Niagara Falls

I just realized that I had not posted any pictures from parts of our trip when we picked up Tyler. Okay, so this is a little late considering that was in August 2012. We ended our trip in Niagara. A friend of mine recommended that we stay on the Canadian side and suggested a hotel and I'm so glad that we did. We had never been before so had no idea what to expect other than the pictures that you see. As we were planning the trip we had to make sure everyone had a passport. Tyler's had expired so we had him renew while on his mission and then I brought it with me. It was an amazing conclusion to our trip. It is more expensive to stay on the Canadian side but well worth the extra money. Our hotel was right above the Canadian Falls and we could look out and see if from our window. Jackie, Michael's friend from Canada came by to see us and stayed the night as we had a suite. She and Michael stayed up all night and talked. We did the Maid of the Mist which is the boat that takes you right up to the falls. The American Falls are not as impressive but you really cannot see anything from the American side so if you ever go take your passport and at least walk over to the Canadian side. It was a little challenging finding the bridge to cross over as our GPS was not international so we had to go old school. Who knew that was so hard? We pulled over and asked for directions at the Visitor's Center but that was a waste. Then we had to wait in line and you know how I hate lines. We crossed over into Canada and missed the exit for the Falls so drove down the freeway a ways until we could find a place to turn around - Americans!

  Canadian Side

 Maid of the Mist

 Guy Walking a Tightrope

 Almost There

 American Falls

 Horseshoe Falls

 American Falls

Horseshoe Falls

Christmas in Disneyland

These are pictures of pictures on the computer so that is why they look funny. We always have them take our picture with the Photo Pass and then copy and crop them and print them out. Michael, David, Tyler and I decided at the last minute to spend Christmas in Disneyland. When we decided to go we got online to book the trip and were amazed how many hotels were already sold out. So we did not get the hotel we wanted but managed to still find one close. Then we went to book the flight and there were no seats left together but at least we were able to purchase four.

We always fly in to Long Beach because it is less expensive and closer than LAX (tip). It is a smaller airport so also a lot quicker. We walk outside, across the street and grab a shuttle to our hotel and within 30 minutes we are there. I love just driving down the street to the hotel. Everything is so familiar and it exciting to just be there. The first day we do not go into the park and just head down to the District to look in the shops and eat at the Rain Forest Cafe. We made an earlier reservation which works out a lot better.

We arrived on a Sunday and spent Mon-Thurs in the parks before flying out Friday morning. The first day we always spend in Disneyland. We tried to get resevations this year at the Napa Rose for Christmas for some roast Duck (just kidding David) but they were booked. We did make our usual reservations for the Blue Bayou (Monte Christo, Mint Julep, Creme Brulee), character breakfast on Main Street (Michael and I gorged ourselves - I shocked myself at how much I ate), and Ariel's Grotto where we always get the tri-tip. We also had the famous corn dog and the sandwich at the River Belle Terrace. Okay, much of the experience is about the food. We had to have a pineapple soft serve and ice-cream on Main Street.

We had such a good time together although the park was busy. Cars Land is amazing and a lot of fun. We learned after the first morning in California Adventure that fast passes go within 10 minutes of opening so the next time we rushed and managed to secure four for 7:00 p.m. and we still had to wait in line an hour even with the fast pass but it was worth it. We loved Luigi's tires and the tractors. David decided to run California Screamin for the first time. He was worried in the past that it would make him sick and I don't know what inspired him to ride it this time but he loved it. We rode it like four times in a row. We avoided Grizzly Mountain but did ride Splash Mounting also four times in a row. The line was short and we changed our shoes and wore flip flops and had our ponchos.

It was fun, fun, fun!!!! I can't wait to go again.

Disney Anyone?

I took a picture of two of the bookshelves that contain some of our Disney collection. Everyone loves to see it when they come over to my parents. I wish we could go back.

Cemetary

I went over to the cemetary with Michael to see Kate and Oma and Opa's markers. Michael always does such a nice job decorating although we are always concerned about people stealing the decorations and lights. We managed to get through the Christmas season and then Michael decorated for Valentine's day and to our chagrin the employees at the cemetary ran over the marker and destroyed the wreath, tossed it and then told us it was stolen. Sometimes we just can't win.

Love My Hand Mixer

I love Kohl's. Everytime they send me a $10 off coupon I run in and buy something in their kitchen section. Last time, I purchased an immersion blender, something I have wanted for a long time. I love it! I have been making a ton of soups and Food Network has a lot of great recipes. You have to try the Roasted Red Pepper with Broccoli Pesto Trees - yummy and looks so Christmassy. It is freezing tonight and so I just made a pot of sweet potato and apple soup.

More Temple Square

Nativity's