One of the things I love most about our family is that John and I have made it a priority to spend time all together as a family, individually with each child, together as a couple, and alone with our friends. Both John and I feel that this balance (which isn't always easy) is what has kept our family happy and healthy. A lot of this is possible because we are blessed with having my parents nearby, willing and able to take care of the girls for us whenever we ask. The girls love it and I hope they do too.
This past weekend John surprised me by taking me on a mini vacation to Niagara Falls. I have always wanted to go there and he saw it as a perfect little getaway. He planned months in advance, working out travel arrangements and details with my parents caring for the girls- the whole time working to keep it a secret from me. It's things like this that let me know how much he cares about me and our relationship- these things are important when you've been together for 19 years and married for 8 years. Thank you honey, I had a wonderful time!
A few days before the trip he told me about it and so I had some time to pack, plan, and be excited!
We had dinner Friday night at the Skylon Restaurant. It rotates around so you get a great view of the Falls and the surrounding city.
After dinner we walked around town and decided to check out a wax museum, I had never been to one before. It was definitely funny and entertaining, we had the whole place to ourselves, so of course we had to take lots of funny pictures.
Tightrope walking- John didn't make it very far!
I made it all the way to 8!
This is the second Zoltar machine I have taken my picture with, I think I am going to make it my mission to travel around to all of the Zoltar machines.
Saturday morning we woke up to this view from our hotel room- just beautiful!
Saturday was a great day, here was our "itinerary"
Sleep in!
Breakfast buffet with great views of the Falls
Couples massage at the hotel spa
Drive through beautiful countryside to get to Niagara Glen
Hike down to the base of the Niagara River
Visit two local wineries for tastings
Back to hotel for a soak in the hot tub
Dinner at a great Italian restaurant
Here are some pictures from our hike, here is the view from the top- our starting point. The river is such an odd shade of green, and very calm and clear here just a few miles down from the Falls.
Half way down we ran into another couple and I took this opportunity to get a photo- we didn't see many other people.
Even though it is late in the season, the leaves were still beautiful!
Back at the top! I'm so glad we did this, it ended up being one of my favorite things from the weekend. It was beautiful and the pictures just don't do it justice.
We went to Inniskillin Winery, where we tried Icewine for the first time. It is a sweet wine made from grapes harvested in the winter months. Very interesting, leave it to the Canadians to figure out a way to make use of the cold weather!
Then we continued on to the Jackson-Triggs Winery (which we think sounds like an accounting firm- they'll do your taxes while you enjoy their wine!) Had to snap a picture of this bottle, so close to Delaney!
Sunday we decided to get a closer look at the Falls. It was a rainy, grey day- but the Falls were still breathtaking! The "American Falls".
"Horseshoe Falls"
And of course, just as soon as we made it back up to our room to change out of our wet clothes from being out in the wind and rain, the sky cleared up and it was beautiful and sunny! I even saw some rainbows, but could never get a picture of one.
We had some time after getting through customs and crossing back into the US, so John decided to try some wings while we were in Buffalo, NY. We saw a place called "Mooney's" (John's nickname for his brother Joe) and felt we needed to try it out, especially after finding out that it is well known for it's mac and cheese. This place did not disappoint and we left for the airport with very full tummies.
