have otherwise.

Detroit is having it's fair share of trials lately.  The economy is slow and people are leaving in droves.  It was sad seeing such beautiful houses and expensive streets, completely deserted as owners have left to start new lives elsewhere.  Many of these areas must have been stunning in their time.  Sadly though, it's not the case these days and if it ever returns to it's former glory, it will take many years to get there.

It wasn't all bad though!  There were still many beautiful places to explore here, in particular the Ford Family Estate, which housed a beautiful little 'playhouse' (pictures to follow) that was the perfect size for Alfie.  He had a wonderful time, opening Alfie-sized doors and sitting in Alfie-sized chairs.  You could see him marvelling at all the things that are usually completely out of reach.  It was one of those moments where you stop thinking about everything except what might be going through the mind of an inquisitive toddler.

It was great seeing Tyler again.  His family (including his new wife, Jessica) were so hospitable and generous with their time whilst we were with them.  We were so fortunate to have met them.  Alfie loved them so much and just like he'd found a friend in Debra's Dad the previous week before - he's found another friend in Tyler's Dad.

Happy, happy memories........

Postcard from Ohio

Dear Ohio - I'm sure you are lovely if we had more time to visit you properly.  But this time you are just our passageway through to Michigan.  Hopefully we can come back one day and eat in your Hard Rock Cafe, rather than just collect our pin - and visit your world famous Rock and Roll Museum, when it's actually open!

Until we meet again......

xxx

Postcard from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh wall art.

Alfie's latest 'smile for the camera' pose!

Another little friend on the other side of our booth!

Wow!  We couldn't believe how much we loved Pittsburgh - especially as we didn't know anything about it until we arrived.  We were very excited to find a Cheesecake Factory AND of course, a Hard Rock Cafe.  We ate in both!

There were places everywhere to stop and admire the skyline - which we did plenty of times.  Alfie LOVED the children's water fountain that you could run through..... or in Alfie's case, just skim the outskirts of it, without actually getting wet at all!  He played and played there whilst we sat watching him, eating through a delicious oreo cheesecake.

Thank you Pittsburgh!

We loved you - lots!

We'd like to come back again someday if that's okay with you!

xxx