2017 at Niagara Falls! (Jan 5)

We started 2017 with flair. According to hear-say, all Ontarians go to the Niagara Falls, and so many times that they tire of it's majestic beauty. Having lived in Ontario since Nathan was but a wee babe, does that make us Ontarians? I hope not...but for the kids, I think it must. We felt it was time to go and observe the Falls for ourselves. We are not drawn to "tourist trap" places very often, but it being the week after the holidays, we thought the crowds would be thinner. They were! In fact, we had trouble finding restaurants that were open, especially on Thursday, for our dinner!

 First of all, on our way around Lake Ontario, we visited Great-Oma G, and it had been way too long since last time. Once again I failed to pull out the camera when family was around. Then we drove by the falls, found our digs...and decided to walk down (saves us a $15 parking fee. It's just not right to spend that much to park...only at hospitals and airports do I let people get away with such highway robbery!) to see them up close and personal.

 This way we didn't miss any details. It was snowing by the time we got out though. Can't see very far!

 Even veiled in the snow they are beautiful and mighty.

 But not soooo impressive that Daniel didn't stop to make sure all of his garbage collection was in tact. Free ball, free dirty ribbons....yup, I am raising scavengers! :o

 It was cold though. Evelyn was starting to cry about her fingers, which were in need of a thaw! We stopped inside to warm up, get our adventure pass tickets (which included bus passes) and headed off to the restaurant that was not open and found one that was. It was yummy and recommended, and we even found it! Kind of stumbled into it. But had to go past all the garish "tourist trap" stuff that we were hoping to avoid. At least it was warm on the bus though.

 Back "home" after dinner a board game that was stocked in the house was tried out. Once the rules were sorted out.

 A house sure beats a hotel!! Lots of room to stretch our legs and relax. After all, it's cold outside!

 And Mom doesn't even comment when we jump on the beds!

 Bedtime preparations underway. I was pleased that the kids all split up in the rooms in an agreeable fashion. And I had sleeping bags packed for the inevitable split up of the boys who were sharing a twin sized bed. One night each on the floor, one night on the bed. That's better than fighting over sheets and blanket all night long!

 And no chores to do!

 Jennifer and Melanie were playing hide-and-seek but I found Jennifer tucked behind the curtain, hanging on the window!