Fall Foliage Trip ~The Way Home ~Lunch Break ~Sunset ~Niagara Falls

This was July 2012, the Summer our daughter moved to Boston.

We didn’t have a lot of time, nor our passports,

 but we made a quick stop at Niagara Falls, the American side.

This year, another trip to Massachusetts,

provided the opportunity to see the Falls again.

After a wonderful week together on the Beach,

we enjoyed breakfast together before saying goodbye.

Yes, we are all wearing our matching Jett Foundation Zip-Ups.

This Papa and Gigi headed north for a little Leaf Peepin’.

You might remember last year that was our plan,

however it rained…and even snowed…

every single day on our way home.

After four hours in the car, we need a break to stretch

our legs and have a little lunch.

The Cheesecake Factory Salads did not disappoint.

Chicken Breast, Rice Noodles, Green Onion, Almonds, Crisp WonTons,

Bean Sprouts, Oranges, Sesame Seeds, Chinese Plum Dressing

Glazed Beets, Quinoa, Avocado, Fresh Orange,

Arugula, Honey Yogurt Sauce

That lunch was just what we needed for the drive to Niagara Falls.

Our day started with an incredible Sunrise,

 and ended with a beautiful Sunset.

With Passports in hand, the next morning we drove across

the International Rainbow Bridge, which connects the cities of

Niagara Falls, New York 🇺🇸 and Niagara Falls, Ontario 🇨🇦 

Most folks, even the Locals, recommend visiting the Falls

on the Canadian side. It is clean. It feels safe,

and it is simply amazing. 

Plus, from this viewpoint, one can also enjoy the American Falls.

See the mist? See the wet walkway?

Yep, it’s like it’s raining.

We recommend bringing a raincoat, a hat,

or a change of dry clothes in the car.

All that moisture leads to the beautiful green and lush

landscaping along the walkway.

And an occasional rainbow in the grass.

The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour provides

an up-close encounter with the Falls.

We hear it’s pretty spectacular, however,

we weren’t planning to spend that much time there.

There was a long line for tickets and to board.

I think it would be delightful on a hot summer day!

We returned to the Visitors Center looking like a

couple of Drowned Rats, along with everyone else there.

But it was totally worth it.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Fall Foliage Trip ~Spending Time with Family ~Rise and Shine

A Sunrise, the Miracle of the Day.

Our vacation AirBnB was right on the beach.

I could not resist going downstairs every..single..day..

to watch this awesomeness.

First stop, the Keurig, for a cup of fresh dark brew.

Such a peaceful time…just the gently splashing of waves hitting the rocks.

Then the birds begin singing right before the sunrise.

A sunrise is Nature telling us to cherish 

Another Day on Earth.

The Autumn air was crisp, so most days I put a sweatshirt on over

my pajamas and went out to the deck. The rest of the house was quiet.

Even on a cloudy day, one has to get a coffee, and patiently

wait for that small glimpse of sun as it appears in that

sliver between the horizon and the clouds.

Our last morning there was stunning,

not a could in the sky, the birds were showing off,

and this Papa and Gigi enjoyed another 

new beginning with Jojo.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Fall Foliage Trip ~Spending Time with Family ~The Main Event

Our second Annual Fall Foliage Trip,

How it Started…

Our daughter is the Events Coordinator for the Jett Foundation.

Jett Foundation is a non-profit that supports people and the families

that are impacted by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

through their programs, education, and financial support.

Please note that these photos are from the official Jett Foundation Website

And photo credits go to their professional photographer.

The Golf Tournament is a major fundraiser for the organization.

Our Son-in-Law sponsors a team and invites Papa to play.

They’re already having a good time…

Here’s Jake’s Team…

…and here’s Jake in action.

When they come in from the course, the golfers enjoy a

social hour, silent auction, contests, dinner, and a live auction.

With Mama at work, and

Daddy and Papa on the golf course,

this Gigi and Jojo spent the day together.

We played with blocks, puzzles, books, markers, 

and made up games to play with this shoe box.

Of course, we had a Bubble Blowing Session.

We told her she could pick out one thing to buy at CVS…

turns out this was a good $3 investment.

We had lunch and dinner together.

After a nap we took Selfies with Gigi’s iPad,

and went for a walk in the neighborhood.

I’m not really sure who had the most fun?

It was a Great Day for Everyone.

We are Blessed

Take care,

~Natalie

Fall Foliage Trip ~Time with Family ~Our Typical Day at the Beach House

Plymouth, MA, has a quaint downtown area with

 unique shops, pubs, and restaurants.

We both had good luck finding souvenir gifts.

While we prepared most of our meals at the AirBnB

(which had a great kitchen),

We did go out and about a couple of times.

A stunning view of the Harbor welcomed us

when we got out of our vehicle. 

Maybe you remember that we ate at the Crabby Shack last year?

They have the best Clam Chowdah.

So, of course, we went back.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our time just

hanging out at the Beach House.

During low tide, it was fun to go down and

search for shells and pretty rocks.

Sometimes we took a walk around the neighborhood.

Going out on the deck and blowing Bubbles

was definitely a favorite… with Papa,

with Daddy,

and with Gigi.

When day is done and the sun goes down,

it’s time for soft warm pajamas,

a sweet bedtime snack,

a little screen time,

and last but not least,

Story time and some Cuddles with Mama.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

 

Fall Foliage Trip ~Spending Time with Family ~ A Day at the Farm ~Fun for all Ages

When the calendar turns to October,

it’s time to visit a Pumpkin Farm.

Everyone, the young and young at heart,

will find something there to enjoy.

You can choose a pumpkin from their selection in the yard, 

or load the children in a wagon to go out in the

 pumpkin patch to pick your own.

Family friends met us there.

Naturally, the children wanted to go to the playground first.

These girls are just three months apart in age.

They love to swing and slide and run and climb.

There were several opportunities for a photo…

…and we took advantage of them all.

Snack options were Apples or

Apple Cider Donuts.

Sometimes you just can’t wait to take another bite.

The goats were snacking, too.

The Hayride took us all around the property.

Good friends, tasty snacks, farm animals, apples and pumpkins…

all add up to a pretty perfect day.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie