A little get-away

Last week we took a rare summer vacation. It's rare, because when you live two minutes from the beach we tend to just stick around here or do day trips around the area.

First we went to Niagara Falls where we hit an indoor waterpark, Marineland, and the Falls themselves.

When we arrived in Niagara Falls it was pouring out, so we went to the Americana waterpark. It's a great waterpark for the 10 years and under set, and the kids just loved tearing around, zooming down the slides and playing in the wave pool (which freaks me out because wave pools are just one of those things that scare me when the kids are around). Even Shannon got into the action, and after going down a few slides with me, she decided she could do it on her own - giggling the whole time!


The next day was just gorgeous so we went to Marineland. We got there right when the gates opened and spent pretty much all day there. The kids had an absolute blast! We went two years ago (when I was pregnant with Shannon) and they had a good time, but this time they absolutely LOVED it. Aidan is a rollercoaster maniac, and road everything he possibly could, including the Sky Screamer, the Dragon Mountain roller coaster, and pretty much everything else! Quinn was a ride maniac, screaming his fool head off, and loving every minute of the rides. Shannon absolutely loved, loved, loved the live shows, especially the one with the sea lions and dolphins. She was totally entranced by the dolphins and kept saying: "Hi do-phins!" "Bye do-phins!" Too cute for words!






Niagara Falls was Friday's adventure. We had another glorious day, so we set out for the Falls. After getting turned around a bit (long story - too long to go into here) we stumbled upon the Falls lookout spots at the Fallsview Casino. What an oasis in the middle of Niagara Falls! It was quiet, we could see the Falls beautifully without worrying about the kids falling into them, and the kids could run around without being schmucked by a car. Here is a picture of the boys from the lookout:


We then made our way down to the Falls themselves, and I must say - it doesn't matter how many times I see them, I still think they are just about the most amazing and breathtaking thing ever. And not to be a bit biased or patriotic or anything, but let's face facts, the Canadian Falls are waaayyyyy better then the American. Aidan decided he really wanted to go on the Maid of the Mist, and Chris had never been on it, so the boys headed down for a boat ride while the two girls (who were napping in the stroller) and I stayed under a tree and just chilled. A little serenity in the touristy hustle and bustle of the Falls.

Here are some more pictures from Friday:



I swear this is a real picture. Quinn looks a bit silly but I had to post it because the way it turned out is just so cool - it looks like the boys were digitally placed in front of the Falls:


Tomorrow I'll post on the rest of our vacation - a trip to the cottage.