Butchart Gardens, Day 3.

Wednesday we were determined to beat the weather. We had two fantastic activities planned and figured that we should do the outdoor one first, while the weather looked nice. We drove to Butchart Gardens the scenic way, and I fell in love with every little house.

The moment we got out of the car in the parking lot, it started to rain. Fortunately there were umbrellas provided for us to use, I think that was Alex's favorite part of the entire vacation.

The gardens were beautiful. I'll admit I was a bit skeptical at the idea of paying to walk around a garden, but the pictures don't even do it justice. Once we walked through the gates we were swallowed into an entirely different world. Every step was breathtaking.

Even with the pouring rain we had a wonderful time. The flowers were gorgeous and Alex loved smelling them and running down the paths with her umbrella.

I could have taken pictures of every tree and bush, it was so picturesque.

Other than the umbrella, Alex liked the wet stairs the best.

That is until we found the carousel!!!

Of all the beautiful hand carved animals on the whole thing, she chose to ride the pig with fangs. Of course the moment the ride ended, continuing on until today, she has been begging me to go back and let her ride the pretty horsy with flowers.

We compromised by letter her ride the free version.

The weather started to turn nice and I could help but try and pose adorable Alex with her umbrella in the beautiful scenery. She soon tired of that.

We will definitely be returning.

Watching Alex was a lot of fun.

I don't think she has ever been in such a cool place.

I was constantly amazed the whole trip that these beautiful daffodils grew wild on Vancouver Island. Everywhere, like dandelions in Utah. Jealous.

The last garden we visited was the Japanese Garden.

We could have run around here all day.

With the little paths and bridges, it was hard to pry Alex away.

This might have been my favorite part of the gardens.

By the time we had finished at the gardens we were all exhausted and hungry. We drove to the Ocean Discovery center only to find it was closed, so we went home, enjoyed another great meal and slunk off to bed.

I do have to note that this is where I tried my first Nanaimo bar (wonderful delicious goodness.) And Alex chose an umbrella as her souvenir for the trip.