Family Weekend in Edmonton

"If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money" - Abigail Van Buren

Interesting how that quote has seemed to ring so true for us lately.  We joked this morning at Church with a friend that we almost have so too much time on our hands now that we aren't sure what to do with ourselves.  We are home by 3:30 instead of 8:00.  We aren't living out of our vehicle (or my parents house - thanks mom and dad!) but rather living in the presence in our home; our time with our kids has greatly magnified!  

One of the "things" that Steve had commented on throughout the whole selling process was that he couldn't wait to have the "time freedom" or the "extra financial freedom" to do "staycations" as a family.  This was something that we had always chosen not to do.  Our time was filled with other obligations and well, our finances always seemed that it was being filled with other obligations as well.  We knew that our children weren't hard done by at all....after all they spend most of the summer at the lake - that's a great staycation but we looked forward to adding some extras in throughout the year as well.  

And therefore, this brought for our first staycation last weekend - we kept it a surprise from the kids and didn't tell them until the half hour before we left.  They all knew something was up because of the suitcases being packed, but they didn't know where and they didn't know what we were doing.  It was GREAT.  

We left Lloydminster, February 17 (also happened to be our 10th anniversary - yeah us!) around 5:30 and headed to Edmonton.  I let Steve pick our location for supper that night knowing full well that I'd get to pick the next day :).  Olive Garden was our first stop for a late supper - 8:00pm.  The kids slept most of the way so they were well rested and ready for the adventures that our evening would bring :)>  

Afterwards we headed to the South Common Cineplex and purchased tickets for the new LEGO BATMAN.  I'd love to tell you how that movie is.  But being the responsible adults that we are...we slept through it all (hahaha).  Keep in mind that the kids SLEPT THE WHOLE WAY TO EDMONTON and we didn't...a 10:30 movie is about the time that we as adults are shutting down our bodies ;).  If you ask the kids they will tell you that it was way better than the other Lego movie.  I'm honestly not certain on that.  

Saturday was filled with a whole bunch of fun.  We hit up the Millennium Place in Sherwood Park for swimming for a few hours in the morning.  I'd just like to put my opinion in on this place that everyone raves about :)  (just incase anyone is wondering lol).  We headed there because everyone and their grandma says its the best place ever.  And to be very honest we were very disappointed.  The first sentence from Ezra and Ryder was "where are the slides?!"  Even big kid Steve couldn't hid his disappointment.  Yet considering we could swim as a family of 5 for $25 we felt that it was better money spent than the close to $300 that West Ed would have cost us.  I will give props to Millennium Place though - they are CLEAN!  And well suited for families with children ages 4 and under most definitely.  Mckenzie enjoyed it.  The boys enjoyed it but missed the slides.  So.  There's my opinion. Don't go if your children are older :).  

After swimming, we grabbed a late lunch and then headed to Gal

axyland to spend some time.  I sent my mom the following text which I think speaks very well of our time there :) 

Galaxyland reminded me:

1.  Ryder is the best at handling a "you aren't tall enough" out of all 3 kids

2.  Ryder is also the best at stretching his body to be tall enough

3. Mckenzie will be copious amount of fun at Disneyland

4. Ryder will be copious amount of fun at Disneyland

5. Ezra is a scary cat and don't spend money on a bracelet even if he promises he will go on all the rides ;)

6. Galaxyland teaches and reinforces one of life's greatest lessons - PATIENCE.  

Overall we had a great time - it was ridiculously busy - but we made lemonade out lemons and fun was had by all.  

Learning PATIENCE

Not impressed that he was "forced" onto this ride ;)

Couldn't keep her off the rides. 

Afterwards, we headed to the Ice Castles.  Unfortunately the warm weather was playing havoc on the ice castles but I'm really glad we still went.  It was wet and slushy and areas were closed already...but it was beautiful and in a heartbeat I would go again next year. 

Sunday brought breakfast at Denny's and then off to West Edmonton Mall again.  This time for mom and dad to do some shopping (which actually turned into browsing).  Thankful for Pokemon cards to entertain them in some of the adult stores :). 

We had a great time!  We came home tired but our hearts were full from the time spent as family.  Thankful for this crew!