Niagara Falls

Because Jonathan was working out of town Niagara way . . . and because the kids had a PD day, it seemed like a really good idea to make good use of this combination and do something fun.

We decided to keep it a surprise, so I packed a big suitcase, hid it in the van and simply told them we were going to town.  Kevin had a real hankering to buy skates and he was pretty sure this was my mission too.  

Getting to town took a LONG time.  

The children were no longer happy.  Especially when I told them after driving for an hour and a half and listening to them complain about the length of the drive, that maybe I just had to pick up a chair that I found on kijiji and then we'd head back home? or maybe not!?!  

At this point they told me I should have just left them at home. 

But after a little over two hours (we encountered the first snow of the year which didn't speed up progress!) I pulled into the Hampton and as their minds worked in rapid order, firing questions, and figuring out that we were going to STAY!!!, it was all worth it.

My mom and dad did such things to us and it brought back memories. (except I don't know if they teased and held out on us quite as long).

 We pulled in right after 2pm and got right down to business!

After enjoying the pool for a couple hours, we went to McDonalds for supper and Karter tripped in the play area and smashed his nose real good.  It was a topic of conversation for the next week or so as it turned every colour and scabbed over as well.

 I don't like Karter's eyes in this picture below, but I love the joy on his face.  He was just continually happy in the pool and had a ball.

 Jonathan joined us at about 7pm and we hit the pool again.

 And one last time in the morning after a very hearty breakfast!!

 After we checked out at the last possible minute, we watched a bit of the local parade and then went to see the Falls. I think it was the first time for most of them to actually walk up to it.  We may have done a drive by with them before and we were almost tempted to stick with that this time too!  Parking in this city is ridiculous.  We finally found a spot within in our budget and not 5km away -- though it probably was over 1km away and down a big hill .. . which means it was UP a big hill on the way back. Did I mention it was not a balmy day?!

 Anyway, we were dressed appropriately and it had warmed up a bit from the day before, so we didn't freeze and we were really glad we made the trek.

 Karter liked the boat.

 Karter also likes having his picture taken . . . or not.

 The favorite spot was right where the Falls tip over.  What power!!  Although the kids saw all kinds of coinery down there, they were not too tempted to lean over the rail and make a reach for it!!

 We warmed up inside a shop before heading back to the parking spot.

And then we headed out to meet Jonathan again and we hit Ikea and Canadian Tire all together and it was a fun little getaway.  Short and sweet and well worth it in lots of different ways.  

And quite important to note . . . we made it back home just in time for the Leafs game.  Phew.  Hate to miss those deadlines! (Kevin)