Niagara Falls

I am so far behind in posting.  The spring has managed to get away from me and now it is only a few short weeks until Summer vacation begins.   Maybe I'll get caught up soon.

We just returned from a 5 day trip to Niagara Falls over Memorial Day Weekend.  It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip.  All four of us needed it!  I am going to post a slide show with details of our trip for each day.  It seems like we saw so many things it is the best way to keep it organized.  Niagara Falls is an absolutely breath taking sight.
We arrived in Niagara Falls on Saturday afternoon.  The weather reports were saying there was a good chance of rain for the entire time we were in town.  We decided to do the surprise first thing so we didn't lose the opportunity.  Rob & I took the kids on our first helicopter ride (ok, it wasn't Rob's first time since he had done it in the Army).  Kelsey & Nick were so excited.  Kelsey even got to sit up front with the pilot.  It was an incredible way to start the week.  And, it never really rained so we could have done it at any time during the trip!  After the helicopter ride we also took a ride on the Spanish Aero Car over the whirlpool waters north of the falls.  Then it was on to checking into the hotel.  Since Rob travels so much we were upgraded to a suite overlooking the falls with a balcony.  The kids were in heaven!  Then it was off to dinner at Kelsey's Bar & Grill (how cool to find a restaurant in your name) where we had yummy pretzel garlic bread and Kelsey even took home some souvenirs with her name on them!  Rob also got some of his favorite beer, Rickart's.  We wandered the tourist area called Clifton Hill then it was back to the hotel to see the falls all lit up.  What a fabulous first day!



Day 2 began with a stroll through Queen Victoria Park and on to the Skylon Tower for brunch.  The food was good and the view was spectacular.  After breakfast we were able to go out on the observation deck and take a peak from high up.  Next it was on to the Maid of the Mist boat ride to the falls.  We had over prepared for the wetness and came away feeling a little disappointed we didn't even really need our ponchos.  It was incredible to be able to get that close to the falls.  It was such an awesome perspective after seeing it from the helicopter the day before.  Next up the White Water Walk.  We took an elevator down near the river and out to the walk along the Class 6 Rapids.  Really cool to see the water that rough.  Then came a long bus ride past the Butterfly Conservatory, Power Plant & Floral Clock (there was not enough time in the day to see everything).  Since dinner was so yummy the night before and we had more coupons we returned to Kelsey's for dinner.  This time they were out of pretzel garlic bread but dinner was still good and we got a few more Kelsey's bar glasses. Now we have a set of four.  Nick & Rob went Dino mini golfing and Kelsey & I went shopping!  Then back to the hotel to watch the fireworks from our private balcony!  The second day was great too!



Day 3 began with a long walk across the Rainbow Bridge back to the U.S.  First stop, the aquarium to see feeding time for the penguins. Then a trolley ride to the Maid of the Mist (American departure).  Rob wanted to see it again. This time the boat captain decided to park the boat in the mist and boy did we get wet!  It made up for the dryness we maintained the day before.  Rob & Nick were completely drenched!  Then a walk along the American Falls for more wetness (if that was even possible)!  Next stop an up close look at the bridal veil falls and then it was off to Cave of the Winds.  Here we got ponchos and water sandals.  We got a little wet and then went up to the Hurricane Deck (tons of water and wind) and got another soaking.  The American side tour ended with a closeup look at the Horseshoe Falls and then a trolley ride around the park.  A long walk back to Canada and then it was off to the souvenir store, beer store and soda store.  We moved from the Crowne Plaza to the Marriott at the other end of the strip to get a different perspective of the falls.  At first I was disappointed because we had booked a falls view suite and it appeared we got two rooms with a view of the Niagara River but the rooms did have an adjoining doorway and the view from the kids room was like a postcard of the falls.  Definitely a great way to enjoy room service (the kids first time ordering room service) and watching the fireworks!



Our last full day in Canada was spent at a little more relaxing pace.  We traveled down the Incline Railway right outside out hotel down to experience Journey Behind the Falls ( a close up look at the Horseshoe Falls from tunnels in the rock) where we got wet again! Then a viewing of the 4D movie Niagara's Fury and then a late lunch and back to the hotel for a dip in the pool.  More room service for dinner since no one had any energy left to go out.  Then it was an early night so we could head back home the next day.



Whew what a fun trip!  Hope you enjoyed the pictures!