The plan was to head into the city on Saturday...
if the weather would co-operate.
In the end we decided to ignore the weather and went despite the rain.
My brother Bill had not done any sightseeing in Vancouver since Expo 86...
and his family had never toured the city.
We rode the Skytrain from Surrey to the waterfront...
...and by the time we arrived the rain had let up.
We walked the deck at Canada Place...
...where Jessica and Andrew posed for some good all-Canadian souvenir pictures.
From there it was off to Gastown...
with its old-fashioned steam clock
...and a statue of Gassy Jack after whom the area was named.
The skinny building on a triangular lot is an historic landmark.
Called Hotel Europe...
it was built in 1908.
We had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory...
the first of the chain to open in Canada...
right at this location in 1970.
right at this location in 1970.
On the street nearby...
we took in a free outdoor bag-pipe concert.
I'm sure it had a lot to do with St. Patrick's Day.
From there...
we strolled to China Town...
we strolled to China Town...
a popular tourist destination.
We could have been back in China...
judging by the merchandise for sale and the language spoken.
But then again...
the streets looked rather deserted compared to those of Shanghai.
Maybe going to the city on a damp and dreary day was a good idea!
Most people chose to stay at home.
Most people chose to stay at home.
When the skies cleared just a little...
we decided to ride the sea bus across the harbour before leaving the city.
It was a good way to see the skyscape of Vancouver.
In the evening we all met up at my sister's for a BBQ...
cousins, uncles, aunts...
and anyone else connected to the clan.
My grandgirlies found spots at the table right next to Andrew...
my nephew from Iowa.
my nephew from Iowa.
They took a liking to him!
Maggie plans to marry him one day...
so she confided to her mommy.
Family reunions are where cousins and second cousins become friends...
Family reunions are where cousins and second cousins become friends...
...and older cousins watch out for wee ones.
Thanks, Emme!
And the teeniest one of the clan...
gets passed from lap to lap!
My niece, Lauren had a wee baby boy two weeks ago.
We ended the weekend...
with a baby shower for little Lennon Joseph.
And that was the 'weekend that was'....
of family getting together...
of family getting together...
in the city and the country...
around one table or another.
It was all good!
It was all good!
You sure do know how to show your guests a good time. The day of exploring Vancouver looks like such fun. It looks like such an interesting city.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that the cousins could spend time getting to know one another better. So sweet how Maggie has picked out her future husband. Who could blame her as he is a nice looking young man. The picture of the grandgirlies with him is so cute!
I couldn't help but wonder how Gassy Jack got his name or maybe I shouldn't ask :).
All those places in Downtown Vancouver are familiar to me and I want to go back there this summer. Riding the skytrain would be fun and we wouldn't have to worry about parking the car. It sure looks like you had a wonderful family time visiting around with everyone. Blessings. Pam
ReplyDeleteNow there is a tour group I'd love to have been a part of...thank you for sharing these great photos and your lovely guests!!!
ReplyDeleteSandi
Touring Vancouver is always a great idea. I think your guests probably loved it. To finish off with an extended family get together is just the best. Love that tiny wee baby boy.
ReplyDeleteToo bad to miss the sun and the green trees ... but still, it's always a treat to be tourists at home with family coming to visit. So cute how the little girls admire their older second cousin/uncle.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a super fun and blessed family weekend! Times like these are so special when cousins and second cousins get to know each other!
ReplyDeleteI'm taking notes here as we are planning a quick visit to your city in June (last time we were there was in 1975!!!). Thanks for the orientation!
Despite the rain, you all packed in a good number of activities...and I can just imagine you being the tour guide in Vancouver, showing them all the wonderful places. I loved the ending of your post...how cousins and second cousins all come together just feeling so blessed by their family time together. Lauren looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you didn't allow any rain to slow you down! What a great family! Ranen's expression cracks me up. Yup. She might be smitten. :D
ReplyDeleteWish you could see me smile...thanks for the just before bedtime moment of sweetness.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a better way to spend a rainy day. Even with that type of weather, your pictures are so interesting. I love the one of your grandddaughters sitting with your nephew, and her sweet littl comment. The smile on Lauren's face, holding her precious son, says so much. Sure did enjoy this post.
ReplyDeleteA busy family packed weekend. I love the photo of the girls with Andrew! It's great to keep in touch with cousins.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful visit. Lots of beautiful children....from the tiniest to the oldest!
ReplyDeleteWhen I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox
ReplyDeleteand now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with
the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from
that service? Bless you!
Take a look at my blog post: analog digital watch seiko
That sounds like a great sort of weekend. I love the photos of the cousins together - they reminded me of being a child and my happiness whenever we got together with our cousins 'ready-made friends'!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful family mini reunion despite the overcast weather. Ranen does look smitten with her handsome cousin from Iowa! Congratulations to your niece on the birth of her beautiful baby boy! I like his name --very distinguished.
ReplyDelete