Tucson Spring Vacation Trip '15

We recently took a short vacation down in Tucson. The first stop was Kartchner Caverns which is about an hour past Tucson. Cole is being his silly self.


Lauren and Cole fit through the holes. They could become cave explorers.


After the caves, we went back to the hotel so the kids could hit the slides and pool.


The next day we checked out the Pima Air and Space Museum.


Lauren and Cole standing in front of a MiG-29.


The kids were playing some game and started becoming more interested in that than the planes.


The next day we went to Sabino Canyon. It was the first time we had been there and we were wowed by the desert scenery which isn't easy considering we live in Phoenix.


Lauren smiling at the end of the last tram stop.


Lauren and Cole were playing by the stream passing through the canyon.


Luckily the water was just a trickle.

Ice skating

Poop or pine cone?

Cole picked this up and we were convinced it was some poop but luckily it was a pine cone that was wet.

San Diego 2014

2nd Sabbatical - Vancouver

After spending some time in Seattle, we headed up to Vancouver and Whistler. In order to not pay for international data plans, we only used wifi on our phones. This proved to be difficult since we couldn't really navigate or get in touch with each other when we split up. We survived though and saved some money. :)

2nd Sabbatical - Seattle

I finally got around to posting our sabbatical trip. Here's the first part, Seattle.

Jersey Shore

Bradley beach

Headrest?

Cole is napping on the arm rest. Perfect height for his head.

Safety first

Mermaids

Beautiful day at the Cape

Fearless @ Capilano bridge

Legoland

This year's San Diego trip included Legoland for the first time. Here Cole is earning his driver's license. The amusement park is perfect for kids age 3-8.


The kids are taking in a show in fun town.


Christy and Lauren are enjoying a nice boat ride. Luckily you can't sink.


One of the many incredible city replicas made out of legos.




After 2 days at Legoland, the kids enjoyed the beach. Here they were venturing out in the water waiting for a wave.


Both hard at work.


Next up was the USS Midway.




What's a vacation without a carousel ride.


The kids loved finding snails by Legoland.

Vacation - Top Pot

2nd Sabbatical - Vancouver, BC

The second part of our trip up to the Northwest included going up to Vancouver and Whistler. Here's a view from our hotel just south of Stanley park.


Seaplane near the convention center.


We visited the aquarium at Stanley park. It's pretty nice and even includes a nice butterfly exhibit. Here's Lauren checking out the frogs.


Finally a picture where they are both smiling. Maybe all the pictures will be this cute.


Spoke too soon.


We checked out the Capilano suspension bridge. They have a few other attractions and some short hikes that make it worthwhile.


Not sure what was going on with Cole that day. We took the gondola up to the top of Whistler.


The kids are checking out the views.


Here you can see the peak to peak gondola ride. They even have some glass bottom gondolas but we elected not to take one.


Lauren is looking for bears. I might have told her that she could spot some if she looked closely.


Some falls on our way back to Vancouver from Whistler. At least everyone is smiling. :)

2nd Sabbatical Part 1- Seattle

It's that time again, sabbatical. Every seven years, we get two months off. This year we only traveled for about 2 weeks.


On our way to the Grandparent's house the kids fell asleep. This did provide us with some nice relaxing time to just enjoy the weather and sip some drinks.


Here we checked out Snoqualmie falls on our way to Remlinger Farm.


Cole checking to see if his tongue turned color.


Lauren enjoying the horse ride at Remlinger Farms.


Cole taking his turn.


Grandpa and Cole waiting for the duck tour to start.


Grandma and Lauren's turn for a photo.


Seattle space needle


Clear view from the top of the space needle. You can see Mt Rainier in the background.


View of the pier and pike's market from our "Cruise ship" aka the commuter ferry.


Fighting fires is a serious business. We got a tour of Aunt Jill's fire station. Cole even managed to open the garage door.


Sheer joy


Someone didn't want to be photographed with Aunt Jill.


We took Lauren and Cole fishing although I don't know if you can really call it fishing. You had to keep the hook away just so you could "fish" a little bit longer.


Lauren posing with the Tiger at Point Defiance Zoo.


Why must she hold me so tight?

The start of

Seattle bound

Cole is refusing to smile.