During our Christmas break, we escaped for 3 days to Victoria, BC to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. Here's some of the highlights of the trip: 10. A view of the Victoria Provincial Capital Building at lit up with Christmas lights at night
But it looks just as magnificent during the day.
The biggest Christmas tree ever!
9. Odgen Pointe Pier - We started along the halfmile break water pier, but we were caught in a terenchial downpour. We didn't feel like getting drenched in the waves splashing over the walkway and covering us w/water - so we turned around and came back the next day. The view was breathtaking as the sun came up over the water.
I questioned this persons' sanity.
The cheesiest photo ever!
At the end, it's beautiful! On a clear day, you can see across the harbor
and get a climpse of Olympia Mountains in Washington.
8. Castle - Over 100 year ago, the richest man in Victoria constructed a castle. We tried to take a tour the first night, but got there an hour too late and they were closed. Ugh. But alas, we tried again the next day, and as we started taking pics, our camera died. And the worse part - the charger was in Seattle. So sorry folks, all the other photos were "borrowed".
At night...
During the day...
The spiral staircase went up 5 stories
I loved the Christmas decore
Where's Tanner when you need him?
7. After walking 5+ miles the first day, we decided to rent a car the next. Plus, it was raining. We drove around some of the countryside, stopping along the piers and parks along the way. 
Anthony ran a red light w/Canadian police officer right behind us. 5 minutes earlier we were wondering how traffice tickets in foreign countries worked, but luckily, we didn't have to find out.
Anthony ran a red light w/Canadian police officer right behind us. 5 minutes earlier we were wondering how traffice tickets in foreign countries worked, but luckily, we didn't have to find out.
6. Buchart Gardens are quite possibly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It seemed like you were stepping foot into a whole new world as you entered these world renowned gardens. And for the Christmas season, they decorated it with a million different Christmas lights, had live Carolers signing, and an ice skating rink. We didn't let the rain stop us - and it was well worth the trip. Afterwards, we sipped on hot apple cider and gingerbread cookies.
Sunken Garden - By far, the most breathtaking site!! Really, you just had to be there.
This picture doesn't do justice! There was a little pond surrounded by these towering pine trees.
It was so serene!
5. Beacon Hill Park is like the Central Park of Victoria. Here we saw peacon roaming around and 100s of mallards swimming in the ponds.
I loved the huge willow trees sweaping over the water!
There's 5 or so little ponds - usually filled with hundreds of mallards and other ducks.
Peacocks rule the park
4. The amazing views of the harbor.
3. FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD. It was all amazing! The seafood was terrific - and I'm not usually a huge fan. But the fish n chips, salmon, and west coast clam chowder - bring it on and I can't stop.
We also found our favorite bakery shop and every morning enjoyed homemade scones, danishes, cinnamon rolls, etc. I could go on FOREVER!
There were also coffee shops are on every corner, quite literally. We enjoyed time relazing and sitting next to a fire sipping on hot cocoa, cider, steamers.
One of my favorite restuarants. It was an old building that had been restored on the inside. Just look at the chandeleirs.
Chinatown had some little markets we got some goodies and then some killer chinese food.
Seriously, what doesn't this city have to offer? We even found Kinder eggs for Tanner! These stopped selling them in US -something about no warning label for children under 3.
Shopping in downtown Victoria. The architecture throughout the city reminded me of New England States on the East Coast. There were 100s of cool buildings, just like this one.
2. Time away. Tanner stayed behind with Nanny & Greandpop. While it was hard leaving him behind, it was womderful to spend time as a couple together away.
But Tanner didn't miss out on all the fun. My parents took him to Chuck e Cheesies and had lots of playtime together. As a kid, I would have a had to do some serious begging to get that kind of treatment. But my dad sent a pic everyday so we knew he see how much fun he was having w/o us :) Thanks for taking such good care of him!!
1. It's an anniversary trip, I'll leave the rest to your imagination!
A view of our hotel from across the harbor
