Canadian Holiday

This weekend we took a Canadian holiday courtesy of Groupon.  I have been wanting to take Linus to the Vancouver Aquarium for a long time, but a trip to Canada always seemed like it necessitated more than one day.  I ignore most of my Groupon/Living Social emails, but occasionally check out the "getaways."  When I saw a suite in downtown Vancouver BC advertised for only $150, I knew I had to act.  That's right, a suite.  That means a separate bedroom with a door.  That means not going to bed at 6:45 pm because that's when Eileen goes to bed and staying up to watch a movie.

We were on the road by 8 am Saturday morning.  Since check-in wasn't until afternoon, our first stop was Granville Island.  The main attraction was the Kids Market--a large warehouse with multiple high end toy stores, high quality clothing and shoe stores.  It also had a two story tunnel play area.  It was over-stimulating to say the least.  We made it out of there with new crocs for the kids, a knight costume for Linus, and something I swore I would never buy my daughter--a purse with keys, lipstick, compact, debit card, and hot pink cell phone.  Needless to say, Eileen LOVES it.  Granville Island has a large public market with buskers as well as lots of small shops and restaurants.  There is also a duck pond, free water park (open during summer months) and playground. 

Braving the playground merry go round with the big kids.

Linus' first magician

I have to give props to Delta Suites.  They greeted us with fresh cookies and swag bags for the kids.  Staying in a hotel was Linus' favorite part of the trip.  Our hotel was near Gastown so we had a little time to play tourist.

Vera's Burger Shack was a bit of a disappointment, but Eileen loved the chipotle mayo. 

Sunday was all about the Vancouver Aquarium.  With two toddlers who both were lacking in the sleep department, we didn't have time to enjoy all of Stanley Park.  If you have never been to the Vancouver Aquarium, GO.  It puts the Seattle Aquarium to shame.  It is worth the hassle of going to a foreign country.

Entranced by the dolphin show.

I wish we had had more time.  We headed back to Seattle after the aquarium.  I wish we could have spent some time in Bellingham.  It felt wrong to not eat at some of my fave Bellingham restaurants. 

I'll be honest.  I think the kids had more fun than the parents.  At times, it was a little reminiscent of our trip to Hawaii last summer, ie. Linus was very difficult.  He is driving me crazy!!! Linus is managing to challenge my resolve to avoid corporal punishment.  I love that child dearly, but Lord is he hard to deal with at times. The owner of his preschool mentioned his mischievous personality when saying they would miss him.  Not sure how to interpret that.  I hope this weekend isn't a foreshadowing of our upcoming summer trip to San Diego.  I hear four years old is easier.  Fingers crossed.