WEM with Grandpa

 My Dad came to visit from Ontario. The only place he wanted to be sure to see while here was the West Edmonton Mall. After all that is what is famous about this city. So we made sure to take him there. 

 We split on getting a day pass for Austyn and Zoe. Zoe's pass was cheaper and one of us could go on the rides that required a chaperon for free. We took turns going with her.

 It was a long but nice day at the mall. The kids had never had a day pass there before and it seemed well worth it.

 Because it was a school day we could go on the fun rides over and over.

 If there were lines they were short. Some of the employees ran two rides so there was sometimes a bit of a delay. 

 It was nice to see them go on rides on their own with no adults.

 It was also nice to see them go on rides with Grandpa. What a treat to have him as a visitor.

The go carts were the last stop before some ice cream and a car ride home.

Beautiful Spring Day at the Park... In The Wet Snow!!!

 The last few days have been warm and the weekend will bring more snow. We are witnessing a spring thaw. We walked to one of the parks near our apartment. 

 Getting over the snow piles to get across the street was a challenge. Once in the park walking became difficult. The snow was almost to the top of the garbage can. It hasn't snowed much the last few times that it did snow.  This is accumulation from the huge amount of snow that has fallen here all winter. Locals assure us that this wasn't a normal winter. 

 As we walked on, the kids were able (for the most part) to walk on top of the snow, but I wasn't as lucky. I had knee high boots and with just about each step my feet fell through the snow past my boots. It was very wet (like slush) and my boots were soaked through in no time, so I couldn't play much with the kids. Here is the park bench I sat on. I had to sit on the back rest.

 It was nice to get out to the park. When I asked the kids if they wanted to go to the park they said, "There's a park?" There are actually two playgrounds that I know of and I chose this one to try on this day. 

We couldn't stay too long, and we all left with wet pants, socks, and boots, but it was worth it. I hope to get to the park again while the weather is warmer and before more snow comes.

I didn't get pictures of the kids who came to the park but they met new friends and we have kept in touch.

Telus World of Science - Friends

 After Lego Club we went to the Telus World of Science with friends. 

 After talking to the Robot who welcomes the kids they stepped back so she could show them how her fighter jet moves.

 After grabbing a snack we caught up with our friends in the presentation room. Here they are reading the label of a CocaCola can to figure out how to make pop.

 They are now learning how to get the fizz into the drink with dry ice.

 They went through a crime scene and collected some clues.

 They learned about other ways to investigate crime scenes. Zoe is dusting for prints. Austyn and his new friend are checking out DNA identification.

 This is a meteorite. They are trying to lift it.

 Zoe is playing a planet game.

 Austyn and his friend are figuring out how to control the mars rover.

 Austyn and one of his friends are figuring out how to fuel a rocket and then blast it off.

Time to goof-off while waiting for another presentation before heading home.

West Edmonton Mall - Take Two

 We ventured out to the mall again with relatives who are visiting. Austyn wanted to go right away and see if the Fire Breathing Dragon was working yet. It still isn't breathing fire. I hope they fix it while we are here so we can see it blow fire.

 Last time we were at the mall we saw an underground aquarium (I think that is what it is) by the seal show that we could pay to see, so we thought that was our only aquarium viewing. While walking around the mall this time, we found some large aquariums in the main areas to walk up to and view. I was amazed by this fish and how easy it was to get pictures of it.

 Here is opened it's fins and was posing for me.

 This is an angel fish.

 I think this is a parrot fish. I remember from my visit to Grand Cayman Islands.

 This is a big anemone stuck the side of the glass.

 The kids liked getting up close. They have always loved watching fish on our travels.

 Here is the zamboni clearing off the ice. 

Of course we had to visit the big play area again. It's 4 stories high and the kids just love it.