Oops!

I forgot to include pictures of the actual falls :)
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Canadian Falls - Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls

We went to Niagara Falls this week. We stayed on the Canadian side and had a great time! They have soooooo much to do for kids... it's ridiculous! We did all the standard attractions: Maid of the Mist boat ride into the Horseshoe Falls, Journey Behind the Falls, and Cave of the Winds. We also did an indoor waterpark, Bird Kingdom, Power Plant (for Brad, but we all ended up having fun!), Fun House...
The main road up from the falls is a mix of NYC and Las Vegas. Slightly tacky with all the shops, crazy museums, and rides. It's loud, crowded and totally up hill! We managed to find some great places to eat and kept very busy! River Road that goes along the river with the falls is wonderful. Flowers everywhere and amazing views. We all enjoyed ourselves and as soon we got home, the boys (and me) hit the computer! They were so deprived while on vacation :)

My boys at the Power Plant on the American side.

Brad teaching the boys how the Niagara River makes energy at the Power Plant.

Aren't they cute! The water behind them is headed for the falls!


This was taken on the American side at Niagara State Park. It now makes sense to me why they call the bridge across the river "Rainbow Bridge".


Here are a bunch of pictures from Cave of the Winds on the American side of the falls. You take an elevator down to the bottom of the falls and climb the walkway up. The higher you go and more wet you get! Aidan loved Hurricane deck! I couldn't go up that high because they said the raincoat wouldn't keep my camera dry! It was the highlight of our trip! The boys were drenched!!!

Aidan on Hurricane Deck. We laughed at the No Smoking sign that is there by law because "every high rise needs to display that sign".

My boys coming off of Hurricane Deck that is right in front of the Veil Falls!

Aidan on Hurricane Deck!!!!



Brad made some new friends on our trip :)

Nate feeding the lorekeets at Bird Kingdom.

Aidan being attacked by hungry Lorekeets.

The observation deck at Jouney Behind the Falls.

This was taken in Journey Behind the Falls where you go through a tunnel in the mountain. The boys are looking out a portal to the back side of the Horseshoe Falls.

Nice and wet after we took the Maid of the Mist right up to the falls.

The four of us on the Maid of the Mist!

My old college roommate and friend, Michelle, came for a visit with her family. Her kids had a blast in the pool!!! Just wanted to share some pictures of these 2 cuties! (Still trying to figure my camera out!)

Nate's New Room

The boys have shared a room for 5 years now (because they wanted to). Lately they have been wanting their own space. The room they were sharing was the biggest room and had bunk beds. So the deal was whoever had to take the small room got new furniture and the other kept the big room with bunk beds. They easily agreed. So we lost our guest bedroom and Nate gained his own space complete with new loft bed with desk top. Everyone happy???? Aidan not so much! He misses his brother and had a difficult time the first night so he slept on the floor in a sleeping bag with Nate. He did sleep last night in his own room and did fine. I just think it was an adjustment from always having someone to talk and giggle with at bedtime. So, check out the new room! We did some hanging of things after I took the pictures, but you get the idea.

I finally got a new camera! I had to do some convincing with my hubby that a new camera was a necessity, but he eventually saw the light :) Who knows, we may only get to Russia once in our lives and we NEED beautiful photos!

I haven't had a chance to try it out anywhere special, but the other night the kids went swimming so I played around with it a little bit. There are so many choices (too many choices)! But I am determined to learn and enhance my photography skills! I read so many blogs where the photos are just beautiful and I want that!!! Wish me luck...I have a long way to go!

Aidan's Surprise Party

My baby is growing up so fast! Aidan turns seven tomorrow and about 2 months ago, he said he wanted a surprise party. So we gave him one today at the bowling alley. There has been no mention of a party since then so he was totally surprised!!! I couldn't wait for today to finally come because I was worried he felt neglected since we haven't even talked about a friend party. We had a great plan to "trick" him by Nate and I leaving early saying Nate had a party to go to. Then Brad and Aidan were to pick Nate up from the party at the bowling alley. We were practically the only people there, so all the kids hid under benches, chairs and around corners. When Aidan came in, all the kids jumped out and yelled "surprise". He just kind of looked at us and then said, "Hi". It took him a few seconds to realize the party was for him. It was so cute how all the kids got a kick out of the whole surprise. Everyone had a great time bowling followed by pizza, soft pretzels and cupcakes! I couldn't have asked for more well behaved guests or a more wonderful seven year old!!!
SURPRISE!!!!




The party gang!

As usual, no wish! As soon as we finish singing, he blows and forgets to make a wish every year!

Mmmmmmm

NJ Gang

It was a long time coming, but we finally had a picnic with all Brad's long time friends from Hackettstown. We lucked out with great pool weather. It was so nice to see everyone and get to know their kids. We had a house full of people stay over, 11 to be exact! We had a great time! I'm a little tired right now, so I'm keeping this short :)
This little cutie is Amelia!

This is Bryon with his cutie, Keith!