Fourth of July in Niagara Falls, NY

The Falls were amazing. We could see the mist rising off the Falls long before we got close to the water. The sound of rushing water was everywhere. It really was a very majestic experience.

This was my first trip to NY state. I was impressed with how clean the park was kept. That whole area of NY state was beautiful, too (minus the tourist area of Niagara).


The kids were really ready for some silly-time by the time we got out of the car!

The Cave of the Winds was really neat. We went there on the 5th, so you'll see those pictures a little later. The birdseye view was a tease and made us want to go on the tour even more.

A pit stop in NY

We made a side trip excursion to Jamestown, NY on our way to Niagara Falls on the Fourth. Charity and I are Lucille Ball fans, so the trip seemed like a must!! I only wish my sister had been with us. I thought about her the whole time we were there!! :)

Miscellaneous photos from last week.

James and Charity gave Evie a cute chef's outfit with utensils. Evie calls the apron her "pretty dress."

Here are a couple pics of Jared at the zoo.

While here, James bought a Wii. He and Scott had such a good time playing that we now own a Wii, too. As James so kindly pointed out....the menfolk are actually still playing Super Nintendo in this picture. Apparently, Charity "fell down" on the job and didn't get a picture of them playing the new Wii. :)

Okay, I've been corrected again.....visit www.jcgsnyder.blogspot.com for Wii pictures! :) I hope this is the last correction......

I have been wanting to visit this little downtown bakery for some time, so we added it to our list of stuff to do last week. The cupcakes were soooo yummy. Only James was disappointed.... his cupcake was a little dry.

A Little Modge Podge

Charity made a toy box for Madison's upcoming first birthday. She decided to turn it into a craft for Jared and Evie.....They had a blast and the box is stinkin' cute (you'll get to see the finished product when we celebrate Madi's big day).

Here's a sneak peak at the box. Charity and I picked out the cutest fabric. I look forward to seeing it in Madison's room.

Morning at the Zoo

James & Charity and I took the kids to the zoo last Tuesday, while Scott was at work. Jared and Evie rode the teacups (they are now Evie's favorite thing at the zoo).

James and I took Jared on the log ride. It made two ascensions...which meant two drops! The second drop was a doozie and we all got a little soaked. Jared rode it again on Wednesday with his Daddy...but said he didn't want to ride it again after that.

Jared loves the reptile building. The last two times we've been there, even Evie has pet the snake on display.
For some reason, Jared didn't want to ride the carousel, but Evie sure did.

Little Madi couldn't handle all the excitement....actually, I think the 85 degree weather got to her! :)

First night with the Snyders

We went to City BBQ and Graeter's Ice Cream on the 30th. Notice I'm wearing jeans and a 3/4 long sleeved shirt. Just love the weather up here....most of the time.

I'd just like to thank Charity for taking 200+ pictures thus far on her vacation. It's nice not having to be camera-ready all the time!

All Made-Up

Charity let Evie play with her blush the other morning. Evie already likes to put mousse in her hair and put on lip gloss and play pretend with my blush brush. Well, Charity raised the bar....I may have to let Evie actually put on my blush next time! :)

Tracey's Visit

We had a nice visit with Tracey last week. We dragged her all over town, ate at City BBQ & Cosi, had Graeter's Ice Cream, went to the Franklin Park Conservatory, and visited the zoo. We fit a lot of fun into a few days. The Browns are hoping to see the entire Smith family next summer! :)

Evie finally put her hand in the touch pond at the zoo's aquarium.
Jared and Evie went for a ride in the new rides area at the zoo. They both rode the teacups. Very sweet!

Madison and Evie posed for pics with Tracey. Jared posed, too, but the photo didn't turn out.....