We made a very quick pitstop at the Park Royal Family Carnival yesterday. We had plans to take family portraits that afternoon, so we didn’t have long to spend at the Carnival. We were there long enough for Aiden to win a little dolphins stuffed animal and to have two rides – first on the train, then (sort of) on the helicopter.
Although Aiden talks fondly of the train ride, he looked like he was freaking out for most of it, and he definitely freaked out in the helicopter. After 3 times around, and a little up and down, he was crying to come out. It was “too fast”, he said.
Aiden is a sensitive little guy, easily started or upset by loud noises or things he deems scary. At times, that list seems to grow to include things that he was previously ok with. He’s a tentative little guy in some ways and very brave in others. We had several conversations later that day telling Aiden how brave he was to try the ride, even if he didn’t like it.
We try to re-enforce Aiden’s willingness to try things, even if they do scare him. I’m also personally trying to be more careful in labelling him as cautious or clumsy or anything like that when he’s in listening distance – he does hear everything!!
So, we had fun at the carnival. Even though we were there only a short time, it was probably enough time given that the remainder of the rides were even faster than the 2 he tried. A little exposure is sometimes enough! We’re hoping to head to Playland this year – more options there for things that are “not scary” ;)
Despite the fact that I can barely move anymore, I decided to throw a little Easter party. I don’t consider Easter a major holiday of any kind, but it was a fun opportunity to get a little crafty. I love organizing parties of any kind!
Aiden was the perfect age this year to appreciate the fun of an Easter egg hunt. I didn’t really play up the ‘Easter bunny’ aspect, as I could care less about whether he buys into this particular mythology or not (and yet I’m sensitive about Santa?), but instead focused on making the day fun.
We made some coloured eggs the day before (BTW, the dye is not super toddler friendly), as well as some cupcakes, and on Easter we laid out various chocolates and some little toddler-friendly surprises in the courtyard. I don’t really see the point of presents on Easter (where the heck did that come from?), but I wanted some non-chocolate goodies, so we put out bubbles as well as big eggs with stickers and whistles and animals that grow from pellets. The toddlers just wanted the chocolates, of course.
While Easter did create a few moments of tension (I want a cupcake! More chocolate!), it was well worth it. Aiden loved the Easter egg hunt and has continued to be sad that we can’t do it again. Sometimes we hide things around the house now just so he can ‘hunt’ for them.
I think Aiden’s really going to get into scavenger hunts this summer!!
We took Aiden to Science World for the first time a few weeks ago. Or the Science I-See-Um (Museum), as Aiden referred to it. It was a lot for Aiden to take in, but he was determined to see it all. His attention span wasn’t that great for any one activity, but he loved interacting with several of the activities in the Eureka gallery as well as in the Kidspace.
Science World is currently showcasing the Extreme Dinosaurs exhibit – a great display of animatronic dinosaurs that’s sure to leave an impression. Indeed, it left quite an impression on Aiden. We had to quickly carry Aiden through the exhibit, as the dinosaurs were “very noisy” and a little scary for Aiden, but his sheer love of dinosaurs kept him from crying. Indeed, if you ask him about his trip to Science World, he’ll pretty much only talk about the dinosaurs.
See all our photos from the trip here.
Today we took Aiden out to Squamish to board the Polar Express 2011 run by the West Coast Railway Association. Just like the book and movie, the Polar Express invites children young and old to board a train to the North Pole. The 60 minute train ride includes some of the story over the speakers (sadly, a little too quiet), a cookie and hot chocolate (huge hit) and the singing of Christmas carols.
The train doesn’t go very far during the ride (my geek of a husband tracked it) and made stops during food delivery, but all the kids seemed quite happy with the ride they did get. If you go in the afternoon as we did, it will be getting dark just as you return.
After the train ride, you stop at the North Pole, set up inside the Roundhouse, which is a great open space featuring a few trains to look at as well. There were lots of crafts set up, a gift shop, and a little coffee shop. The line to visit Santa takes some time, but it’s worth it. A visit to Santa brings the “first gift of Christmas” – the reindeer bell. Totally awesome.
Included in the coach ticket is a lanyard with the Gold ticket, the train ride with goodies, access to the North Pole to visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus, one ride on the mini train and access to all the crafts set up on site. Though seating is first come first served, it didn’t appear to be an issue for anyone. The first class tickets, sold out for the year, also include a free collectors mug with the assigned seats.
Next year we will read the story (which we bought there) and watch the movie before the ride too, to really get into it. Even without that, Aiden had a downright fantastic afternoon. He was thrilled with every aspect, even if he didn’t want to sit on Santa’s knee. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, to tell Santa, Aiden said “apple,” then “treat,” both of which we can easily manage. He rode the mini train (huge for him), and was heard to say “Bye Bye Santa” as we left. See all our photos here.
Tips for families: Lots of people got into the spirit by wearing PJs, but do bring warm clothes to put on top. Also bring your camera, as you’re encouraged to snap your own shots with Santa (save on mall Santas?!). I was kicking myself all afternoon for forgetting our SLR. Next year!
Disclosure: We received one adult and child pass complimentary, but paid for the additional two passes.
While we were in Hawaii, we treated our Moms to a special dinner out on the Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise from Atlantis Adventures across the shores of Waikiki. The two-level boat takes you on a trip along the Honolulu and Waikiki while serving a 5-course dinner alongside some entertainment. The cruise is 2 hours, ending at 7:30, so it’s a great chance to catch the sunset – we took advantage of the setting for some nice photos, as you see.
The dinner included an appetizer (shrimp for us), salad, whole Main lobster, a meat dish (beef tenderloin for us) and dessert. The price of the cruise comes with 3 cocktail tickets and children’s meals are available (they gave Aiden a chicken dish). I was not blown away by the food, but thought the menu could use a little tweaking. In particular, I was very disappointed that their “roasted garlic mashed potatoes” were most definitely from a box – icky. The lobster was a little dry, but that’s common and I still really enjoyed mine. The beef wasn’t great – I would have preferred a steak, which was advertised on part of the website (though the menu does rotate).
The entertainment of the night included Hawaiian music and dance throughout dinner. There isn’t a huge amount of space for entertainment, but they made the best of it and Aiden loved watching the “dancing girls.” I am not a huge fan of audience participation, as I find vacation hotspots get cliche with their targeting of newlyweds and anniversaries and the such, with inevitable stunts. Then again, I know many people like that stuff.
Warning: even if you’re not prone to sea sickness, bring something just in case. We found that walking around with Aiden to keep him occupied (which was not super easy since most of the space was taken up by tables) caused a little sea sickness. They had an on-board store where we were able to get some relief.
You can follow along with my posts on Hawaii here.
