Playing at Grandma's House

Elisabeth was there with Charlotte the second half of the week. We had fun hanging out with Charlotte at 5:30 every morning. We were also able to go swimming with her one day. I couldn't believe how much Charlotte loved the water. She was so content and happy just floating around.

 David was a grouch, and we couldn't get him to have a snack, so Grandma put some grapes inside this car and had his bunny bring it to him. It was a miracle. Thanks Grandma.

 Jonathan and David both loved the cats. They chased them around every chance they got. The cats didn't mind Jonathan. Leo even liked him, but David was a little intimidating. He kept trying to share his cars with them, and they didn't like that. Jonathan specifically said that feeding Leo treats was his favorite part of the vacation.

Tanya brought the boys birthday cake and presents. Jonathan just sat on her lap and blew out candles and let her feed him. I was surprised, but it was nice. 

Science World

I've been anxiously waiting for Jonathan to be old enough to enjoy Science World. The time finally came! They had a lot of stuff that he didn't think was that interesting, but he was very impressed by most of it. I was too. Edmund took me there when we were engaged, and it brought back some fun memories.

 Lego Car

 They had a wheel that opened and closed the mouth.

 After we had been there about 30 minutes, David started lying on the floor. Then, he found the drain. He thought that was pretty cool.

 Sand Storm

 These are snails, but they had hissing cockroaches and all kinds of delicious insects. 

 This water table was by far their favorite. Edmund built them some rapids, and they had fun sticking in their hands and sending balls and boats down it. Jonathan also enjoyed moving the walls around to change the current. 

 This is a parachute launcher. You shove a parachute into the hole and it shoots it out of the top of the pipe. 

 This is a giant lever. 

 Jonathan successfully pulled himself up once in this chair. I wanted to get a picture, and this boy decided to help him out so he could have his turn faster.

 This was an optical illusion that made it look like pit in the floor that went on forever. David probably stood on his head on top of it looking down for a solid five minutes until I moved him.

 Jonathan was almost as strong as I was. 

Jason

Edmund's cousin Jason works in Vancouver, and he was nice enough to make time to meet us at the Quay and eat lunch and take a walk. It is always good to see family!

Stanley Park and 2nd Beach

 David just wandered off. I love that he is walking around with his hands over his head. He was such a tired tired boy.

 Lion's Gate Bridge. At first, I couldn't figure out why people kept taking pictures from right here because just out of the picture was a huge sulfur pile and a bunch of ugly machinery. I didn't think it was very picturesque, but I soon realized that it was a nice view of the bridge.

 Jonathan was jumping for me. I can't actually tell if he is in the air or not in this picture. He doesn't get too high off the ground.

I also love Stanley Park. It is a giant piece of wilderness in the middle of a big city. While you are there, the trees are so tall you'd never know you are minutes from down town. We were hoping to ride a miniature train, but it was only open on weekends this time of year. It was another beautiful day, so after playing at a  playground and having a picnic, we went to 2nd Beach. It wasn't as nice as Ambleside, and there were lots of people. A family near us left their French fries to go play in the water, and the seagulls and crows gobbled it all up in about ten seconds.

Lynn Canyon

This is my very favorite place in Vancouver. It is almost walking distance from the Leemhuis house, and, in my opinion, the prettiest place on Earth.

 "Whoa, Mom! Help!" The log was really far off the ground, but I had to get a picture before I ran over to give him my hand. He is becoming much more adventurous. It is exciting.

 He climbed up here all by himself (minus when I held his hand a bit on the log).

 Jonathan was running around like a crazy man and slipped on a rock. He landed hard on his hands. He is still afraid to use them which is why they are up in the air.