Since Jason had the day off yesterday we decided to do a family outing. We needed a family day. We just needed to get out and relax, and enjoy being a little family of 3. We often will go out and about with others, but sometimes just keeping our outing small and personal is really needed. We also wanted to stop at one store on our way, out since its along the way to Stanley Park.
For years I have wanted to stop at the big hallow tree, that sadly has been damaged and now stands with the support of metal frame work. I’ve always wanted a photo inside that tree. I finally got my little photo, of my little family all inside the tree. It might be a little blurry, but it makes me happy.
Today though we just wanted to walk and explore the park. Its a place my parents used to always take my sisters and I, there are so many photos of us going there. It is a place I always enjoy getting to stroll through, next summer I look forward to going for a bike ride around the sea wall with Everly, we couldn’t this year because little ones are supposed to be one before they go on a bike or in a bike trailer. I was sad to walk by the train area and see the missing train station because of the arson attack that happened last year. I really hope that they rebuild this little area, its just not the same without the station.
We have been to the Aquarium with Everly when she was only a month and a half old. That will be a place we visit more when we get a family pass in the future. If you haven’t been by the Aquarium recently there is a lot of construction going on. I was sad to see that the fountain is tucked away right now as they do whatever work to the area it used to be. I hope they keep the fountain as part of the entrance area. I will be heart broken if they do not. As that is one photo I really want in the future, of Everly running her hands in the water of the big whale fountain.
Everly was very taken by all the different types of birds around the park. We cheat sometimes and don’t do up the stroller buckle completely, bad I know. We definitely had to buckle her in here. Whenever there are animals that get her attention she tries to find a way out of the stroller so that she can get as close to them as possible. We’ll be going to feed the ducks somewhere this fall, anyone want to join us?
Since we did not leave until after Everly’s morning nap, we were hungry by the time we got there. We found a little place to have lunch, Stanley’s Park Bar & Grill. We could not find the ramp that apparently exists to provide wheel chair and stroller access into the place, so we ended up hoisting the stroller up the stairs. I voted to eat inside because I was worried about Everly and I possibly getting sun burns. The staff were great, and our food came quickly. Everly enjoyed playing with french fries, and trying some chicken. She also played with the pickle from the burger Jason and I shared but never did try it, she tossed it to the floor. This was our first experience of Everly trying to eat things on her own, and making a mess on the floor. We did clean up after her before leaving.
It was hot out. What is with this crazy weather we have been having? I have been ready for fall since July, I do not do well in very hot weather. I suddenly had a light bulb moment, and remembered the water park! Sure we didn’t pack a bathing suit or towel for Everly. But who cares, that’s the beauty of cloth diapers especially if its not chlorine water.
She tried out the little fountain area first, but did not like it at all! So Jason moved her over to the little stream and shallow pool area. She happily splashed away in the water. Then she discovered the little water fall. This and the little bit of sand kept her attention for awhile. I wish we had brought her to a water park earlier in the summer. She had such a good time. It cooled all of us down playing in the water.
Soon enough it was time to hit the road. Here’s a hint for anyone thinking of going out there, starting October 1st is cheap day parking, its $5 for the whole day! Way more budget friendly. We had to drive home in traffic, thankfully Everly fell asleep in the car for her afternoon nap.
And yes, I did find what we were looking for at the store. We came home with a good chunk of our Christmas shopping list done!
