Friday, March 16, 2012

Insta-Friday in real life, Niagara Falls Edition


It’s Friday once again, and time for a look at our week using only cell phone photos. This week, my photos highlight our March Break trip to Niagara Falls (Canadian side).

The family and I met my mom for two nights at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort hotel. Sure, a casino visit doesn’t exactly scream “March Break with the kids,” but you would never know it from the number of kids in the hotel elevator.

Besides, my mom gets the hotel stay for free (for obvious reasons—sorry mom) so this made a nice cheap little vacation. And, there’s a pool—although I wouldn’t set foot in it, for reasons I will explain later.

Although the drive to Niagara didn’t look promising, with rain pouring down on the windshield, the weather turned out to be unseasonably warm—perfect for sightseeing at one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders.

Paradoxically, some proud Canadians decided this natural tourist attraction would be best celebrated with amusement-park-like attractions including haunted houses and wax museums. A strangely un-Canadian thing to do. But, I digress.



Shortly after we left home, the kids began to argue and, eventually, attack each other. After a short stop at a gas station while we waited for them to calm down, the boy eventually fell asleep.


The girl, on the other hand, kept up a constant stream of chatter the whole way.


Here they are with their baggage in front of the hotel fountain.




This was the view from our hotel room during the day…

 at night…


and during a brief fog.


Even though the kids are no longer babies, we still don’t travel light.



There are art kits, colouring books, games, movies and magazines.

And, we can’t forget food. I made these All or Nothing Granola Bars before we left. (I also take a long time to get ready.) They look more brown than usual because I added the chocolate chips while the mixture was still warm. I find myself adding more brown sugar and chocolate chips every time I make them. They are goooood.


We had dinner out at A Passage to India restaurant, buffet style. The food was delicious. Lots of veg choices too.


Here’s my mom and my son enjoying their selections.


My daughter practically has to be force-fed. She’s all about carbs and sweets and avoiding real meals.

We burned off some calories visiting the falls. Here’s my daughter across from “the American side,” as we call it.

Here’s me and the dude.


And, here’s the dude after he left the pool in frustration. Capacity is 34, and that’s about where it was at. He complained that a girl kept kicking everybody while doing handstands.


The little one didn’t mind so much, because she mostly clings to the side of the pool.


On our last day, we visited Clifton Hill to peruse the attractions. My daughter admired the Niagara Falls back scratchers.

My son was amused by the t-shirt that says, “I Only Drink Beer On Days That End in Y.” I know a few people who would wear that proudly.

I like the shirt that says, “DADDY DRINKS BECAUSE I CRY.” Yes, it’s tacky, but there’s some truth there.




My daughter was surprisingly good at hitting the targets in this Hillbilly’s game.




How cool is this upside down house?



Before heading home, we hit the Hershey store and then Sugar Mountain. We each put together our own small bag of candy. Who knew it would come to $25? Ouch.


How was your week?

Linking up to The Hollie Rogue and:

life rearranged

five days five ways  feature friday free for all

12 comments:

  1. Cool trip ;D
    I love the view you had from your hotel ;)
    I miss NF now... hopefully we'll go soon.
    xo

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    1. Nice to hear from you, Ella. My mom always books a fallsview room. Hours of entertainment just looking out the window ;) We take NF for granted some, living close by, don't we?

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  2. I haven't been to Niagra Falls since I was a kid - great memories. It was fun looking through your pictures! :)

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  3. Wonderful photos- The falls are just stunning, and it looks like everyone had such a great time. :) I would love to go visit them again, too... I can't even remember how old I was when I saw them, but it was definitely a great experience. Now, I'd go just to take pictures.

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    1. We did have a good time, but it's difficult to sleep with all five of us in a room! I'm tired. I would love to see your photos of the falls if you get back there. I know they would be great pics!

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  4. Visiting from Life Rearranged. Boy, the view of the falls is incredible. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in years. We live in Alabama, so it isn't exactly a quick trip. I had no idea it was so touristy! Our beaches are the same way. God's glorious creation "improved" by a bunch of tacky souvenir shops and go-cart tracks. Looks like you all had a ball.

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    1. The American side of the falls is not so touristy. Not sure why. I bet your beaches don't need the "help" of those added attractions. I would just love to be near a warm beach!

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  5. Looks like a fun trip! :)

    Dropping by from InstaFriday!
    Holly
    http://adventuresofholly.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Holly, I enjoy looking at all your New Zealand travel photos!

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  6. amazing photos :)
    those kids look adoooorable!
    I;ve never been to niagara falls :)
    must be awesome!

    http://bubblemylicorice.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks. They are pretty sweet. Niagara Falls is fascinating, for sure.

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