Alaska or Bust - Day 9 & 10

Day 9 & 10 – Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)… Weekend Stay!

There is nothing like sleeping in when you have been traveling approximately 2,500 miles around North America. Make no mistake about it, in our family “sleeping in” means until about 6:30 AM. No complaints here… all my munchkins slept well and we didn’t have to shuffle everyone into the truck each morning. Amen!

Friday morning we decided to check out what all the hype about West Edmonton Mall was about. I mean really… how different was this mall (the largest in all of North America) compared to any other mall? Ha. Let me say that again more clearly. HA-HA-HA. When the entrances to this mall are marked by what Avenue you park at, one of 8 entrances and then broken down by what phase within that entrance… you know this is a big A$$ mall.

We decided to venture to the Deep Sea Adventures and the Sea Life Caverns (which is like a mini aquarium). We got to see a Sea Lion show, touch stingrays and watch big Sea Turtles. Of course those were just the highlights… it was certainly worth it to see the kids’ face light up and enjoy themselves today. We have also enjoyed the indoor pool here (baby pool that has a mushroom waterfall, big pool which is a bit chilly for us Floridians but we still swam in it, and finally a hot tub which is a definite kid favorite).

For dinner both Thursday and Friday night we have eaten at the same restaurant because it was soooooooo good. Believe it or not, Brian and I both thoroughly (lip smack’in and finger lick’in good) enjoyed Bison meatloaf, Bison roast and Bison burger. Those of you who are familiar… Bison is Buffalo. So good.

Saturday morning was another gorgeous day and the morning was spent at the Edmonton Zoo. What a perfect day for it… sunny skies and the temperature in the upper 70s. We started in sweatshirts and then shed them down to our short sleeves. Although the Zoo wasn’t huge and is undergoing some expansion, it was just the right size for our 3 little ones to enjoy. Matter of fact, 2 out of the 3 of them crashed out in the truck on the way back to the hotel for naptime. Score!

The weekend has definitely been a needed rest.  We have all enjoyed and needed it tremendously.  Tomorrow morning begins the last 6 days of driving that starts with another truck load up and an early morning rise.  I consider the kids experienced travelers at this point and so very proud that they have not only done as well as they have but made it pretty entertaining as well (at least part of the time... other times I wanted to pull my hair out but that is not something I want to focus on). 

Day 9 & 10 = NO MILES (only in town driving)
Total trip = 2,425 miles