Vancouver, B.C.

Jon had to go to an immigration conference in Vancouver, British Columbia for a couple days last week. So Isaac and I tagged along. First off, let me just say how much I LOVE Vancouver. That city is so beautiful, especially in the warm weather. You can't help but look in awe at all the beauty and then throw a mild tantrum shouting to the world, "Why can't I live here!?!"

So here are a few pics of our great work-vacation combo trip.

IN ROUTE-

On the way there, we stopped and hiked down to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington. Pretty cool.

THE VIEW-We are on the pier off of our hotel. Our hotel was right on the water facing downtown Vancouver. Everyday this was our view.

Above is Dave, Rebekah and Sierra (they left two of their kids at home). Dave is Jon's partner. Right next door to our hotel was the port for the Seabus. So everyday Jon and Dave would take the Seabus straight across the bay to the Convention Center. It was the perfect set-up.

THE HOTEL-

The hotel itself is worth mentioning. We stayed at the coolest place! It's called the Lonsdale Quay. It's right on the water, as you can see, but inside it feels more like a mall. The top floor is the Hotel, the middle floor is full of all sorts of boutiques-clothing stores, vitamin stores, toy stores, massage parlors, etc. They had this great (free!) ball pit that Isaac loved. He played in that every chance he could get. First floor was kind of like a farmer's market. Lots and lots of fresh veggies and fruits, along with sandwich shops, restaurants, jewelry vendors, etc. Saturday we discovered that the Farmer's Market had extended to the parking lot and so we toured through that while some band played Neil Diamond music in the background. It was so much fun.

AQUARIUM-

We got to spend one morning with the guys and so we decided to go to the Aquarium. Vancouver has such a great aquarium, complete with dolphins, sea lions, and a brand new baby Beluga Whale.

WHILE THE GUYS WERE AWAY-

So while the guys were in classes all day, Rebekah and I toured the area. We took a trolley throughout Stanley Park. A park that I imagine is pretty similar to Central Park in NY. We walked along the seawall and watched all the boats and planes going in all directions on the Marina, took a ride on the seabus which Isaac thought was SO cool, watched Dinosaurs 3D at the IMAX, but I have to say my favorite part was getting lost and finding ourselves on Beach Avenue. We looked over and there was this big huge sandy beach with nobody around, except a few meditators. We couldn't resist stopping the car and playing. It was so much fun to dig holes with Isaac, watch Isaac and Rebekah do cartwheels in the sand (I'm not coordinated enough), warn Isaac repeatedly that I didn't have clothes for him to change into if he got wet but to see him so wrapped up in the fun of the beach that he couldn't resist and/or care, and to see baby Sierra discover this new thing called sand and then see her get angry when it didn't taste so good. Playing at this beach was definitely one of my favorite moments.

One night after the guys came back we all went on a little hike to the lighthouse. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I tried to convince Jon to give up the lawyer gig and be a lighthouse keeper and Isaac and I could be fishermen. It might be a good backup plan for us.

____________________

Saturday was our last day and so the two families split ways. Jon and I weren't ready to leave quite yet and so we checked out this Suspension Bridge we had heard about. The bridge is one of those swaying bridges about 60 feet up in the air. The only thing keeping you from falling to the roaring river below are planks of wood and some cable. I was really excited to try out the suspension bridge, but I was kind of nervous for Isaac. I hoped he could handle it. Turns out I was the one that needed help. He just strolled across like it wasn't a big deal at all, while I was left in the dust with a white-knuckle grip holding on for dear life. There were quite a few people on it and any time someone took a step, the whole bridge just swayed. Turns out I'm not quite as tough a chick as I thought.

__________________

On the way home we stopped by Larabee Beach and Whidbey Island in Washington, mine and Jon's old stomping ground. It was fun to show Isaac our old apartment, where he was born, and some of our favorite spots. These pictures are mostly from Whidbey where once again we played on the beach until the sun set.

Beautiful.

Then we stopped by to meet Isaac's new cousin, Noah. As if I wasn't baby hungry enough, holding Noah just completely sealed the deal. He is such a cutie.

Well Jon and Dave, thanks for a great get-away. Rebekah and I decided the next Conference should be in the DisneyWorld vicinity. (that's right Ariann, I want some DisneyWorld pics of my own:)