company EIGHT: July 2015

Sunday, July 26, 2015

{a day in niagara falls}

We have a visitor! Chance Jensen came out to see us for a few days, and it has been so fun to have him here. We knew we had to take him to see Niagara Falls and so

First on our list? Maid of the Mist! We didn't go on it the last time we were there because the lines were insanely long, so this time we took advantage of a less busy day and went on Friday instead of the weekend.

I knew we would go close to the falls, but I had so no idea we would go so close! We were about 75 feet from the bottom of the falls, but it didn't feel scary--just incredible. The kids loved it--it was so cool!

When we got off the boat, we went on a hike up Devils' Hole Trail and Whirlpool Gorge along the Niagara River. To get down to the trail, you had to go down 300 steep stone stairs, and while it was easy going down, we knew it was going to be hard going up! It was a warm day, the sun was shining on the river, and it was absolutely beautiful. We went up 3 miles, and back up the stairs, and we were all pretty exhausted...and starving.

We tried a fun restaurant that was recommended to us called The Silo, and it was SO yummy. It was literally right on the Niagara River, so the views were spectacular, plus the food was really good. After we ate, we got ice cream and walked along the boardwalk to see all the boats. The kids didn't want to leave!

It was SUCH a fun day-it was long, we were all tired, but it was totally worth it!

{hill cumorah pageant 2015}

We are so lucky to live so close to so many wonderful places, including Palmyra. The Hill Cumorah Pageant was a definite on our list this summer, and we were excited to go with our good friends the McAffees. We love their family, our kids love each other, and we really enjoy any time we get to spend with them.

We went on a Saturday night--the last performance. It had been raining the whole week, and I was so glad it finally lifted for that last night. We packed a picnic dinner, and spread out blankets and chairs right behind the lat row of chairs. It was perfect for the kids--they had a huge lawn to run around and play while we waited for it to start, and it wasn't so far away that you couldn't see the stage.

I actually ran into a whole family that I went to high school with, and their mom, who was the guidance counselor at the high school. I hadn't seen any of them since graduation, so it was fun to meet their spouses and their children. One of our friends from Midland was performing in the pageant, and we got to see her and talk to her for a little bit too. Such fun! The Hill Cumorah pageant is just one of those places that you're probably gong to run into someone you know!

The pageant was incredible--I can't believe the whole production is put together in just four days. Over 700 people, all the lighting, props, costumes, set--it truly is impressive. It lasted until about 11:15pm, and surprisingly all the kids were still awake!

What a perfect night!

{a beach day with friends}

A spontaneous text from a friend turned a fabulous day at the beach. We hurriedly packed the car, and headed to Presque Isle for the second time in two weeks!

We met a bunch of friends in the nearest town for lunch, which also happens to be the nearest Chick-fil-a!! We were so happy---it's been so long, and we miss it so much! After we ate, we headed to Presque Isle, which is actually an isle that goes along Lake Erie and has more than 15 large beaches. We went to a different one than we had as a family, and I was excited to see which one we would like better.

We spread out blankets, chairs, umbrellas, and toys, sprayed a ton of sunscreen, and then the kids were off! They played hard all day long---with boogie boards, sand toys, finding frogs, picking up shells, and literally soaking up every minute. We moms sat and talked and just enjoyed the absolutely perfect day. Summers here are just so beautiful--like no where else I've been.

We stopped for dinner at our favorite burger place, and didn't get home until 10pm! I tried to talk the kids into not sleeping on the way home, but they wouldn't go for it. :) It was tough waking them up and getting them into the bath, but it was all worth it! What a fabulous day!

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

{food trucks and the museum of history}

Buffalo as A LOT of food trucks, and though I've tried a few and loved them, I've been wanting to try even more. This summer the Buffalo Museum of History is teaming up with the local food trucks once per month---all the food trucks come to the museum, and the museum offers free admission. It's fabulous!

We went for the first time last week, and absolutely loved it. The kids were in heaven, walking around and being able to choose what they wanted for dinner. The prices were actually pretty reasonable, and the food was SO yummy. Everyone just eats on blankets on the museum lawn, or out on the back veranda overlooking the lake. It's beautiful!

After we ate, we went inside the museum and spent some time looking and studying the history of Buffalo. The kids had a great time dressing up, looking at artifacts, and watching the miniature trains.

Once we were finished in the museum, we went back to the food trucks to get kettle corn, then walked around the grounds and let the kids run around for awhile. It was such a wonderful night--we can't wait to go again next month!

Monday, July 6, 2015

{a new york 4th of july}

Our first 4th of July here in New York was a smashing success--I don't think we could have asked for anything better! Since it fell on a Saturday, Rick had Friday off, and we decided to try out one of the beaches that we've been hearing about forever.

We packed up our lunch and all of our beach gear, and headed out Friday morning for Presque Isle in Erie, PA--about a two hour drive. It's a whole stretch of "seashore" along Lake Erie, with 11 different beaches to choose from. We drove the whole length, trying to decide which beach to go to, but we finally settled on beach #11, and it turned out to be the perfect place!

It wasn't super busy, and we were able to find a little place just for us. The kids got in the water, but Henry stayed there. He loves, loves being in the water. We built sand castles, dug big holes, and even buried Kate! I read my book, Rick took all the kids on an adventure to the lighthouse, we ate our yummy lunch, and just enjoyed the beautiful day. Around 5:30pm, we finally packed up, and stopped at a cute place called Sara's. It was very busy, and was obviously very popular, and we found out why! The onion rings are the best I've ever had, and all the burgers and hot dogs were awesome too. Of course we got ice cream, and they had the yummiest orange and vanilla swirl. The drive home was quiet---the kids were tired out from all their hard playing that day!

The next day was a lazy one in the morning--we slept in, and then got some projects done around the house while the kids played outside. We BBQ'ed for lunch, then headed out to the town park for the carnival, and to meet up with friends for the fireworks. I can't believe what absolutely perfect weather we had through all of it--not too hot, not too cold--just right. The carnival was fun--the kids each got to pick a ride, then we stopped to get kettle corn and freshly made homemade fries, then walked to our fireworks spot. We ate and played and talked while we waited, and then the kids snuggled down in their blankets once the fireworks started. Poor Caroline did not like them, and was getting scared, so I took her back to the truck to wait for them to be over. At least I could hear them!

It was a late night as always, but so worth it. It was a fabulous day! Happy day!

This was actually taken today--the 5th of July--and still a great day to wear our red, white and blue!