Travel to Victoria! Butterflies!

Today we made the trip from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and eventually to Victoria!  That started with a ferry trip!  We had a couple of options and opted for the longer ferry trip but the shorter drive.  It also was a route that would take us by something we wanted to see so it made sense.  This boat had a cool observation area on top and in front where we could sit.  It was a beautiful day so we enjoyed the view as we made the trip.  There were a LOT of cars and buses and big rigs on the ferry so it gives you an idea of the size.  And it did not rock in the water.  

Out of the enclosed area it was very windy!  

Can you tell how windy it is on the other side of the glass?

Very peaceful views!  We thought for a bit it would be nice to live on the shore to see this view often, but if there was a smaller boat close the ferry would blow the horn and needless to say you don't want to hear that!  Wow!  

We made our way to the Butterfly Garden!  I have plenty of photos but will try to leave only the highlights here!  The do warn you the butterflies may land on you and to watch your step because they do seem to be everywhere!  

Oh, and they had a few birds!

And they had labels at locations for where you could see caterpillars.  Here is one of the more unusual ones!

I was never able to get a photo of the inside of these wings but they were a beautiful blue that you can just see peeking out!

Note - it was VERY hot and humid in there!  Whew!  Lots of cold water would have been good to bring with us!  

After checking in and having dinner, we went for a short walk and saw this fun mural!  

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge!

Today we were off to Lynn Canyon Park!  Which also has a cool suspension bridge.  

They had lots of signs which were a bit alarming but also a little funny.  

They didn't have signs about not standing on logs but I made sure Olivier didn't jump!  No broken bones please!

There was a beautiful area with pools of water.

Oh, and there were a lot of stairs!  It was rather amazing how much work they have put into the park and the many many stairs which made climbing up a bit easier.  

There was this at the top of one staircase which made for a great photo spot!  Crazy that Mason could stand and still reach!

Olivier was close but just not quite flat footed. 

And Matt for comparison - feet not touching!

More warnings!

You can see some of the many steps and paths they have made!

And the falls!

After having lunch we went to Queen Elizabeth Park!  It has beautiful views!  

There was also a very nice little conservatory at the park that we enjoyed.  They had some really cool plants!

And birds (behind the kids, ha ha!).

And lots of fancy gardens outside!

We think these are the biggest leaves we have ever seen!

Nice day enjoying the sites!  Tomorrow we are off to Victoria on Vancouver Island!

Travel to Vancouver!

Today was our travel day from LA to Vancouver!  Thankfully it went smoothly, helped by the fact that it wasn't a super early flight, the flight is short, and we had no connections. We got the rental car, made our way to our hotel, and headed out to get some dinner.  Along the way we went by this yarn shop and I had to take Anna's photo!

It is nice to have a good start to the trip!

Volleyball tournament!

Over the last few days, Mason and Matt have been at a volleyball tournament at the LA Convention Center.  With the political unrest due to ICE activity, the convention center and their hotel are in a curfew zone.  Thankfully it didn't impact them other than a focus on not going out for social activities and being aware.  

Now to how the volleyball went!  On Friday, the team finished first in their pool!  They played well and really showed up!  And with a few more players than the last tournament back in January, they had more rotation.  

And during the day Mason had this nice ace!

A nice serve and score!

And a nice rally!

On Saturday they won their first two games but lost the third.  And that moved them up to the gold bracket for the first time!  Wa hoo!   

Here is a nice play!

Although they lost on Sunday and since it was the elimination day they were out, they still finished #9 out of 65!  Way to go!  That is great work!  We are very proud of you! 

Best Wishes to Lina!

Today we spent the day celebrating our niece Lina!  Can't believe the first of the group has now graduated high school!  We are very excited for her and look forward to what the future has in store!  

Here she is on the way to the stage.

And after!  So many emotions!

Congratulations Lina!