Countdown to Spring Break 2012

There is much excitement around here at the moment.  The countdown is on and as the kids reminded me this morning, only 3 more sleeps before we head out to LA/Anaheim.

This will be the kids’ first trip to California.  Steph and I were there eons ago back in 1994.   I am sure that much has changed since then.  We are mainly going for Disneyland but plan on visiting LA / Hollywood and the beach as well.  I think that Naomi is the perfect age right now as she is still into princesses and all the movies.  I have made reservations at Ariel’s Grotto and I’m looking forward to watching her experience everything (she was only 2 years old last time).  If anyone has suggestions, I am all ears.  Heh.

The planning has been much different from when we go to WDW where we stay onsite, take the shuttles, dine in the WDW restaurants, etc.. (there is always some sort of deal happening like free dining plan, hotel discounts, park ticket discounts …).  This trip is less inclusive but also we have more freedom.  I am curious to see how this Disneyland experience will compare to what we are used to at WDW. 

I’ll leave you with this photo that popped up when I did a Google search on “what to wear to Disneyland in March”

This is how people dressed for Disneyland in March in the 1950s.  Source

Quebec City

While we were in in Levis for the hockey tournament, it was also Carnaval in Quebec City.  There were all sorts of activities happening.  First we decided to try the luge.

The entire course was made of ice.  It was a fast and furious ride but the kids loved it.

snow sculptures …

Then we tried the donut sleds …

an equally fast but less bumpy ride …

ice castle all made out of ice blocks …

This is the mascot … bonhomme Carnaval

We found a great spaghetti place … yummy and warm

rosy cheeks all around …

The lovely walk back to the hotel …

Those are the parliament buildings in the background

That is an outdoor skating area down from our hotel – we never did get around to trying it but it looked so pretty all lit up.

Ferry from Levis to Quebec

   

Here are some pictures we took on the ferry boat from Levis, QC to Quebec (city), QC while we were at the hockey tournament.  Brrrr …

Hockey tournament in Levis, Quebec

Here are a couple of pictures taken at the hockey tournament in Levis, QC.  Francis’ team, the Atom BB Tigers did really well and the kids had a blast.  Perhaps it is not evident from my blog posts, but Francis lives to play hockey.  He is on the ice 5-7 days a week and some days he has 2 practices on the same day.  With his school program he is at the arena at 7am 3 times a week plus he is on an inter-city team with 3 practices a week + 1-2 games and he also does specialized goalie training.  At only 11 years old he is truly a dedicated athlete and hockey is a huge part of his everyday life.

 

GO TIGERS!