Vancouver, BC

After a few days of hanging out with Apryle and Hollye at home we planned a trip to Canada so they could experience a different country and we could explore a new city. Chad and I have been to Victoria, BC before but never Vancouver and I have to admit we weren't that impressed with it. It was very interesting driving through the boarder crossing though which was a first for us. I was sure they would pull us over and strip search us but it ended up being really easy and quick. We got lucky I hear but hey, I'll take it. I ended up pissed because our passports didn't get stamped; apparently they rarely do that anymore and you have to request it. Chad and the girls were terrified of the boarder crossing agent though and I didn't realize I didn't get a stamp until it was too late. During that same time Chad was speeding across the boarder and we missed the big Welcome to Canada sign so no pictures were taken. Once we realized this we spent the rest of the trip trying to find a damn sign with CANADA on it and we found nothing. Please enjoy the stop sign we found with Vancouver on it instead.

 

We stayed at a the Best Western Plus Sands right by Stanley Park and I really enjoyed the hotel. It was older and the elevators were terrifying but overall I'd give it a B. I didn't realize how many transits were in Vancouver until we started walking around but there are a lot and it's very sad. At one point we walked passed a guy that was sitting on the ground and slumped over unconscious with a half eaten egg mcmuffin in his hand. Ape and Holls were acting a little terrified and all I could think about was Cory Monteith and that he was probably high on heroin. We ended up walking back by an hour or so later and he had finished his egg mcmuffin and he was alert so that was at least comforting.

 

After walking around for a little bit we realized there was nothing but bars and food around and so like any normal adults we decided it was time to have the first Knight family bar crawl. Hollye is 20 so in the USA she can go off to war to die but not drink a beer in a bar BUT in good ole Canada she can get drunk with the rest of us! We started out at The Three Brits and that is also where we introduced them to Poutine. They were scared, curious, and disgusted at first but then they fell in love with those french fries covered in bacon gravey and cheese curds. Doesn't everyone?!

 

Hollyes first legal drink!

 

I didn't bring my camera with me so I don't have many photos from that afternoon/night but after Three Brits we went to the Cactus Club and we discovered the most Delicious drink in the world.

 

The Dirty Vegas: 

 

 

 They were FANTASTIC and we have now purchased a muddler and bar supplies to recreate these at home. Later that night we stumbled upon an art instillation and the amount of fun that was had can only be described as ridiculous. The next day we went back to take pictures with my camera in the daylight and we actually figured out what they were there for.  

 

Oh and laugh we did.

This was an attempt to recreate a scene from the night before. Hollye was a little "extra" and it was absolutely hilarious. God, I love her.

 

 

I had so many favorites it was hard to choose but we all agreed these were way more fun at night after a few drinks and with less onlookers. I just love art and these guys were defiantly my favorite part of Vancouver.

 

The rest of the trip was filled with pizza, fireball, cupcakes that I didn't even take a picture of that were absolutely GLORIOUS, and trying to find souvenirs. There were NONE. It was stupid. We were angry. (Still are) We came back to the good ole USA the next day and proceeded to buy the biggest bag of Cheetos I have ever seen. More on that later.

 

 

 

 

Seattle with the Sisters

Right after Christmas two really pretty visitors came to stay with us for a week. It was basically the first time I had ever spent an extended amount of time with Chads sisters Apryle and Hollye and I simply cannot express how fun it was. They are crazy, fun, exercised obsessed, adventurous, drunks,(JUST KIDDING) and laid back. These are my kinda people. During the week long trip we went shopping several times, went bowling, took a trip to Canada, explored downtown Seattle, and ate a lot of cupcakes.

 

Here are a few pictures from our downtown Seattle adventure:

Apryle & Hollye

After we finished with the market they decided that they would brave drug ally as I call it and venture over to check out the view. I call the grassy area drug ally because when you walk across the street to see the view you will see a grassy area where tons of transits hang out and as you walk by you will hear, "Hey, you looking for something?" In case you didn't know... they are talking about drugs. I wish we could have gone downtown on a Sunny day but alas we just enjoyed the typical Seattle rainy weather.

 

Then we showed them my favorite part of downtown. The Gum Wall. I can't really explain why I love this area so much but I just do. It probably has to do with the scent of double bubble wafting through the air and ALL THE PRETTY COLORS!

 

  

It took all the restraint and love in my heart not to push their heads into the gum.

They were pleased I had such self control. 

 

 

 

It was a fantastic day. Next up CANADA where we introduced them to poutine and Hollye had her first legal drink in a bar! She's only 20 but in Canada you only have to be 19. Now, THAT was a fun day/night.

 

PS. I miss you two! Come back RIGHT NOW.