Thanksgiving Niagara Style

Something came over us this year and we headed to Canada for Thanksgiving.  Maybe it was the onslaught of pre-Black Friday ads.  Maybe it was the fact that our closest immediate family is 1700 miles away.  Maybe it was that we had time, or maybe simply that we hadn't been there before.  Whatever it was, I'm glad it hit.  Niagara Falls was a huge success for all three of us, as far as I can tell.  Audrey was a champ, James took great pictures (as always), and I enjoyed everything.  We crammed more things into a 2.5 day period than I ever really imagined we would; not sure I can remember it all.  Ferris wheel, black-light mini golf, arcade games, wax museum, some waterfall that's there, Thanksgiving with friends in NY (thanks UD!!!), a butterfly conservatory,  6-D Extreme movie, Ghostblasters Laser Tag, WaterPark, Rainforest Cafe, Mirror Maze, and the pinnacle?  A carousel museum.  We tried to squeeze in the upside down house, but it was closed even when it was supposed to be open. We had great weather, and Niagara was nearly empty so we never had to wait for anything.  I love travelling with my family, as long as we have snacks.  Lots and lots of snacks.  

 

 

Niagara Sunrise, out our hotel window.

 

Thanksgiving Rainbow

 

Running to Dad and the Ferris Wheel

 

On the Ferris Wheel

 

Glowing hair and teeth!

Butterfly

 

Butterfly again.

 

At the butterfly conservatory

The carousel museum is in a small town just north of Buffalo.  It didn't open until noon.  I was worried that not only it might be a flop, but that that flop would set back our 6 hour drive home by half a day.  I was hoping and hoping it would be a success.  Parents, you know that feeling.  When you find some game/venue/play/activity/park/event/restaurant that you are certain your child will love, but part of you, for whatever reason, is wary.  Wary that it might be closed when it's supposed to be open (ahem, Upside Down House ahem).  Wary that it'll be really cheesy, or that you'll be the only people there, or that it'll be one little thing when you know your child's imagination has built it up to be the mecca of all good kid things.

 

We pulled in to a full parking lot, always a good sign.  We lucked out, as it was their Christmas kick-off day.  The museum/factory was littered with elves and candy canes, christmas trees and presents.  There were crafts, games, a clown, hot chocolate, s'mores, Santa, Mrs. Santa, and as many carousel rides as you wanted.  Jackpot!!!!  Thanks to the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum!

 

Crafting it up, making a stocking.

Excitement wrapped in purple.

 

Blowing big breaths, as per the Chuckles the Clown's instructions.

 

Teacup on a carousel!

 

Dizzy giggles

Horses

Audrey has grown immensely over the last year, both physically and mentally.  One big step?  She's willing to get within 20 feet of Santa.  She wasn't too thrilled with him, but he was persistent and actually, finally, eventually, even got a smile from her.  :)

 

Audrey and Santa

A great Thanksgiving weekend, and Audrey's first international trip.  Let's hope for many more!