Gilroy Gardens (formerly Bonfante Gardens)

Here are Sean, Trevor and Hayley in front of the Basket Tree. There are many trees in this park called Circus Trees. The trees were grown and created by Axel Erlandson. There were originally 70 Circus Trees, but only 25 are still in existence and 19 of those are here at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.

The lake in the middle of the park. The giant swans you see in the water are paddle boats.

Trevor and Hayley really wanted to go on the onion ride. They didn't get that this is Gilroy and this is GARLIC. This ride spun faster than the teacups at Disneyland, just so you know. Not for the faint of heart or spin challenged rider.

Here we are on the Apple & Worm ride. It was a giant apple that has been eaten by this caterpillar. Yet another one that goes in circles. The kids thought Mom was funny when she put her hands up during the ride, well so did the ride operator.

Hayley was the driver for our trip on the South County Backroads. She had lots of fun driving and didn't have to use the horn once.

Sean decided to let Trevor drive and proceeded to be a kid the entire ride. Sean kept asking, "are we there yet" and "how many more minutes." He also did the famous whine while saying, "I have to go to the bathroom." Trevor said Dad should drive next time.

Bumble Bee Toparies we saw on the Rainbow Garden Ride. This ride was a journey through the beautiful gardens filled with flowers, shrubbery and toparies. It was so nice, except that the car you travel in can spin non stop.

Dolphin jumping through a hoop.

A bear trying to get some water.

Hayley was so nervous for this picture because Amy let her sit on top of the railing. Once she figured out that Mom was holding her she was better and even gave a great smile.

The view of the waterfalls from the bridge. Gilroy Gardens has so many beautiful waterfalls and all created differently.

Here is Sean, Trevor and Hayley behind a Waterfall. This was nice as we all got wet passing under it. Unfortunately Sean parked the stroller just past this waterfall, but in the splash zone of the next waterfall. We didn't realize it until we were done taking this picture. It was nice for Hayley though as it was so HOT in Gilroy.

Amy and the kids checking out the back side of water. The waterfall was flowing so much that it was hard to get a good picture.

The Emblem Tree.
The tree, as well as the others are covered in white lights. It would be so amazing to see them at night.

The Almost Circle Tree.
Sean had to put the camera over the fence for this picture as this area is under renovation.

Trevor thought it was funny that Hayley was driving behind him as if she were chasing him.

Trevor was such a nice Big Brother and let Hayley be the driver of the Fire Engine.

The Spiral Staircase Tree.
There are 2 different staircase trees in Gilroy Gardens.

The Arch Tree.
The center of the arch is 9'7" tall.

The Oil Well Tree.
This tree looks different depending which side you are standing on.

Trevor and Hayley wanted to go on the Paddle Boats. So we suited up and picked partners. Trevor would ride with Amy and Hayley would be with Sean.

Trevor in and ready to go...
Now if Mom would only get in the Swan.

Sean and Hayley cruising around the lake. Hayley was too small to help paddle, but Trevor was able to help Amy. Luckily for her he could as their Swan didn't want to go to the right, just the left. Amy did not like the paddle boats.

This picture is taken on our way out of the park. You enter and exit Gilroy Gardens on the wooden bridge surrounded by cool trees.

The Sideway Rope Rectangle Tree.
This is one of 4 Circus Trees by the Entrance/Exit to the park. We did not get all the pictures of the Circus Trees, but will be back to do so in the future.