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Well, so much for blogging on the trip. Way too late of nights! Thankfully besides yesterday our mornings started at around 9 or later.  Have I ever mentioned how much I appreciate having a child that sleeps in?

Here is the trip

Day-2

I know I already blogged this day but I forgot to mention on really big highlight of the day. We went to "elements on the fall" restaurant for our lunch and it was fantastic. Our table was right beside the fall and the food was presented so pretty on our plates with fresh fruit for garnish. Which was good for Hadassah! We also enjoyed an amazing Spinach and Artichoke dip with Asiago cheese and flatbread. Mmmm... If you ever go you must try to go there. But make a reservation. If you do they will try to get you a window seat. Website

Day 3

we finished up our Adventure Pass by going to The White Water Walk along class 6 rapids. We headed to Toronto then and stopped at a little Italian Restaurant called Diverso by Ferraro. We went to Casa Loma next. It is a castle like mansion full of extravagant finishes and has an unbelievably high tower it in.  We lost a lot of weight walking around that place. We didn't have a lot of time to explore but we did manage to see everything though not listen to all the audio tours. The grounds were lovely and I wouldn't mind going back just to sit in them for a while and gather inspiration.

We found a parking lot near the CN Tower and walked down to Lake Ontario. We then headed to the Tower for our fine dining experience in the 360 Restaurant. Loved it. I had purchased two meals through Airmiles for Matt and I. We got a bowl of Borsch, my first time ever having it, bread and butter, tender, tender chicken with beans and potatoes and then a heavenly chocolate mousse desert. Combined with the vivid lights of Toronto below us as we slowly turned it was worth every Airmile point spent!  Hedy pruchased her own meal and quite enjoyed her steak and choice of desert. It was quite late by the time we got back to our hotel but definitely worth it.

Day 4
Gone was the hot, good weather. It was still warm but rainy! We went to the Butterfly Conservatory and the Bird Aviary in the morning then ate leftovers at our hotel for lunch. Matt wasn't feeling well so we just stayed there for a while until evening and then went to Clifton Hill to ride on the Sky Wheel, do a mirror maze and check out the Wax Museum. We had a light supper at TGI Fridays and then went back to the hotel for bed.

Day 5
This was the only day we got up early. My sleepy roommates weren't stirring so I finally poked Dassa until she woke up. Then everyone decided it was time to get up. And a good thing to as on our way to the Toronto Zoo an accident happened just moments before us up the road. After a short time waiting we decided to be brave and find a way around the accident. Which we were thankful for when we found out it had shut the highway down for hours! We made it to Toronto Zoo and had a wonderful day there. It was cooler but not cold and never got any of the promised rain thankfully. The zoo grounds are beautiful and the falls colours were in their full glory. In the short time we had we managed to see most of the zoo and did a lot of walking.

We then headed to Medieval Times. Matt and I have been before in Orlando but this was Hedy's and of course Dassa's first visit. Okay, I'll admit it, this was my fourth time. Because I had found a good discount ticket I splurged for us to have the VIP seating so we were right in front. Hadassah enjoyed most of it and for a 2 hr show was really quite good. She had a few temper moments like when I wouldn't let her down to go see the horses or let her throw my food or let her bang me with the cheering banner we had.... I know, I am so mean. But her fits were always short lived and quickly forgotten. I am slightly concerned that her favorite parts were the fighting and other tense moments. This was another late night but well worth it.

Day 6
Our relaxing day. We got up slowly, got ready slowly and then headed to The Secret Garden Restaurant. It wasn't bad but it and TGI fridays were definitely our meh dining experiences. We then when to Fallsview Waterpark. I had a pregnancy meltdown in the changeroom. Before we left I found out the shorts to my swimming suit didn't fit so I grabbed the swimsuit I had used during my pregnancy with Hadassah. But, I am apparently not as large in the chest and of course everything sags down now. I looked awful and if you have ever been pregnant you know that once in a while you just need to fall apart. Poor Hubby tried to help by searching for safety pins and only coming up with elastics. He then tried to send his mother in... Apparently he is clueless and has not learned that when your wife is a bawling mess, threatening to spend to whole time in the change room the MIL is not someone she wants to see. So ashamedly I sent her from the room. She understood as a fellow woman and as she is truly a wonderful person. Finally, after I got control of myself, we decided I should just wear my tank top over the offending bathing suit... And honestly, I forgot about it shortly after and did have a good time. Dassa loves the water and they had a little kiddy slide that she loved. She was so proud of herself when he learned she culd climb the stairs and go down it all by herself. MIL and Hubby are not as laid back as me and I think sometimes I really test them when I allow my daughter to do these things on her own... or let her go under the water before helping her stand up. At five we finally called it a day even though Dassa was not ready to go. But her screeching for the water and slides was quickly forgotten as usual.

We dined at Napoli's italian resteraunt. It was our last hurray and fabulous. We enjoyed every bite and if you ever go to Niagara Falls you must go there if you enjoy Italian food. It is an authentic Italian restaurant and definitely worth checking out. I would have ate there a few more times if it hadn't been our last night there.

Day 7

We got up at 3:00 Toronto time, drove to Toronto, flew out at 7:30 and then landed 3.5hrs later at 9:00 Alberta time. We hopped in our van, drove to Ikea for breakfast and to pick up Dassa's toddler bed (Which is indefinitely out of stock!) and then headed on home. We got into Dawson around five our time and I went to bed at 7:00 as I couldn't keep my eyes open one moment longer. But everyone was home safe, sound and happy so all and all it was a fun and wonderful trip.

Today I am just recovering and doing laundry!

Everyone loves Marineland!

... except for the protestors we drove past to get in. Yes, we ignored them and went anyways. At the gate we were met with Marineland employees who gave us brochures on why the animals are not in torment... but let's start at the beginning.

We arrived in Niagara falls at 2am Toronto time. Hadassah traveled like a pro. I didn't even have to resort to cracking open her 'trunkie' to occupy her. And she also slept for an hour or so during air turbulence.

Today she continued on in her superstar behaviour. As I mentioned we went to Marineland, We ate a picnic lunch first thing and then headed to see the attractions and animals. I was proud of my MIL who went on the Sky Screamer with Hubby. She is one brave senior (she got the senior rate at Marinland so for today she was a Senior.

Hadassah was able to go on a few kiddies rides. This was great because the midway at the fall fair in town does not let the kids on any rides if they are under 36'. For my 30" daughter it is going to be a while before she gets to experience those rides. There was even a kid's roller coaster she could go on. Which the little speed junkie loved! When my photos are uploaded I will get pictures on here.

Dassa's other favourite was the underwater viewing areas. She loved watching the Belugas swim about. It was definitely worth bringing her and sharing this experience with her. Just because she won't remember doesn't mean we won't and it doesn't mean she didn't thoroughly enjoy it.

After Marineland the toddler had her only nap of the day for 1/2hr in the car and then we went to the Rainforest Cafe for supper. I love eating there and apparently so does my daughter because she polished off a lot of food! We walked to the falls to see it lit up at night and then headed to the Guinness World Book of Records Museum. Now we are in bed ready for a good night's sleep and hopefully as wonderful tomorrow as today.

Did I mention that today it was in the high twenties? Yes, that is right. Hot and wonderful. A last taste of sunshine before winter. Yes, I said winter.

Packing, laundry, blogging instead of packing.

Tomorrow my husband, daughter, mother-in-law and I leave for Niagara Falls. And I have so much to do I am doing what I usually do when I feel overwhelmed... procrastinating. It is an awful trait and the only way to get over it is NOT to procrastinate. Obviously I need more will power in this area.

The trip was my idea. I had my usual itchy feet to travel and even though we haven't got our investment from the sale of our previous home I just had to book this trip. Dassa, my daughter, is free right now to fly and for most things and I am not so huge that traveling is uncomfortable. I don't know when the next vacation will get to be.

insert-
 Hadassah just came from her room with the Calico Critters bride and groom dolls that graced my wedding cake. she is making them kiss and very exaggerated kissing noises.  At least they are
 married...

So, the cats and farm are being watched by a young man who I still see as being a small boy. But he has a full time job, is over six feet and 19yrs old. The puppy is at my mother's place and I am "packing."

I hate packing. But worse than packing is unpacking. The one downfall to travel. Thinking about after the trip.

But enough of that. I must get off my rear and start packing. Honestly, I think the whole point of this post was to motivate me to start packing... I apologize to my readers suffering through it.