On Day Three we decided that we would visit attractions along Sussex Drive through Rockcliffe, and in the eastern part of the city. It was an easy cruise through the morning traffic (headed inbound) and we arrived at Rideau Hall in short order under a beautiful sky.

Rideau Hall: Home of the Governor General - While driving along the Ottawa River on Sussex we passed by many "edifice" including the Lester B Pearson Building (Foreign Affairs), the National Research Council Laboratories, the PM's Residence at 24 Sussex (very difficult to view from the street) and Rideau Hall. We parked at about 8:55 and strolled to the entrance only to hear the bagpipes of the 9:00 AM guard change. We watched the ceremony, which seemed much less officious than our experience in Arlington, then walked in to Rideau Hall itself. The Hall has summer self & guided tours beginning at 10:00 and ending at 4:00... we did forego this part of the visit but did very much enjoy the gardens and monuments. Pete and Monica found a playground and were good to go. Rideau Hall is free to visit, and next time we might plan to do the inside as well. In the Visitors Centre I viewed photos and information on Governors General which have served the country. An interesting position in the Canadian political landscape, one with rarely yielded political powers and important social influence.

Canada Aviation Museum - A short distance away we stopped to visit the Aviation Museum. This complex offers visitors a wide variety of opportunities to see how the era of flight evolved as part of the Canadian expanse, with artifacts and planes ranging from turn of the past century onward. This place had great kids activities, including an Arts and Crafts area, identification activities (logos and silhouettes) as well as post cards and books for writing home. The people at the ticket office were very helpful. This huge building was the perfect warehouse for this history, and the displays and information were carefully prepared and presented. The visit must have been two hours in length. Our kids (along with other visiting youngsters) were meaningfully entertained. Excellent stop and highly recommended for young patrons.

Canada Science and Technology Museum - Once again we relied on the trusty GPS to chart a course to our next venue, the Science and Technology Museum. In short order we headed south and arrived to a very busy parking area... I guess others had the same idea. We stopped for a quick "cold pizza" mug up out of the car, then headed inside. We were quickly processed and were checking out the exhibits in jig-time. The museum is a big building warehousing everything from locomotives to canoes, electricity exhibits to a digital displays, famous faces to obscure science. We very much enjoyed the two demonstrations we saw while there, one being a Static Electricity presentation and the other all about fun with liquid nitrogen!!! We also went on a simulator ride from a space station which was also fun (Peter and Monica love these Visual / Kinesthetic rides). We spent a couple of hours in the building taking in displays, listening to demonstrations and working with tactile exhibits. Great fun!!! On our departure we stopped for a huge mug-up at a nearby Quiznos (everybody loved their meal - possibly because we were damn hungry) and, upon Peter's request, we switched gears and headed way across town to the Canadian War Museum.

Canadian War Museum - Once we parked, very conveniently on the front street, we made our way inside the newly constructed museum complex. Once again, the War Museum was included as part of the capital museum passport and we entered a more subdued / serious environment, as the museums previous were more busy with young families and kindergarten trips. There were several kids activities, including a painting activity for Monica and a camouflage exhibit which Peter and Monica both worked on creations of their own. This museum was a highlight for me, and I enjoyed the layout, organization and artifacts throughout. The Boer War displays were new for me, and I always appreciate the attention paid to WWI and WWII exhibits. Being a war buff, I think I've passed on the gene to Peter who was just as enthused with the entire visit, trying on military garb and identifying guns and historical events. In the lower gallery, filled with any manner of tanks, jeeps, artillery and military vehicle, we got a close up view of historically significant pieces. This visit was a highlight for myself and Peter. Very well done and worth every penny to visit.

After supper Peter and Mom hit the GT Boutique next door, going on a spending spree that nabbed some great NFL sweaters for the boys and some much needed "essentials" including batteries, socks and Diet Pepsi!!! Followed by refreshing evening swim, we all hit the pillows hard. Monica, who had been nursing a fever through the latter part of the day, got laced with Tylenol and we buried our heads for the night.