Trip to Niagara Falls

This past weekend, Thursday through Monday, we enjoyed a brief vacation trip to Niagara Falls.

We started our long weekend vacation on Thursday with a short visit with my Aunt Vaughn in a nursing home in Brookville, PA, and then met my brother and his wife at the Clarion River. We enjoyed a ride in Chuck’s boat as we went up and down the river for about three hours of beautiful scenery and relaxation. We had a super nice visit and a summer cookout meal for supper at their camper. (Anita took the photos...)

[Our Captain, brother Chuck]

Niagara Falls
On Friday morning we headed up north. Rich had never seen the falls and I was 10 or so when I last saw them. We stayed on the Canadian side in a B & B in walking distance of the falls. We rode the Maid of the Mist into the spray from the horseshoe falls and ate dinner at the Fallsview Restaurant on top of the Sheraton Hotel. After dinner we sat in a park until the lights were turned on the falls. There was a rock concert in the park followed by fireworks over the falls. It was a very pleasant and relaxing evening. Then we walked back to the B & B.

Above is the view from the restaurant!

Niagara on the Lake
This was a touristy little town with quaint shops and lots of visitors. We stopped at Fort George and learned a bit about the Revolutionary War from the British/Canadian point of view. Stopped to see one of the largest floral clocks. Had lunch in an Irish Pub and bought some cheese, bread, chocolate and wine for our supper back at the B & B.

Heading Home

Stopping at Lockport, NY, on our way back to PA, we took a cruise on the Erie Canal. I grew up near Canal Fulton, OH, and Rich and I lived near there for a year before moving to PA. I even taught at the high school there for a year, so we were well aware of the Erie Canal. It was fascinating to travel through the locks and hear some of the history of the canal. Rather than use draw bridges, the canal uses “lift bridges.” They lift straight up to let the cruise ship pass, then lower again for the automobile traffic.

Inside the locks waiting for the water to fill the lock and lift the boat.

A lift bridge - straight up and down to let boats through on the canal.

Here we are on the Erie Canal for a two-hour cruise on the canal and through two locks.

Wellsboro, PA. is a very pretty town near the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. We stayed overnight in town and took a drive Monday morning to the Canyon. Below is a picture of the Canyon. I guess we were there a little too early! We did take a mile-long hike and enjoyed the forest and what views we could get.

Grizzly and tools

Our final stop was at Grizzly’s – a huge showroom of woodworking tools in Muncy, PA. Rich wanted to add a 6” jointer to his workroom tools and they had one on sale. I have never been in a store like this one. It was fascinating! I really liked the sample woodworking projects on display and the instructions and parts for making guitars.

Now my mind is reeling with all the possibilities of things Rich can make for us…

Time with Ella

Although I didn't take any pictures, I had a wonderful time with Carmella in Atlanta while her mommy and daddy looked at houses. They found a wonderful house in a lovely neighborhood and should be able to move in the middle of September. What a relief that will be as Mark is travelling between Chicago and Atlanta and still going to school on Saturdays to get his MBA in Chicago. New job, new house, baby on the way...need any more stressors? I was so happy to be able to help out. Ella and I explored the hotel and pool, found a nearby playground, rode the elevator (a lot) and napped together. Doesn't get much better than that!

Here's a picture of the new house from the Internet.

It's now a Rec Room

We have been working on the basement for three years now and this summer we doubled our efforts to get it completed. We now have walls, a ceiling, and carpeting! Once we get it decorated, it should be a welcoming space for get togethers with family and friends. We aren't totally finished, but we've come a long way!

Vacation in Florida

Rich had almost two weeks of vacation, so we decided to drive to Florida for a visit with Rich's step-mom, Julia, and a week at a resort in Lauderdale by the Sea. We took a water taxi around Fort Lauderdale, went fishing, and enjoyed a lot of beach time.

View from our resort.

On the fishing boat - before I got sick. We didn't catch anything worth keeping, but it was a beautiful day.




The skyline of Fort Lauderdale from the water taxi

The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department's boat - complete with red flashing lights!


What we came home to - The largest one made four batches (8 loaves) of zucchini bread!

Laurel, Luke and Leah Time

After Sharon and Ella and Kat and Daniel went home, we had two more days with Laurel's family. Luke loves to help Rich mow the grass. One more time before he had to get on "two planes" to get home...

Luke wanted to see Thomas the Train Engine which was making an appearance in Strasburg, PA, where they actually make the real engines like this one.

He was excited to get tickets to ride the Strasburg Railroad Train.

Leah riding on the train.

A stop at Red Robin for lunch.

And Some Quiet Times

Rich often read to the girls before he left for work in the morning or at bed or naptime. I would get up with the babies so their moms could sleep in a bit. It was wonderful to have that precious time together!

Lots of Activities to keep them all busy!

Rich bought a rather large kiddie pool for the kids to play in. He had a challenge getting it set up for them, but it was worth it - they had a blast!




We took them to Paulus's Farm to see and feed the animals, play on hay bales, and drive the "tractor."













Sparklers and Snaps on the deck...
Hershey Chocolate Ride...
Visit neighborhood playgrounds...


A full house with lots of activity!

Family time in June

Wow! It's been awhile since I posted to our blog. School ended the first week in June and the family began to arrive before I was done with school. Sharon and Carmella were the first to come in. Rich picked them up at noon on Wednesday, June 2, at Harrisburg Airport. Laurel, Luke and Leah flew "on two planes" (as Luke describes it, since they changed planes in Dallas) to BWI where I picked them up on Thursday evening. I worked Friday morning, then devoted all my time to family. Kat and Daniel arrived Friday. We now realize we should have built an 8 or 9 bedroom house!

Our first outing together was to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly House. We all had a wonderful time exploring.