But food is the fuel for all the fun that's going on. We've already taken in the beach (on a very British grey day), the aquarium, the outdoor pool, the library, the Chinese gardens...I've lost track, and they only got here on Saturday. Pete is still beside himself, screaming with joy every morning when he finds out they're all still here and launching himself into their bedroom. His cousins are very generous with their patience, Nintendos, and iPads. Hannah's even entertaining the idea of moving Pete into our wardrobe permanently, "so I can be near my baby again!" Um, no.
As for the parents? Well, Scott and Katharine kindly offered to do the daily food run yesterday while I stayed in with the kids, but the ten minute walk took them over two hours! They came back with a very elaborate story of turning the wrong way out of the other store entrance, but their wide smiles and the smell of vodka and vermouth told a different story. In short, everyone's enjoying the holiday rather a lot!
Cousins together, terrorising the streets of Vancouver.
Bad weather cannot keep Brits off the beach.
I maintain cool uncle status by letting Jacob play my guitar. And just because I'm cool.
Shared interests.
Off to the aquarium!
Rebecca's wish finally comes true.
Hammonds in the tank.
More children in tanks - a brilliant idea, by the way.
Bethany and some piranhas. Piranhas are slower at stripping a cow to its bones.
Uncle David babysitting, with a little help from childcare guru W. Disney.
Remember the giant Ferrero Rocher? Well, today it was a mac'n'cheese tent that you could go inside. Even stranger.
Scott has a rest on Kraft Dinner-themed linen.
Pete and a mac'n'cheese bean bag!
This is all a bit difficult to explain...
...but Kevin the talking horse got you to "pay" for goodies with "fun". I won Hannah a pair of earrings. Shaped like macaroni.
Actually tasting the stuff? Not so impressive.
From the ridiculous to the sublime: the beautiful classical Chinese garden in the centre of Vancouver.
We did a guided tour. The layout is all about symbolism, balance, attracting good fortune, and repelling evil spirits.
Unfortunately the repelling evil spirits bit is lacking.
This calligraphy reads: "Whoever sits on this bench is certain to rule the world. So look out." Yep.
Katharine and Scott enjoy the balance and tranquility, two things they're not used to.
Entrance to a hobbit hole.
Sisters enjoying some of the good stuff.
I like eating out. Someone else cleans up.
