Vacation!

Annually, Brad and I like to take a nice week long vacation. We usually go somewhere south with lots of warm weather and fruity drinks, however, since we had Mike in tow this year we decided to go a different route. We started out in Wyoming visiting my family and checking on my mom who had just had surgery. My dad claims that we brought the best possible medicine in the form of an adorable little boy who was more than willing to coo at and snuggle with grandma.

Snuggling with grandma


Having a screaming contest with grandpa perhaps???

Sarah and I hanging out in the COLD weather (thanks for letting me borrow your coat mom...not that you even knew I borrowed it).

While we were there Mike had his first horseback ride. Well, honestly it was more of a horseback sit. I don't think he actually rode anywhere because it was so cold that day.

Mike and Brad on Dutch

Mike trying desperately to figure out what this thing dad is always drinking is.

As a side note immediately after this picture he spit up...right into the beer...and then Brad drank it anyway. My how being a parent changes your perspective on things.

After our weekend in Wyoming we headed here:

Ok, ok, perhaps that isn't quite enough for you to figure out where we went next. Maybe this will help a little more???

Still not getting it, ok, ok...I'll make it nice and obvious...

Yep, we were off to Seattle where we spent the next few days. The first picture in this sequence is at the Seattle Aquarium. Mike was MESMERIZED by the fish. We also visited the Pacific Science Center (which was awesome) and the Experience Music Project, as well as taking a harbor cruise and doing a few other random things (such as driving to Tacoma for breakfast one morning just because).

Mike sitting in a duckbill dinosaur footprint that the science center.

Crazy sculpture at the EMP that played music.

Part of the outside of the EMP.

After a few days in Seattle we headed even further north. Yep, to Canada aye.

This is actually on a little beach in very northern Washington. We saw a sign for it as we were heading to Canada and decided to take a quick detour.

Look at that...Canada!!! This is where Mike became an international baby.

Our first day in Canada was a bit of a bust. As we were driving to the border, I got a migraine, or something similar to a migraine. We rushed to our hotel where they were nice enough to let us check in extra early. I literally crashed while Brad took Mike and drove around for a while so I could get some rest. They returned about 90 minutes later with food. I was still a bit shaky, but after another food run I was feeling good enough to get out a little bit and explore Vancouver. We headed out to Stanley Park and walked around for a couple of hours in the rain. Note to self...it rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest. Mike slept during the entire walk and was nice and dry underneath the canopies of his stroller.

Our second day in Vancouver went much better. We signed up for a whale watching expedition.

Mike on the boat with his carrot.

We were lucky enough to see a TON of marine wildlife. Shortly after leaving the dock we saw a bunch of sea lions and then after we got out a ways we started to see whales...and lots of them.

Orcas

On the way back to dock we went past a couple of islands and saw tons of seals, more sea lions and a bunch of eagles. It was all very cool. Best part, during the 4.5 hour trip Mike was the poster boy of a good baby.

After a few days in Vancouver we headed up even further north toward the little town of Squamish. This waterfall (Shannon Falls) is located right outside the town and we could literally see it from our hotel room.

Mike hamming it up at Shannon Falls.

We did some hiking while we were up there. This is on the Brohm lake trail.

After our time in Squamish we decided to head up to Whistler for half a day or so.

I think the sign kind of sums it up.

View of the resort.

Me modeling a lovely moose hat.

Mike petting the bear statue.

It was a great vacation but boy and I glad to be home. Other items of note that happened during the trip. Mike cut his first tooth. He started being able to use restaurant high chairs and he decided that little paper ketchup cups are his favorite new toys.