Victoria Canada

So, we have a kid. It happened.  Our life of travelling the world is over... or NOT!  

This Thanksgiving we decided to hit up the Great White North. 

We were luckily able to take our nephew Hayden with us! We woke up early and took a ferry from Seattle to Victoria.  We got a great view of the San Juan Islands. 

Harper enjoyed checking out the gorgeous islands, even if she didn't care for the cold.

Once we made it to Vancouver Island, which houses the city of Victoria, we went to Goldstream Provincial Park.

This is a stream in which thousands of salmon come up to lay their eggs and then die.  Yes those are all fish!

The good looking crew!

We stopped for lunch and their was a little mini mart.  I went in and start searching.  After a few minutes the cashier finally asked me what I was looking for.  That is when I found the mythical, magical KINDER BEUNO'S! Harper was very pleased. 

Hayden and Brent sharing some Poutine.  They decided it was good not great.

Next we visited Hatley Castle. 

It was really pretty but is now being used on a college campus. Back in WWII the Queen of Egland was suppose to come to the Hatley Castle but then decided to remain in England. 

The best part of having a kid is now we can't make her do things that we aren't suppose to and we will never get yelled at to much!  We told Hayden to ride the lion but he refused, Harper couldn't resist!

Part of the castle was gated off, but everyone was out to lunch. Obviously, we had to sneak in.  Good thing we did because it was like our own secret garden!

After the Castle, we went to a Fort Rodhill, which housed two bunkers with cannons and arms to protect the Canadian Border. This was in one of the bunkers.  It is pointed toward the ocean so it is a GORGEOUS VIEW!

Man we embarrassed Hayden way to much! He may never talk to us again!

To get to the cannon you had to climb these amazing circle stairs.

This is the view that we got to see!

This is where the bullets and cannon were stored.  They had it opened with fake shells in the different rooms. 

After the fort, we went to the State Parliament Building.  Can you say totem poles?  They are EVERYWHERE!  I am sure it is because of the Native American Presence in that part of the country.

The Parliament building was very cool.  I love taking the tours, and we had a tour guide to ourselves!   We learned that the Queen of England is kinda like a CEO, because she is the Queen of England, Canada and 17 other countries, but none of those countries are associated.  It is like she is the CEO of 19 different companies.  We also learned that the Vancouver Crest always has the sun setting below the British flag, because the sun never sets on the British empire!  Don't you love learning?!

This building was suppose to cost $500,000 when it was built and only went over budget by $421,000. I think it was totally worth it!

Brent being crazy and Hayden being present!

Harper with her favorite cow!  Thanks cousin Landon.

After a little history is was time to hit the pier with mini houses. 

A whole little row of mini house boats!  They were seriously adorable.  I wish I could have toured one.

Brent almost fell in... it would have only been typical if he had!

When I said mini, I meant mini!  Please note I told Hayden to do this pose... he chose not to.

Exploring the city.

Brent and Hayden playing on some logs.

Of course we had to stop by a cemetery and pick out headstones!

Brent being pretty disrespectful.

This cemetery overlooked the ocean.  It was gorgeous!

Harper couldn't help but be upside-down whenever she could.  I think Hayden was pretty exhausted by this point.

Love this man!

Outside China Town!  The missionaries approached us after and we had to break their hearts by telling them we are LDS!

It was a really long day. I think I still prefer travelling further abroad but it was a GREAT first day in Canada!

Bryce Canyon

Every time we drive to Utah, Brent and I always agree that we need to make pit stops on the way home to explore some of the places we have never been.  Three years we have been making the drive and in three years we have never made pit stops... UNTIL NOW!  Instead of making the normal drive home we decided to take a detour through Bryce Canyon. 

I am not a huge fan of the desert landscape so I just had to find joy in the journey. Our first stop was nice, but still a desert.

I think Harper was on my side.  She didn't seem super impressed.

Bryce Canyon consists of a lot of view points from the top of the canyon.

Harper and Dad!

Brent is such an amazing Dad.  I mean seriously, he absolutely adores this little girl.  He has pretty good reason to as well. 

At some point Harper and I had to hide from all the wildlife... that doesn't exist in the desert.

At the second or third viewpoint it was time to strap on the ergo.  

This raven was MASSIVE and just chilled as we took pictures and studied it. Brent edited a close up and it looks amazing.

Harper took a small small small nap.

One thing I love about exploring is you meet the coolest people.  Everyone there was willing to swap picture taking so we could have some family shots.

This was suppose to be in the background.  It is a natural arch. 

Brent always being the explorer!

As stated, I am not really one for the desert, but this view was INCREDIBLE!  That is a real ledge with a real fall.  Brent took the picture but then told me to get back since I did have his baby with me. 

That right there is Thors Hammer.  Can't you see Chris Hemsworth coming down and using that Hammer to battle interplanetary demons?!   

At our last stop there was a hike that was only 1.2 miles.  Brent and I thought that it would be a 20-30 minute jaunt, then we would be on our way home.  We were wrong.

It was a really pretty hike but almost straight downhill and then straight uphill.  Needless to say, our estimation was WRONG!

I love how Harper just barely pokes out.

Told you it was pretty. 

The flat parts were really relaxing and peaceful.

It is never to early to teach children about geological make up!

I LOVE these two people!

Daddy being silly.

Family picture!

As I mentioned, we totally underestimated the time it would take to do the hike.  Since it took over and hour to complete, Harper was super hungry, tried and not thrilled with her parents. (I realize the blue binki makes life confusing but it is just so so so cute!)

It was a great pit stop.  We spent 4 hours in the park and enjoyed spending time together and seeing something new.  The main part of the canyon was really the most impressive.  The hike was long and wearing Harper was hot but it was totally worth it!

We drove through Zions on the way home and I am totally ready to do a whole weekend exploring that terrain!