MADELEINE

VISITS HEARST

 
 
During July and August 2006, Madeleine went to Hearst to visit her mother's side of the family. Where is Hearst? It's in the province of  Ontario, about an 11 hour drive north of Toronto. Far, isn't it? It's a small town where the main industry is forestry. People here love the great outdoors: boating, camping, fishing, snowmobiling and hunting. For about 85%, French is their mother tongue, but almost everyone is bilingual.

I'd like to show everyone some of what Madeleine did and who she met during her visit.

 
Grand-maman et grand-papa Chauvin

Here's a picture of Madeleine and her maternal grandparents enjoying a lazy morning in bed. She is such a happy baby the minute she wakes up! Madeleine and I slept in the bedroom next to my parents' during our visit. She was everyone's little alarm clock.
 
Ayres Family

This is Jo's sister Nathalie's family. Her husband Grant is to the left. Her two daughters are (left to right) Gabrielle 10 yrs old and Stephanie 8 yrs old.

Nathalie is one year younger than Jo. She really loves babies. She especially enjoyed carrying Madeleine around in her Kozy carrier. We will add photos of the Ayres family in the near future. Stay tuned.
 
 
Arrière Grand-papa Denis

Here is Madeleine in her great-grandfather's arms. She especially enjoyed when he would sing traditional French Canadian songs to her. Seemed to quiet her down almost instantly. Grand-papa's eyes aren't what they used to be, so holding Madeleine was a treat.

 
 
Aunt Diane and other members of Grandpa Gilles' family

Aunt Diane is Jo's father's younger sister. She obviously loves babies, as you can see by this photo. Madeleine visited Diane and her husband Gilbert (affectionately known as Butch). Uncle Butch is an avid photographer.