New York and Niagara

We just got home from a great vacation to upstate New York and Niagara Falls. We drove to Corning first, where we saw the glass museum and took a glass-blowing class. (very cool) Then we spent a few days in Palmyra, and saw all the sites there. We especially loved the Hill Cumorah and the Sacred Grove. They were wonderful!

From there we drove about 2 hours to Niagara Falls. We spent a half-day on the US side, and did a tour that took us next to the falls in several places.

That evening we drove over to the Canadian side, where we stayed for 2 days. There is a lot more to do and see on that side, and now I know why. The Falls are located on the US side, which means you can actually SEE THEM from the Canadian side. The whole area is full of hotels, restaurants, and touristy places. In fact, it almost has a Las Vegas-y feel, with all the spectacle and cheesy tourist stuff.  But we really enjoyed seeing the Falls, and riding the boat down to them (Maid of the Mist). They are a true wonder.

Leo had a great time pointing at the waterfalls, feeling the mist on his face, and running around wherever we went. He kept us busy, and entertained, that is for sure! He loved saying "Canada", which sounded more like "Cand-ah-dah", and being on the look-out for the "Big What-er-fall".
Here is a photo of Jack getting wet on the boat.  Thank goodness for our free "souvenir" raincoats. We got very wet!

This was both Leo and Jack's first trip to Canada, although it felt like we were still in the US when we were there. Every vendor took US or Canadian dollars, and it looked like any other touristy town in the States. Oh well. One of these days we'll make it to Montreal or Ontario, and see the real Canada.

We did hear lots of people speaking French, which was fun for me. I started speaking a little French to Leo... he would just look at me and say "What you talking about Mommy?"  It was so cute.