Spring Break Fun!

One year ago Jamie and I were sitting by a pool in Mexico soaking up the sun. Enjoying the time together. This spring break did not bring the warm Mexico sun but it did bring some opportunities for us (as a family) to go and do some fun things together.

Last week we had to head into Vancouver for dentist appointments and so we decided to go to the Aquarium afterwards. Our appointments were in the morning and we knew that it would be something for Aidan to look forward to. By the time that we got to the aquarium Jaxon had fallen asleep in the car. We gently transferred him to the stroller and off we went. Jax slept for a bit but was still able to enjoy most of our time at the aquarium.

These pictures are of us waiting to watch the Beluga Whales. The show was not great because I don't think Beluga's can do much but the boys were able to see the whales up close. Jaxon had just woken up from is nap and was completely enthralled with the whales. Everytime he saw one he would just yell, "OH" and point! It was quite cute.

After the beluga's we went down below to see the dolphins swimming under the water. I love this expression because it shows how intent he was on watching them. Aidan was interested in certain things but as soon as he had seen enough he would tell us it was time to move on....and off he would go to the next thing.

I think Aidan is going to be just like me. He will be interested up to a point and then things will just become boring. This was always so frustrating for my mom as she loved to take her time....I just had to laugh has Jaxon would just begin to notice what we were looking at and Aidan was saying it was time to go. There were certain things that could keep Aidan's attention. He loved watching the Sharks (because there was a diver in the tank with them) and the jellyfish. For whatever the reason the jellyfish were captivating.

Before we even got to the aquarium Aidan was talking about jellyfish. Not entirely sure where the jellyfish came from but he was very excited to see them. There were so many different kinds of jellyfish I don't know if he knew where to look. I love the first tank that you see when you come into the Jellyfish exhibit. Its the pictures below....

We needed to take a break from walking so we went to the kids zone where they could just play if they wanted. Both boys were into stacking the blocks....they worked pretty well together.

Aidan is learning to let Jaxon try new things even though it is hard for him sometimes. He always wants to show Jaxon how to do things when Jaxon just really wants to do it all himself. So if they can do things together....they are pretty good.

We sat for awhile and then realized that it was almost time for the dolphin show. The dolphin show was the last event of our time at the aquarium. It was perfect..the boys were so excited. Everytime the dolphins would jump in the air they both would gets big smiles on their faces or yell for us to look. Of course, we were looking but they had to make sure that we saw it.

There was no way that I was going to get these boys to turn around to smile at the camera. The dolphins were definitely more interesting. I love these shots because they show how intent they are at watching.

There were a few tears after the dolphin show when they realized we were heading home but they quickly dried their tears said their goodbyes to the dolphins. We decided to head to one of our favorite restuarants in Vancouver, Las Margaritas. We were a little nervous to take the boys but we decided to give it a shot. The boys were awesome! Aidan shared a taco platter for two with Jamie! Jaxon was content with his french fries. There were times that we needed to remind Aidan to sit still or to be speak quieter but for the most part he was great! We are continually amazed at how he is growing up. Its so fun to watch!

We also wanted to head into Seattle to go to the zoo. Jamie decided to check the weather and we realized that we should head into the zoo on Saturday. We headed out in the morning and had to wait at the border for a bit and arrived at the zoo just after noon. We had never been there before but had heard great things. It sure did not disappoint. It was a great day!

Because the weather was so amazing apparently all of Seattle decided to head to the zoo. It took us awhile to find parking and then we had to stand in a line to buy our tickets to get into the zoo. It was kind of crazy but once we were in the place was great. The first place we walked up to was a bird area. It was a place where you can sit and watch a bird show but they weren't having any shows at that time. Not sure if you can see but there is a vulcher spreading his wings in front of Aidan.

I love this picture because Aidan looks so old. He chose to wear his hat backwards all day. Jamie and I had a good laugh about that because it was something he chose to do and we have never really put his hat on backwards ever....Jamie has never really liked baseball hats on backwards so I don't think he has ever worn his like that so when Aidan decided to wear his like that he just laughed. I think it looks kind of cute :)

We thought that Jaxon would fall alseep pretty quick once we got into the zoo but he got a second wind and was good to go for awhile. He even wanted to walk everwhere. He was very excited to see the birdies. He just kept pointing and saying "birdies" I think we could have sat there for awhile and they both would have been content.

We quickly found the elephant barns...nothing exciting.....until......

we found the bronze sculpture of an elephant. It was fun to see the real life elephants but then it was even better to find a fake one to climb on....

and then of course a photo-op where there is never everyone looking all at the same time :)

When we found the monkeys Jaxon was excited. He kept saying "monkeys...oooahhahooo" They are actually looking at an orangutan but to Jaxon it was still a monkey.

The Safari section (my favorite) was when Jaxon finally bit the dust and decided he needed to fall asleep. It was sad that he missed this part because I know he would have loved to see the giraffe's and hippos but he could not keep his eyes open. Aidan loved the giraffe's but as soon as we saw the hippos we all (minus Jaxon) were quite intrigued with the hippos.

I don't think I have ever seen hippos (at a zoo) this active. There were three hippos in the water that kept swimming around and hitting these balls in the water. At one point this one hippo opened his/her mouth and started making a very loud noise. It was hilarious. The hippos were definitely a favorite.

As we were heading back to the entrance that we came in where there was a carousel I heard Aidan tell Jamie that he really liked the zoo and he had had a fun day! It was a very cute moment. Aidan definitely has his moments where he is the sweetest little boy who has great manners. For the most part he is a sweet little boy yet he also has his moments of ugliness as well. But at the zoo he was the sweet little boy.

The last thing we did at the zoo was ride the carousel. Jaxon was sleeping when we arrived at the carousel but then we realized that we needed to have cash to pay for tokens to ride the carousel. Of course, we did not have any cash so Jamie had to go hunt down a cash machine. While Jamie was gone Jaxon woke up and was super excited to ride the carousel. Jamie was hoping Jax would just keep sleeping so he wouldn't have to ride it ( he doesn't like things that go around and around).

I asked Jax what the name of his horse was and he replied "Huskies"

Aidan was thrilled to ride the carousel. This was what he wanted to do as soon as we entered the zoo but he told him we would do it at the end. He was very patient and it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

My boys!

Jaxon and all his cuteness.

He did great in the car for the long periods. We brought lots of books and he was rather content. They were playing with their hats for awhile and this is how he put his hat on.

We have decided to head up to see Heather, Matt and Kai at the end of this week so we will have another adventure to add to our Spring Break fun! It definitely has not been a Mexico vacation but we have had lots of fun and have enjoyed the special days with the boys. I know it will be hard for the boys when daddy goes back to school next week as they have truly enjoyed having their daddy ALL day.