Toronto, Take One

We started the day on the double-decker tour bus. We figured it was a good way to get a good overview of what was going on. We also knew we wanted to go to several stops on the route and figured it could help us get there.

I'm not going to bore you with pictures of Toronto's architecture. I will, however, share a picture of the cutest three year old viewing Toronto's architecture. 

Speaking of architecture, we visited Casa Loma - a huge historic home built by a guy name Henry. How could we pass that up?  This is a view from the back gardens as a storm blew in. 

The kids at the front fountain. 

We found a penny press in the basement. We introduced the kids to penny presses at Niagra Falls and bought them each a penny passport. I'd seen this years ago at The Fountain of Youth and think it's a genius way to get kids cheap souvenirs. 

The storm died down about the time were ready to leave Casa Loma. We took the double-decker to our next spot of interest and spent the afternoon showing the kids all sorts of interesting things in China Town. 

The markets are fascinating with all their different foods. 

Apparently Toronto's China Town does not have a gate like Washington DC or San Francisco. They do have these little pillar thingies (that's the technical name, I promise). 

When I was getting a picture of Henry and the kids a German guy walked up and asked if we wanted a family picture. I said "Sure! We're trying to get the Chinese gates in the background." I don't think he understood for they certainly are not in the picture. At least no one's head is cut off like yesterday though. 

We ate dinner at Mother Dumplings on the recommendation of the tour guides on the bus. 

We watched them making dumplings right beside our table!

Ryan decided he liked green tea. 

We finished the night back at the hotel in the swimming pool. Anyone else doing fun stuff this week?