Storytime for Babies

Olly and I finally made it to Storytime for Babies at Metrotown Library. It was the very last one of the season but at least we made it! There were probably 10 other moms/dads/grandparents with their little ones. We sat around in a circle with a volunteer that led us in song for about half an hour. We sang lots of nursery rhymes I did not know and we even sang in Korean and Mandarin. I was impressed.

I had so much fun I really can't wait to go in January when it starts up again and I think Olly will be at an age where he will be more interested too. The best part about the schedule is that there are two sessions one after the other so if you miss the first one due to naps or whatever you can still make it to the second one. 

The schedule for Spring 2016 is:

Tuesdays, January 19 to March 1
10:00 am and 10:45am
http://www.bpl.bc.ca/events/storytime-for-babies-at-metrotown-3

In the meantime I took a printout of the songs and we will be singing our little hearts out everyday.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is kind of in the middle of Vancouver so it's a good midpoint between my Vancouver friends and I. I've been there once before with my mom and it was really nice so I decided to meet up with Jessica and 6 month old Abigail for a walk.

Parking

There's free parking for 2 hours at Hillcrest Community Centre across the street from the park. We were going to eat at the pub in the centre but it was closed so we ended up going to Seasons in the Park instead.

Seasons in the Park

I can't believe I've never heard of the views from this place. It's amazing! I would definitely want to take out of towners here. We got to have the whole patio to ourselves. The trek to the place from Hillcrest is a bit steep but it's a nice work out.

The Park

After some yummy burgers for lunch we started to walk around the park and when I say around I literally mean on the border of. Going around in a stroller has definitely made me much more aware of the accessibility of places for people in wheelchairs. The only stroller friendly portion of the park was on the outside perimeter. We didn't see any way of going into the center where the main fauna was. It is also only wide enough for one stroller. It was really quick to do the whole thing and by then our car was pushing our 2 hour limit so we had to go back anyway.

Rating

Not so good for strollers. Would go back wearing baby instead. Seasons in the Park was a great lunch spot though! 

Deer Lake Park

Seeing as we are in Autumn now and the weather is getting cooler and rainier, I like to head outside any time there is the smallest ray of sunshine.

A friend and I decided to meet up at Deer Lake Park.

Parking

The best free parking is on the east side of the lake. It is at the end of Sperling Avenue right beside the boat rentals and swings. It's a huge lot and there are benches with a wide view of the lake for you to enjoy while you wait. It is also the start of the trail around the lake.

First time seeing ducks.

The trail is quite narrow and will not fit two strollers across so you will have to stagger them. There is a nice playground when you get to the north end of the lake which is great for older children. We ended up spending most of our time there instead of walking around the lake. 

View going back to the parking lot

Getting chilly

Rating 

It is a nice stroll for you and your baby. The trail veers off to the street sometimes so you are not always around the lake. Not good for two strollers if you want to walk and talk. Nice views of Burnaby.