Day 3 was our first non travel day, and the only day that we had set aside to explore Birmingham as a family. Also the ICWIP conference started with a welcome drink and bbq for dinner.
Thankfully Lincoln let us sleep until 9 am (with 2 wakeups, but still not bad). First stop was breakfast, after Lincoln got his breakfast. It was a pretty good breakfast for a big hotel chain, but the coffee was terrible.
Lincoln got some play time on the bed while Zach and I figured out a plan for the day
First part of the plan was stopping at the Starbucks near our hotel. It was actually in a movie theatre though so it was really strange
For the morning while Lincoln took his nap, we explored the canal system. Here is where we entered. We were able to walk maybe a few miles along various parts of the canal system although it did involve carrying the stroller up and down a few areas with steps (seems England doesn't have ADA laws like we do)
This is Gas Street Basin where they used to do shipping and other transportation around the canal. Now it is a nicely redeveloped area with lots of shops and restaurants around. Plus there are still people who have private boats that anchor them in various areas of the canal.
After leaving the canals we walked around near the library (shown above). The whole area is under construction it seems. Something called paridise birmingham that seems to have like 10 blocks ripped up.
We ran into city park on the way back to the hotel to feed Lincoln. It was well designed but seemed small especially considering how little other green area there was around.
There is some sort of art installation that involves lots of these bear statues all over town. This banker bear was outside the Deuche Bank building in Brindly Place
After feeding Lincoln and figuring out the afternoon plan, we quickly stopped at Mission Burrito for some take out burritos to eat along the canal
Next stop was a 65 min canal boat cruise. For the first half Lincoln was pretty happy to look out the window and check it out (although he did keep trying to eat the boat)
This was another boat that does a similar meal but with fancy food for lunch
Lincoln hanging out with dad checking out the sights
Old train station along the canal
And this was what Lincoln was like for the second half. Turns out we need to have the stroller available for nap time or Lincoln screams until he falls asleep on one of us
Canadian geese seem to be universal. These guys were coming toward us when we turned around at the University
After our cruise we walked around town a little then went back to the hotel for another meal for Lincoln and a nap in his crib. Finally it was time to to head out for the conference registration and dinner. We walked the canal most of the way there (about 1.5 miles)
Our stop to get off the canal path. The Unversity of Birmingham The Vale (where most of the student housing is)
Icebreaker session. Zach and Lincoln stayed with me for this one. Then there was a bbq on the lawn with free drinks. Luckily somebody had canceled so they gave Zach a free drink and meal ticket.
About 8:30 it was clear Lincoln was done so we walked back to our hotel (not along the canal this time). We enjoyed a nice sunset on the way
Back at the hotel our amazon prime package with my replacement breast pump was waiting (win for 2 hour delivery!). Tomorrow it will hopefully be put to use as the conference starts for real with sessions all day!
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