You know your son is a native Southern California when you observe his reaction to a summer rain. And by "rain" I mean "mist." Hell, it was pretty much just a fog, really.
True, it was cloudy. "All done sun?" he asked in disbelief.
"No sun right now, Parker. It's cloudy and it's starting to rain. But we can still play outside," I urged him. Ultimately, I didn't want to watch anymore Pixar movies. It was barely 11:00 AM on a Saturday morning and I had already endured more Tow Mater than anyone should have to tolerate.
Parker glanced around the backyard and up at the sky. He wiped the "rain" that had collected on his arms and said, "I don't like it." He then turned around and walked back inside.
Imagine his surprise when he learns that where his grandparents live, it rains roughly once per week!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Tofino
We spent three days in the lovely town of Tofino, and I hope that at some point, we make it back. When it is a bit warmer, although I'm not sure that will be possible. And maybe when Parker is older, and he can spend some time surfing. I've always wanted to visit the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Tofino is kind of the reason we went to Vancouver in the first place. It didn't disappoint, but it wasn't as epic of a trip as I had hoped. Still, there were some awesome moments.
For example, the ferry ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo across the bottom of the Northwest Passage. Gorgeous. In fact, the ferry ride was kind of the most amazing part of our trip. I love boats. I love water. I love mountains. And I love good coffee. And the ferry ride served everything up all at once. Check out this view as we started our journey. Wouldn't mind having that house in my portfolio.
The ferry trip was only about an hour, and upon arriving in the town of Nanaimo, we picked up a rental car and started our trip across Vancouver Island to Tofino. The trip was expected to take about 3 hours, and it was right around Parker's nap time, so we expected he would sleep the entire way. Which he did, except for a break in the town of Port Alberni, which is a little fishing town near a lake in the middle of the island. There were even a couple of vineyards and wineries here, so we stopped in and did a tasting at one of them, Chase and Warren. We bought a few bottles and had a nice time hanging out with the winemaker, a retired school teacher who about breaks even on his craft wine hobby. He's actually the first winemaker we've met who spent more time talking to us about the finances of wine than his grapes, but it was an interesting tasting.
We followed the winding Pacific Rim Highway through a gorgeous canyon, passing lakes, a river, and giant trees at which we should have stopped to explore. Why didn't we? Parker was sleeping in the back, and we decided not to wake him. He's a great traveler, but the kid needs his naps. We arrived at our apartment around 4PM and quickly unloaded the car so we could explore the beach, just across the street and beyond the trees. Here is what we saw upon arrival:
Not sure any of my pictures do this place justice. It was so beautiful. Parker had an awesome time exploring the beach and picking up sea shells and seaweed. You would think this kid had never been to a beach before, but this place was really nothing like anything he's seen in Santa Monica or Malibu. (Or San Francisco, or Florida, or Portugal, actually. Holy shit, this kid has traveled so much already!!!) After a bit of wandering, we went back to our apartment and made dinner. Then we all went to sleep around 8PM. Vacation is awesome sometimes.
The next morning, the sun was out. Of course it was, since it was July 3, Jeremy and my 4th wedding anniversary. I made the boys put on their bathing suits and we headed to the beach early. Sunshine in Tofino isn't to be taken for granted. We spent several hours building sand castles, an activity I take very seriously. Yes, I jumped into the icy cold water, but not for very long. It was colder than I care to admit. The highlight of the morning was snapping the below picture of Parker. I had just taught him how make a sandcastle out of "drippies." He clearly perfected the technique rather quickly.
For dinner that night, we dined at a restaurant in town called Shelter. Sophisticated, yet relaxed. We sat on the deck, enjoyed a couple of drinks, gave Parker the iPad, and honestly couldn't believe we have been married for 4 years already. Parker had a little bit of trouble falling asleep when we got home that night. So we put him on our bed and snuggled as a family. Again, we all passed out around 8:30 PM. Not quite the romantic evening by the fire Jeremy and I had initially planned, but a pretty awesome night with the two most important people in my life.
For example, the ferry ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo across the bottom of the Northwest Passage. Gorgeous. In fact, the ferry ride was kind of the most amazing part of our trip. I love boats. I love water. I love mountains. And I love good coffee. And the ferry ride served everything up all at once. Check out this view as we started our journey. Wouldn't mind having that house in my portfolio.
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| Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver |
The ferry trip was only about an hour, and upon arriving in the town of Nanaimo, we picked up a rental car and started our trip across Vancouver Island to Tofino. The trip was expected to take about 3 hours, and it was right around Parker's nap time, so we expected he would sleep the entire way. Which he did, except for a break in the town of Port Alberni, which is a little fishing town near a lake in the middle of the island. There were even a couple of vineyards and wineries here, so we stopped in and did a tasting at one of them, Chase and Warren. We bought a few bottles and had a nice time hanging out with the winemaker, a retired school teacher who about breaks even on his craft wine hobby. He's actually the first winemaker we've met who spent more time talking to us about the finances of wine than his grapes, but it was an interesting tasting.
We followed the winding Pacific Rim Highway through a gorgeous canyon, passing lakes, a river, and giant trees at which we should have stopped to explore. Why didn't we? Parker was sleeping in the back, and we decided not to wake him. He's a great traveler, but the kid needs his naps. We arrived at our apartment around 4PM and quickly unloaded the car so we could explore the beach, just across the street and beyond the trees. Here is what we saw upon arrival:
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| Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC, Canada |
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| Parker's Great Find on Chesterman Beach |
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| Parker Demonstrates Sandcastle Sculpting Skills |
The following morning, we were again awake early. Of course we were! We have a toddler! But we also had plans to go whale watching. Neither Jeremy nor I had ever been whale watching before. I speak only for myself when I say with certainty that I will not be going again. Turns out, actually witnessing a whale breaching is incredibly rare. Which means, even seeing a whale is also not that common. Here's a shot of our one and only whale sighting:
Three hours on a boat in choppy water and in addition to the above tail we saw about 6 inches of a whale's back, right near its blowhole. Sure, we also saw the whale blow some water out of that blowhole, but I'd just like to say that I think all whale watching companies false advertise. Within 10 minutes of our ride, the guide says the only time whales breach is on National Geographic Channel. Interesting how they tell you this fact after you've paid your $175 per person and are a challenging swim in very cold water from shore.
To put me in a better mood after our "whale watching" we feasted on what are quite possibly the best tacos in the world at TacoFino. Yes, a taco truck in CANADA makes the best tacos in the world. You can doubt me, I will not be offended. Coming from California, I clearly was dubious myself. But I long for the day I return to Tofino and have another bite of my Tuna Ta-Taco. Soy. Sesame. Wakame. Ginger. Wasabe mayo. GLORIOUS.
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| Tail of Whale |
Three hours on a boat in choppy water and in addition to the above tail we saw about 6 inches of a whale's back, right near its blowhole. Sure, we also saw the whale blow some water out of that blowhole, but I'd just like to say that I think all whale watching companies false advertise. Within 10 minutes of our ride, the guide says the only time whales breach is on National Geographic Channel. Interesting how they tell you this fact after you've paid your $175 per person and are a challenging swim in very cold water from shore.
To put me in a better mood after our "whale watching" we feasted on what are quite possibly the best tacos in the world at TacoFino. Yes, a taco truck in CANADA makes the best tacos in the world. You can doubt me, I will not be offended. Coming from California, I clearly was dubious myself. But I long for the day I return to Tofino and have another bite of my Tuna Ta-Taco. Soy. Sesame. Wakame. Ginger. Wasabe mayo. GLORIOUS.
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| My Boys at TacoFino |
Tofino prides itself on being the town at "the end of the road." Its beaches are the exact opposite of what we have here in Southern California, but that's exactly what we were looking for in a family vacation this year. Until next time, Tofino. Eh?
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| Surfer at Long Beach, Tofino |
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Happy = Fire
Our little guy is talking, and he has fantastic pronunciation. That said, even when we understand him, we don't always get what he's saying. For example, tonight he pointed to the fire in our apartment in Tofino, a great little surf town on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and said, "Happy."
"What?" I asked.
"Happy." He replied. Again. I thought and said aloud, "Oh, Parker is happy! We are on vacation and Parker is having a good time, and Parker is happy. That's great."
And then he looked at me with a face that I'm sure I'll see again, especially during his teenage years. The face that seems to say, "Mama, you're an idiot." However, aloud, he started to sing, "Happy birthday, to you..."
The fire! Candles! Birthday cake. It's so cool to watch your child start to put things together.
"That's right, Parker! When we sing Happy Birthday we light candles with fire, just like in the fireplace." I smiled, shook my head, and beamed with love for this little guy.
"No touch. Hot," Parker added, as he clearly thought I needed a reminder. He's a show-off, but I love him anyway.
"What?" I asked.
"Happy." He replied. Again. I thought and said aloud, "Oh, Parker is happy! We are on vacation and Parker is having a good time, and Parker is happy. That's great."
And then he looked at me with a face that I'm sure I'll see again, especially during his teenage years. The face that seems to say, "Mama, you're an idiot." However, aloud, he started to sing, "Happy birthday, to you..."
The fire! Candles! Birthday cake. It's so cool to watch your child start to put things together.
"That's right, Parker! When we sing Happy Birthday we light candles with fire, just like in the fireplace." I smiled, shook my head, and beamed with love for this little guy.
"No touch. Hot," Parker added, as he clearly thought I needed a reminder. He's a show-off, but I love him anyway.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
We Heart Vancity
Four years ago, Jeremy and I signed a contract promising to take a trip outside the United States every year for the rest of our lives. OK, we didn't *really* sign a contract, but we take traveling very seriously in the Boltano family. (Except, of course, when we don't take it seriously and are instead overly relaxed, which means we end up missing flights, forgetting passports, etc. See #misadventure.) So with a week off from work -- thanks for the shutdown, Amgen! -- but not many hours of vacation in Nicole's bank, we needed to devise an itinerary for a quick but exciting international adventure.
Enter Vancouver, Canada: the city, yes; but also, the island.
We departed for Vancouver on Monday, June 30 straight from Glenwood Springs. A puddle jumper 25 minute flight out of Eagle / Vail regional airport to Denver, then a three hour jaunt over the Rocky Mountains and Seattle to Vancity. Raincouver. Vansterdam. Eh, let's just call it Vancouver, because it is lovely.
As soon as we landed and made our way to a taxi, we felt like we were back in San Francisco. Yes, the percent of the population that would identify itself as Asian was pushing 40%. But the sun was shining bright while the air was still a tad crisp. Restaurants lined the city streets like gyms and yoga studios cover Los Angeles. People carried fabric grocery bags and drove Priuses.
Indeed, likening much of Vancouver to our favorite City by the Bay was the theme of our time in Vancity. And it was great!
With too much to do and too little time, we began our day and a half in Vancouver admitting defeat. Really. Gone are the days when we can walk around an entire city while barhopping and not missing a single site. Not only is Parker not open to such touristing, but Jeremy and I have also realized that it's kind of fun to act like kids again. We skip the bars in order to swing on the swings or slide down a slide. We did make it out to dinner at the well-reviewed Flying Pig at around 5:30 PM. It sounded like this restaurant, a Canadian bistro, would be packed. So to avoid waiting in line, we went early. It was a wise move. Not because of lines, but because Parker was really tired, and he spent most of dinner banging his fork on the table and/or eating crayons. So after our meal, we went to bed pretty much at the same time as Parker did. The sun doesn't set until close to 10:00 PM here, so it wasn't even dark yet!
We began day two with a 3 mile walk from our place in Yaletown to Kitsilano to meet up with our friends from LA (who are from Vancouver and were also here visiting) for breakfast. Kitsilano is my favorite part of Vancouver. Felt just like the Richmond and Sea Cliff in San Francisco. After a lovely breakfast, we spent most of our day in Vancouver running (and bussing) around Stanley Park, the Golden Gate Park of Vancouver.
We began at the aquarium, but upon learning tickets were $40 per person, we diverted to the nearest playground, where Parker remained engaged and excited for approximately 15 minutes. Next, we got sucked into accepting a balloon hat from a man dressed as a Canadian Flag. (It was Canada Day, and I have to say, I think Canadians are more patriotic than Americans. Everyone was dressed in red, with maple leaf tattoos on their cheeks.) Anyway, the balloon hat making was some of the worst balloon hat making I've ever seen. I have no idea what this guy made us, but Parker cried throughout the entire interaction. Yes, even as this guy stood on his head and played "O'Canada" on a kazoo while standing upside down, Parker cried. I almost cried, too, actually...
From Mr. Canada we wandered a bit more around the park, taking a ride on the Stanley Park Train and then visiting the Lion's Gate Bridge at Prospect Point. The train ride was fun, providing some insight into the First Nations (natives) of Vancouver. Parker was deathly afraid of the person dressed as a large salmon, but when the ride ended, he asked, "Again?" And although our bus driver compared the bridge and viewing point to the Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point in San Francisco, we have to concede that it doesn't hold a match let alone a candle to anything in San Francisco.
In Gastown, I had a grapefruit beer which may have been the best beer I ever drank in my life. Parker had a great time walking around, because he kept "pretend crashing" into pretty much everything while yelling, "TRASH!" (with a T) even though he meant to yell, "CRASH!" (with a C). It's rather confusing to onlookers, but hysterical to us. From Gastown we headed over to Canada Place only to realize the last place anyone with a stroller wants to be on Canada Day is Canada Place. So we went back to Yaletown, far from the chaos of Canada Place, had dinner at Yaletown Brewery, and then went home to bed.
If it sounds like we didn't really enjoy ourselves in Vancouver, that's not true. There's a lot to see and do here, and unfortunately, we just didn't have the time to see and do it all. We didn't get to walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge or hike Grouse Mountain. And we didn't get to drive up to Whistler or out to the Okanagan wine region. We didn't even make it to the market at Granville Island (because we were told it's just like the Ferry Building in SF, but I digress). Never fear, Vancouver. As I said before, you're a LOVELY city, a place I'm sure we'll return as soon as we get Parker to strap on a backpack and/or snowboard. Thanks for a great day and a half!
Enter Vancouver, Canada: the city, yes; but also, the island.
We departed for Vancouver on Monday, June 30 straight from Glenwood Springs. A puddle jumper 25 minute flight out of Eagle / Vail regional airport to Denver, then a three hour jaunt over the Rocky Mountains and Seattle to Vancity. Raincouver. Vansterdam. Eh, let's just call it Vancouver, because it is lovely.
As soon as we landed and made our way to a taxi, we felt like we were back in San Francisco. Yes, the percent of the population that would identify itself as Asian was pushing 40%. But the sun was shining bright while the air was still a tad crisp. Restaurants lined the city streets like gyms and yoga studios cover Los Angeles. People carried fabric grocery bags and drove Priuses.
Indeed, likening much of Vancouver to our favorite City by the Bay was the theme of our time in Vancity. And it was great!
With too much to do and too little time, we began our day and a half in Vancouver admitting defeat. Really. Gone are the days when we can walk around an entire city while barhopping and not missing a single site. Not only is Parker not open to such touristing, but Jeremy and I have also realized that it's kind of fun to act like kids again. We skip the bars in order to swing on the swings or slide down a slide. We did make it out to dinner at the well-reviewed Flying Pig at around 5:30 PM. It sounded like this restaurant, a Canadian bistro, would be packed. So to avoid waiting in line, we went early. It was a wise move. Not because of lines, but because Parker was really tired, and he spent most of dinner banging his fork on the table and/or eating crayons. So after our meal, we went to bed pretty much at the same time as Parker did. The sun doesn't set until close to 10:00 PM here, so it wasn't even dark yet!
We began day two with a 3 mile walk from our place in Yaletown to Kitsilano to meet up with our friends from LA (who are from Vancouver and were also here visiting) for breakfast. Kitsilano is my favorite part of Vancouver. Felt just like the Richmond and Sea Cliff in San Francisco. After a lovely breakfast, we spent most of our day in Vancouver running (and bussing) around Stanley Park, the Golden Gate Park of Vancouver.
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| Downtown Vancouver from Kits Beach |
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| Mr. Canada |
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| Parker "No Like" the Train
After a lunch and a drink and a bit more sightseeing, we grew tired of the park and decided to walk through town back to our apartment. Robson street is known for its shopping, so we started there. Have to say, it's a lot like Union Street in San Francisco. After Robson Street, we made our way to Gastown, which felt almost exactly like Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach. I know I really shouldn't be making all of these comparisons -- I hate it when Jeremy says a place we are visiting is just like another place we visited. But it's just so TRUE for Vancouver.
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If it sounds like we didn't really enjoy ourselves in Vancouver, that's not true. There's a lot to see and do here, and unfortunately, we just didn't have the time to see and do it all. We didn't get to walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge or hike Grouse Mountain. And we didn't get to drive up to Whistler or out to the Okanagan wine region. We didn't even make it to the market at Granville Island (because we were told it's just like the Ferry Building in SF, but I digress). Never fear, Vancouver. As I said before, you're a LOVELY city, a place I'm sure we'll return as soon as we get Parker to strap on a backpack and/or snowboard. Thanks for a great day and a half!
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| Thanks, Vancity! |
Radiator Springs
For the past 60+ years, members of the Bolton and Zeshang families have taken time out of their busy lives; packed up their cars, their trucks, their Rubicons, and/or their camper trailers; and driven two hours west of Denver to a little town with a big pool filled with hot mineral water. Yep, the last weekend of June, without fail -- except if the last weekend of June also includes the first day of July, in which everything will move to the second to last weekend in June -- is the Bolton and Zeshang family and friend reunion.
It's been about 12 years since Jeremy has attended the festivities in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. But since he now has a wife and a child, he thought it was about time he introduce us to everyone. So to Colorado we traveled for many an icy cold Coors Light, hot dogs and hamburgers, to celebrate family and friends. Parker met his cousins, Kiko and Cruz, for the very first time. He also met a slew of his second cousins, as well as the lovely little Kuntz ladies. Considering how much Parker loves to play with the big kids, this trip has probably been one of the best trips of Parker's life. And he gets around, so that's telling.
The highlight of Glenwood Springs is the hot springs pool. The water is at least 100 degrees, and it tastes like sulfur. But that didn't stop Parker from wanting to jump in and out at least 49 times. He also blew bubbles, kicked his feet, and floated on his back. All without wearing any flotation devices. I can't believe how bold and courageous this little boy is in the pool -- he was even OK with going under! Here's hoping Parker grows into an incredible swimmer and earns a full ride scholarship to college!
In addition to the pool, Parker went to the amusement park with his big cousins. Although you wouldn't know it from the picture below, he had a great time.
Thanks to Papa (Bob) and Nana (Gina) Bolton for making this trip so fun. It was really great to spend time with the Bolton family for a few days. We can't wait to do it again next year!
P.S. We know Glenwood Springs isn't Radiator Springs, but when you watch Pixar's Cars as much as we do, given Parker's obsession for all things with an engine, it's just hard to not call any town that ends with "Springs" Radiator Springs. KA-CHOW!
It's been about 12 years since Jeremy has attended the festivities in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. But since he now has a wife and a child, he thought it was about time he introduce us to everyone. So to Colorado we traveled for many an icy cold Coors Light, hot dogs and hamburgers, to celebrate family and friends. Parker met his cousins, Kiko and Cruz, for the very first time. He also met a slew of his second cousins, as well as the lovely little Kuntz ladies. Considering how much Parker loves to play with the big kids, this trip has probably been one of the best trips of Parker's life. And he gets around, so that's telling.
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| Bolton and Zeshang Generation Four Reunion Attendees |
The highlight of Glenwood Springs is the hot springs pool. The water is at least 100 degrees, and it tastes like sulfur. But that didn't stop Parker from wanting to jump in and out at least 49 times. He also blew bubbles, kicked his feet, and floated on his back. All without wearing any flotation devices. I can't believe how bold and courageous this little boy is in the pool -- he was even OK with going under! Here's hoping Parker grows into an incredible swimmer and earns a full ride scholarship to college!
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| Glenwood Springs: The Spa of the Rockies |
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| Jumping to Papa |
In addition to the pool, Parker went to the amusement park with his big cousins. Although you wouldn't know it from the picture below, he had a great time.
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| Kiko (Smiling), Cruz (Spiderman), and Parker (The Pill) |
Thanks to Papa (Bob) and Nana (Gina) Bolton for making this trip so fun. It was really great to spend time with the Bolton family for a few days. We can't wait to do it again next year!
P.S. We know Glenwood Springs isn't Radiator Springs, but when you watch Pixar's Cars as much as we do, given Parker's obsession for all things with an engine, it's just hard to not call any town that ends with "Springs" Radiator Springs. KA-CHOW!
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| See you again soon, Rocky Mountains! |
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