Honestly, Gentle Reader: it would have been enough to just go to our kids’ new place and walk in their neighborhood and sit happily in their new house, and read Angelina Ballerina books to our precious Anya, one after another. Literally grinning the entire time. Honestly, it would have been enough.
Also, to eat the fabulous cooking of Sonia, to drink Andrew’s superb coffee, to dance with Anya on the deck (“it’s the porch, Amma,” she insisted gently, “the back porch, not the deck” and so it was) and to play board games on the dining room table, late into the night. Not to mention afternoon coffee with Sonia’s superb new chocolate cake recipe, with mounds of freshly whipped real cream, and folding laundry together while watching The Paradise with Sonia, and making loud pronouncements about the way it oughta be, so there. Also hearing little Mack laugh happily while he played air hockey with his big brother, whom he has missed sorely, every day, since they moved away.
All of that would have been enough to make a splendid vacation, but it was pretty tempting to take the drive to Niagara Falls, so we did it. We packed up a cooler full of food (roast beef and Swiss cheese and trail mix and apples and good bread) and drinks, all the Angelina Ballerina books, and we left early so we’d have as much time as possible there.
The last time our family went to see Niagara Falls, we were a family of only six–our oldest, Matthew, was 9, Andrew was 7, Bethie was 5, and Timothy was 2. I was remembering this as we stood in line to get on the boat The Maid of the Mist. We weren’t brave enough that time–18 years ago!–to get on that boat that sailed down close to the falls, with four little kids, though I really, really had wanted to. Plus, I’m sure the ticket prices would have been way out of our reach at that time. So being able to get on that boat was a dream come true. It would have been even more fun with all the family along.
Instead of “only” six, we’re now a family of . . . let’s see . . . thirteen!
Have you ever been to see Niagara Falls? It’s worth the drive. It’s astonishing, how much water there is rushing over those rocks, and how much power and heart-pounding excitement there is at that place. You can get so close to the falls that you will get sprayed in the face when the wind takes a turn. You catch your breath and you watch all that water from a respectful distance, and you just can’t believe it. There’s so much power there. It made me think of God our Creator, and how powerful and good and astounding He is.
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” –Ps. 30
We wouldn’t have been among the cool kids if we hadn’t taken a selfie with the falls in the background. 🙂
I have lots more pictures to share and stories to tell about our vacation. So come back, ya hear? And thanks for letting me share my vacation snaps with you!
Those pictures are inexplicably beautiful. What fun! I want to go! I am glad you all had such a fabulous time. I have one faint little memory of seeing the Niagara falls way back when. Definitely will have to travel there sometime soon. Can’t wait to hear more!
Wonderful pictures, all that water and we still buy ours in bottles. Sure sounds like a wonder trip and we look forward to the next installment. What other random spots did you happen to visit?
Great post Amy! Thank you for sharing your vacation and awesome pictures of your family trip!!!
We’ve been to Niagara Falls three times. One time was on a whim, over the Thanksgiving Day weekend with our then nine year old son. It is a gorgeous sight, isn’t it. I enjoyed the American side better, which is more park like, although you get a better view of the falls from the Canadian side. And my husband and I walked across the bridge you took a picture of on one of our trips, back before you needed a passport. Did you happen to visit the Herschell Carousel Museum, which is less than 1/2 hour away? We haven’t and we want to go back one day, just to see that museum. I can’t wait to read more about your trip.
Alana,
I’m so sorry that I didn’t know about that museum. I would have loved to visit there. When we lived in Iowa, we regularly rode a Herschell-Spillman Carousel. The community is very proud of it. http://www.storycity.net/antique-carousel/
Lovely photos! What fun for you as a family! I’ve been to Niagara Falls, Canadian side, several times and it never ceases to amaze me. I’ve been to the top of the revolving restaurant as well. That was great! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. I’m glad you got to go!
My kids have been blessed (tormented?) with slews of trips to Niagara- since it was more convenient to fly to Buffalo and then drive to my office in Toronto… Glad you made the journey once again to entertain y’all from little to big!
What a gorgeous place, Roy!
Wow! I have always been dreaming in visiting Niagara Falls. Great family Photos
Manu,
It’s well worth the trip!
Gosh, it looks like you have had a great adventure!
-I am so jealous!
It was an adventure, Sophie!
Oh good, you did Cave of the Winds! That’s my favorite part of The Falls, as we call it here locally. 🙂 I’m so glad you had a good time!
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